CF Cycle Spotlight Series Archive
Greetings from Oregon
Team Name: Emily’s Tigers
CF Event: CF Cycle for Life
Involvement: In addition to being a Team Leader, Michael served on the chapter Volunteer Leadership Team. In 2019 he also started hosting Team Leader connection events, where team leaders and members can get together and chat about successes and challenges.
Team goal & strategy: In 2020, Emily's Tigers had 158 cyclists from around the world participating in a virtual ride. The goal was lots of participation and awareness, and to raise $5,000+. In 2021 they plan to register 250 riders by encouraging families to ride together. From tricycles to racing bikes, they want to encourage another generation to help eliminate CF.
How has going virtual changed your team: "Going virtual removed all borders ... We recruited in 11 states, 4 Canadian provinces, along with Scotland and England. In 2021, we plan to expand to Ireland, Australia, and two additional Canadian provinces. Going virtual also removes the barriers to kids participating ... and if kids participate, parents participate, expanding our footprint."
Why should people register for a CF event? "Simple - cycling as a family is a great way to stay healthy, bond, and make a difference. Cycling to end CF helps parents teach children the joy of helping others. The pride of making a difference is something that builds self-confidence in kids. Registering for a Cycle for Life event and pushing yourself on a bike gives you a glimpse of what it must be like to battle CF, to get up every morning fighting to breathe. You get to be part of a movement that says, "We're not done. Until it's done." You get to be a tiger!
To read about our newest rider featured in the CF Cycle for Life Spotlight Series, click here.
Meet CF Cycle for Life Local Ambassador, Megan Barlow
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at five years old, 27-year-old Megan Barlow has never let her disease stop her from doing the things she loves, especially participating in sports. “I’ve always been super active and attribute my overall good health to that,” Megan said. “Because of that, I was lucky that my CF story was not much of a story until a few years ago.”
It wasn’t until recently that she fully felt the impact of the disease on her daily life. “In 2016, I found out that I had lesions in my lungs caused by MAC bacteria, and I would have to make my first hospital visit and receive my first-ever round of IVs.” Since then, CF has caused Megan’s life to be a little bit of a rollercoaster, including months of IV treatments, rounds of antibiotics, and hospital visits. “Throughout all of this though, I remained active, and focused on staying positive -- I didn't miss out on any aspect of my life, and I just kept fighting. And now, the fight will only continue.”
Although she didn’t have much experience cycling before her first CF Cycle for Life, her dad picked up the hobby and they began cycling together. “Being an athlete and a competitor, a 30-mile bike ride seemed like just the right event to push myself physically and encourage my friends to get involved as well. We all enjoy this event so much; this will be my third year at CF Cycle for Life.”
Her first CF Cycle for Life event in 2017 came at a turning point in her health, when two days before, she received news that she would need to go into the hospital for the first time. “My first race was definitely physically exhausting, but mentally rewarding,” said Megan. “Being able to push myself through that race with my closest friends by my side, all while raising money for CF was the best thing to happen after a tough weekend.”
Megan proudly served as the 2017 Greater New Jersey chapter’s CF Cycle for Life Ambassador and helps promote the event on social media and advocate for the CF community. “It's an amazing goal to set for anyone with CF who wants a new challenge that will help make their lungs healthier. And, to do it with friends is incredibly rewarding! I am so happy that I am able to be the face of this event and show the world that CF does not hold me back, it only pushes me to fight harder.”
To read about our newest rider featured in the CF Cycle for Life Spotlight Series, click here.
Why I Cycle
Megan Barlow, Greater
New Jersey chapter’s CF Cycle for Life Ambassador, cycles alongside family and
friends to help keep her lungs healthy and fight towards a cure for cystic
fibrosis.
Donate to a Cyclist or Team
Search for a cyclist or team to make a donation, or make a general donation.