For many of the clients in Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center’s (CDTC) Comprehensive Family AIDS Program (CFAP), The SMART Ride is a hero. Funds raised from the Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride often come to their rescue when life conflicts with their medical care.
CFAP staff utilize funds from The SMART Ride to remove any obstacle that might delay or prevent a client from receiving the care they need. Transportation, support groups, retreats, summer camp, emergency assistance and HIV education are all provided thanks to funds raised at the Ride.
More importantly, the funds are providing medical services when there is a gap in insurance or clients simply can’t afford care. CFAP client Bre and her new baby experienced firsthand how lifesaving The SMART Ride’s support can be.
Bre knew her pregnancy was high risk. During her first trimester, her nausea was so severe that the first line treatment did nothing to help. She continued to dangerously lose weight. Bre’s obstetrician prescribed a new medication to help her and the baby. Her insurance didn’t cover that medication. And, without help, she couldn’t afford it.
The SMART Ride came to her rescue. Their funds helped CDTC to pay for the medicine. Bre was able to gain back the weight both she and her unborn child needed. Today, Bre is the proud mom of a healthy 8-month-old girl.
“Funds raised from The SMART Ride are crucial resources for our Care Coordinators and Support Workers,” shares Ana Calderon Randazzo, Executive Director of CDTC. “Every dollar raised can be quickly applied to help our families at the moment they need it most. Our clients never have to make the choice to forego medical care and set back their health.”
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) was chosen to be one of seven beneficiaries of The SMART Ride for the seventh consecutive year. The SMART Ride is a two-day, 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West that raises funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS. 100% of the funds raised by riders, crew and volunteers provide direct services local residents most in need.
SMART Ride XV rides out from the University of Miami on November 16th & 17th. Registration for riders and crew members is now open. Participants need not be a professional rider; riders range in age and experience and all have a goal of raising awareness and funds.
The CDTC Cyclones team is looking for new riders. Interested riders and crew are welcome to attend any scheduled Information Session in Broward County to learn more about the ride. Training rides are also offered several times a month. For a schedule of events visit www.childrensdiagnostic.org/
The Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) is a not-for-profit that serves more than 12,000 clients with special healthcare needs in Broward County annually. As a facility of Broward Health, CDTC’s mission is to promote the optimal health and well-being of children with special healthcare needs by providing comprehensive prevention, intervention and treatment services. CDTC was awarded Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and is a nationally recognized “Center of Excellence” offering a unique system of care for infants, children, youth and women with chronic illnesses, disabilities and developmental delays. For more information, visit ChildrensDiagnostic.org.
