Health Through Fitness in Orphan Diseases
Health Through Fitness in Orphan Diseases (HTFOD) is a 501(c)3 (non-profit) organization founded in 2011 to help those afflicted with orphan diseases through a variety of ways including promoting fitness which can improve physical and emotional health. Orphan diseases are primarily genetic in nature, affect children and young adults and are usually incurable, disabling and eventually lethal.
Currently, the primary focus of HTFOD is the orphan disease cystic fibrosis (CF) which is a lethal genetic disease that causes excess mucus accumulation in the lungs – causing chronic infections – and in the pancreas – causing malabsorption. There is no cure for CF although good clinical care can extend life into the 30s and 40s. The goal of HTFOD is to encourage physical fitness through cycling in those living with CF, which has been shown to improve their health. The primary strategy used to accomplish this goal is to establish a very large network of cyclists from across the country to further the mission of HTFOD for the disease CF. This network of cyclists has been established under the program of Team CF.
HTFOD also aims to raise public awareness of CF and to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) raise money for CF research. The bicycle will be an important tool in achieving all three objectives by: promoting fitness by getting CF kids and young adults on bikes for routine exercise; encouraging Team CF members to spread the word about the disease by participating in recreational and competitive cycling events; and partnering with CFF on cycling benefit events to raise money for CFF research.
