The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis

The event was inspired because of the incredible health benefits of the Ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with CF when she was four years old.

In November 2011 my daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of four. Piper has a double F508 gene which is a very aggressive form of CF. Immediately I realized the need to get involved in a big picture way. In the summer of 2013, Shane Pompa, Kyle Igneri, and Joseph Morel joined myself (Travis Suit) as we paddled from the Bahamas to the Florida mainland to gain exposure for everyone living in the CF community. It was a non-stop paddling trip with a landfall in Palm Beach County. It took approximately 15 1/2 hours to cover about 90 miles. The Crossing for a Cure provided a great opportunity to show that no matter what obstacles we face in life, we can always use the gift of choice to persevere. Now with our 2021 event here and gone, I encourage you to join me on our next long-distance endurance paddle challenge as we embark on a 80 mile journey across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland in 2022.
Travis Suit – Founder & Executive Director

The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a movement and vehicle of change for building a platform of advocacy to spread awareness, fundraising, inspiration, improved quality of life, and social innovation in the cystic fibrosis community. Through the Piper’s Angels Foundation and our programs, we are able to make a lifelong impact on the patients and families facing the challenges of this heart-breaking terminal disease. With every stroke of your paddle during your training and on the Crossing, you can hold this understanding and intention in your mind and heart. This is why we paddle.