Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis Celebrates 11 Years

More than 200 participants will paddle out across the Atlantic Ocean from Bimini, The Bahamas, to Lake Worth Beach to support Piper’s Angels Foundation ‘s eleventh annual Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis June 23.

At midnight on June 23, paddlers will 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 12-16 hours later. The paddlers are greeted by hundreds of friends and family members in a beachside celebration.

The charity and The Crossing were founded by Travis Suit for his daughter, Piper, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis 12 years ago at age 4. An avid paddler himself, Suit learned about the benefits that salt air has for those with this chronic disease. As he joined the cystic fibrosis community, he was inspired to help other families in his situation care for their loved ones.

In its eleven years, The Crossing has raised more than $3 million. Last year, the event raised $750,000. Proceeds from the event fund programs including urgent financial assistance for families; “Forever Stoke” scholarships for introducing children with cystic fibrosis 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.

Paddlers can participate competitively and recreationally, in both solo and relay paddle teams.  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.

To learn more about Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis , visit crossingforcysticfibrosis.com .

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