Approximately 200 paddlers will cross the Atlantic Ocean overnight on June 23, from Bimini, Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach, FL., to support Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis through a non-profit, Piper’s Angels Foundation. In celebration of its 11th anniversary, The Crossing supports the families of those suffering from cystic fibrosis.
Participants in Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis depart for Bimini on June 19 to rendezvous. At midnight on Saturday, June 22, they depart Bimini on stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, paddling all night in the dark, and arriving at the City of Lake Worth Beach, Florida some 12-16 hours later. The paddlers will be greeted by friends and family members in a beachside celebration.
The charity and The Crossing were founded by Travis Suit, whose daughter Piper, now 16, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age four. An avid paddler, he learned about the benefits that salt air has for those with this chronic, and often fatal, disease. As Suit oined the CF community, he was inspired to help other families in his situation care for their loved ones.
“From expensive yet lifesaving medication to hotel stays near hospitals to support at home, cystic fibrosis families need help,” said Travis. “In recent years, the lifespan for those with cystic fibrosis has greatly expanded due to new medications, as well as research showing the benefits of fresh, clean air and salt air. But there are so many families in the world, who don’t have access to medication, advanced medical care, and even clean air.”
Piper, who lives in Jupiter and Melbourne, FL., is going into her junior year of high school, is on the honor roll and is a varsity cheerleader. ‘Last year, Piper paddled in The Crossing, paddling on a relay team, and she is returning this year.’
To date, The Crossing has raised more than $3 million. Last year, the event raised $750,000 and this year’s goal is to beat that number. The funds are used to fund programs including urgent financial assistance for families, “Forever Stoke” scholarships introducing CF kids to ocean water sports, “Unmasking Mindfulness” an eight-week meditation program, “Inspire Breathworks” an eight-week breath coaching program, and “Peer to Peer,” a mentorship program. Last year, 306 families were served through the Piper’s Angels Foundation.
The participation categories include both competitive and recreational with both solo and relay paddle team options. Each team is accompanied by a safety boat in which volunteers ensure that the paddlers have food, water and are kept safe during the crossing. A team of safety personnel will accompany the boats and paddlers and the Coast Guard is notified of the float plan.
● Sponsors for the 2024 Crossing are:
● Celsius (title sponsor)
● Diamante Medical Skin Care
● SEACOR Island Lines
● Island of the Bahamas
● BLU3
● Buoy
● Cemex – Port of Palm Beach
● City of Lake Worth Beach
● FPL
● Marine Industries Association of PBC
● Med-Lab
● Power Design
● Spark Pediatrics
● Spot
● Tequila Eterno Verano
About Piper’s Angels Foundation — We are a CF family, fighting for other CF families.
To learn more about Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis, see here. To register see here. See here to donate or to volunteer.
Photo Courtesy of The Buzz Agency