On Friday, November 16, 2018, more than 400 cyclists rode out of the University of Miami on a mission – to help those in Florida living with HIV/AIDS by participating in the SMART Ride 15. Among them were 22 members of the CDTC Cyclones Team taking part in the two-day, 165-mile ride from Miami to the southernmost tip of the US in Key West. Riders and crew raised just over $1,100,000 The SMART Ride guarantees 100% of every dollar raised is given to dedicated organizations that use the funds only for direct services and education for persons most in need. With this year’s efforts, the SMART Ride has given more than $10 million dollars to help in the in the battle against HIV.
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) received $137,602.02 this year. The CDTC Cyclones' riders, crew, and volunteers participate to support and raise funds for the children and families in the CDTC Comprehensive Family AIDS Program (CFAP). The Center is one of seven Florida agencies currently benefiting from the SMART Ride.
“The Cyclones are proud to be a part of the SMART Ride,” shares Executive Director Dr. Ana Calderon Randazzo. “Their dedication and compassion is inspiring and their support has a tremendous impact on our clients’ lives. Their funds are at the heart of our care.”
Funds from the SMART Ride help the CFAP provide basic necessities and resources to more than 2,975 children and families in our community that are affected by HIV and AIDS. Every dollar helps with medical care and medications for uninsured clients, transportation to and from appointments, bassinets and supplies for newborns, and resources for families in times of crisis and emergency that are affected by HIV and AIDS.
The assistance was crucial for new mom Avery this past year. Avery’s only goal during her pregnancy was to ensure her baby was born HIV free. She did everything right. However, when she went to the pharmacy for her newborn daughter after they were discharged, she was devastated to learn insurance would not pay for the medicines without prior authorization. The delay could be devastating. Thanks to the SMART ride, CDTC was able to immediately pay for enough medication until the insurance issue was worked out. Thanks to the SMART Ride, Avery’s baby remains HIV free.
Registration is already open for SMART Ride 16 scheduled for November 15th and 16th 2019. For the first time in SMART Ride’s history over 50% of all spots are already filled. Register soon if you are interested in making a difference statewide to help reduce stigma, educate, and care for those at risk or those affected by HIV and AIDS. This is a ride, not a race so all ages and experience are welcome to join. SMART Ride is a fully supported event. If you want to “Ride to Paradise” with us, visit thesmartride.org for more information.
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.
