Our 2011 Cure the Cycle Challenge on October 30 in Napa, California in Memory of Jim Stavas was a great success, raising over $125,000 in donations and sponsorships for NUCDF’s Brain Project research. The inaugural Challenge, held in 2010, raised more than $65,000, which has already funded a critical research project. Awareness of UCDs reached thousands of people across the country through the media and social networking sites like Facebook. Our supporters make it possible for NUCDF to fund critical brain research projects to develop interventions to protect the brain from the effect of UCD. We’re already gearing up for our next event in the Spring of 2013!
UCD strikes suddenly
The Challenge was held in memory of Jim Stavas, a seemingly healthy Napa Valley fire captain for 30 years who fell into a coma due to undiagnosed CPS1 deficiency after a simple outpatient sinus surgery. Following the procedure, Jim was prescribed the drug prednisone. Prednisone is a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, but it also causes increased ammonia production. The combination of the procedure and the prednisone created a perfect storm for unmasking undiagnosed CPS1 and causing massive hyperammonemia. Jim's family contacted NUCDF and was put in touch with Dr. Greg Enns, UCD expert at Stanford. Dr. Enns was able to diagnose Jim and provide life-saving treatment. Jim fought valiantly through 18 months of rehabilitation for stroke-like symptoms and a series of hospital-borne infections. On October 1, 2007, Jim lost his battle with UCD, leaving his devoted wife, Carol and three children, Bradley, Branden and Katie, as well as his sister (who was subsequently also diagnosed with CPS1) and countless friends in the community.
100 Mile Challenge
In memory of Jim, firefighters and first responders from 3 Napa County fire departments, police and emergency personnel came out to bike in the Challenge and volunteer for the event. Cyclists also included NUCDF families (shout out to Amanda Sonntag and the Stavas family), friends and medical professionals. UCD expert Dr. George Diaz came from New York and joined his friend, Dr. Adam Freedhand from Napa, to ride in support of NUCDF and our UCD families. Dr. Diaz flew in with his family and then flew all the way back to NY the next day. That’s commitment!
We started our Challenge event with an emotional balloon release in tribute to all our angels lost to UCDs and a commitment to keep fighting to improve the lives of all those living with UCD. Our ride officially launched as cyclists took off to bike one of two 50 or 100 mile routes through the beautiful vineyards and hill country of Napa over the course of 8 hours. Team Specialized, a national championship cycling team captained by Larry Nolan, led the field of cyclists and made sure everyone was safe and sound (thanks, Larry!). Larry is a champion cyclist and a MACHINE! They were joined in spirit by over 30 NUCDF families participating as “Virtual Riders.” Our Virtual Riders set up fundraising pages on the Cure the Cycle website to raise funds in support of our cause without having to leave home! NUCDF mom Jamie Oliphint biked an amazing 50 miles with a friend in her own Texas community. Jamie plans to have more friends join her for the 2013 Challenge. All our riders and volunteers were AWESOME!
Making a Difference
Thank you to all our participants, volunteers, donors, sponsors and organizing committee for your support and for making a difference in our fight to conquer UCD. Heartfelt thanks to Toni Martinez for her efforts and unwavering commitment, and our deep appreciation to the Stavas Family for courageously allowing us to share their story, and giving us the privilege of holding the Challenge in memory of Jim.
Hope to see YOU riding next year!
For Information on how to participate in the 2013 Challenge, contact us.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Top: Balloons rise in tribute to our angels
Bottom: Challenge riders exhausted but exhilarated at the finish line. |
Top: Starting Line
Bottom: Napa Firefighters Cycling Team shows up at sunup to prepare for the ride |
  |
 |
Top: Our awesome Volunteers
Bottom: Dr. Diaz & Dr. Freedhand at the 50 mile mark |
Fastest cyclists take the early lead |
Our Dream is for a Cure, and we can't
rest until we find it...
|
