Home / Health / Motorcycle Riders Unite for Cystic Fibrosis Cure
Motorcycle Riders Unite for Cystic Fibrosis Cure
31 May
Summary
- Annual charity ride benefits cystic fibrosis research and its cure.
- Event organizer lost sister to cystic fibrosis twenty years ago.
- The ride has raised over $2 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
For 45 years, the Merrimack Valley Trail Riders have organized charity rides, with their upcoming New England Classic Charity Trail Ride on June 6-7 in Belmont supporting research into cystic fibrosis. This year's event is particularly meaningful for organizer Eric Skoglund, whose sister Alyssa passed away from the disease twenty years prior in 2006.
Skoglund noted the "staggering" medical advancements since 2006, including new medications that improve quality of life and longevity for those with cystic fibrosis. The "riding towards a cure" event features multi-day dual-sport routes originating from the Lakes Region Casino in Belmont, covering up to 150 miles and including overnight camping.
Over its iterations, the charity rides have amassed over $2 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for the inherited condition, which affects lung and organ function due to thick, sticky mucus secretions. Lisa O'Connor, executive director for the Foundation's New England chapter, stated that continued community support fuels critical research, accelerating progress toward a cure and increasing the lifespan of individuals born with CF.
