10th Annual Glow Ride for Cystic Fibrosis to support hospital costs
Event benefits Claire's Place Foundation Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program
Claire’s Place Foundation is gearing up to celebrate its 10th Annual Glow Ride for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) that’s set to happen Sept. 21 at Hermosa Beach, California.
The milestone event aims to raise crucial funds to support families facing financial difficulties due to prolonged hospital stays.
“This year, the CF community faces unprecedented financial challenges,” Melissa Yeager, executive director of Claire’s Place Foundation, said in a press release. “The funds we raise at the Glow Ride are crucial in helping families keep a roof over their heads and their lights on during extended hospital stays.”
Most symptoms in CF are driven by the buildup of thick and sticky mucus, and while not all patients experience them equally or at the same age, weight management and complications such as lung and digestive problems may require hospital care. Hospitalizations in CF may be lengthy, impacting patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life and finances.
Gearing up for Glow Ride
Glow Ride for CF directly supports the foundation’s Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program, which helps cover essential living expenses such as rent and utilities for families whose loved ones are hospitalized for extended periods.
“We need your support more than ever!” Yeager said.
Participants of all ages are invited to join the beachside event, which transforms the Hermosa Beach Pier into a vibrant scene where attendees can decorate their bikes with glowing lights, lace up their skates, or ride skateboards as they groove to beats provided by three DJs and enjoy a silent disco.Â
This year’s Glow Ride will also feature a giant rainbow arch where Instagram-worthy photo opportunities can be created. Those unable to attend in person can participate virtually from around the world.
Tickets for the 3.4-mile ride include a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, a glow wristband, and decorations for participants’ bikes. Prizes are available for those who reaching fundraising milestones.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which markets all the approved CFTR modulators, is the Glow Ride’s title sponsor. Others include NorthStar Moving Company, Hermosa Cyclery, UCLA Health, Athens Services, Withum, Western Truck Insurance Company, Southbay Lexus, and Manhattan Dermatology.
“Our Glow Ride for CF has grown into a beloved tradition — a night where joy and purpose converge,” Yeager said. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this incredible event, I’m filled with pride and emotion, reflecting on how my daughter Claire’s vision has blossomed into something truly special.”
The foundation is named for Claire Wineland, the co-founder of Claire’s Place Foundation, and an activist, public motivational speaker, author, singer, and composer. Wineland died in September 2018 at age 21 following a complication after a double lung transplant.
