The Tribune

NEXT week, a father will go the distance by paddleboarding nearly 100 miles from the Bahamas to Florida to raise money and awareness which could help save his young daughter’s life.

Travis Suit’s daughter, Piper, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects most critically the lungs, the pancreas, liver and intestine, when she was only four years old. That was nearly two years.

Upon learning his daughter was suffering from CF, Mr Suit said he realised he needed to get involved in a ‘big picture’ way.

The idea of paddling from the Bahamas to Florida in the “Crossing For A Cure” challenge came about after Mr Suit learned that salt water can benefit CF sufferers and decided to combine this discovery with his new hobby, paddleboarding.

“All my life I have been a physical person. I went to Officer Candidate School for the Marine Corps, rode bulls as a hobby, and have professional stunt training experience. I love the motto of the Marine Corps, ‘pain is weakness leaving the body’. I’ve been wanting to do something more challenging and daring the last few years and when the idea of ‘The Crossing for a Cure’ came about, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was born and raised in South Florida and thought how cool it would be to cross the Gulf Stream,” he said.

​On August 2, Mr Suit and three of his friends will depart from Bimini and paddleboard 90 miles in 24 hours, finishing their journey at the Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill in West Palm Beach.

If they complete the trip, it would set a new record in paddleboarding.

“The Crossing for a Cure provides a great opportunity to show that no matter what obstacles we face in life, we can always use the gift of choice to persevere,” Mr Suit said.

“This will be an exciting adventure to raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I encourage you to join me in supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to find a cure for CF and give children like my daughter a brighter future by adding tomorrows.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955 and works towards assuring the development of a means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those born with the disorder.

Latest advancements in research and treatment have allowed those affected with CF to live well into their 30s and beyond.

Persons wishing to learn more about the fundraising effort can visit the “Crossing For A Cure” Facebook page.