We are celebrating the 25th year of our annual Escape to the Cape Bike Trek. We will be riding the Cape from Plymouth to Provincetown, MA from October 2nd- October 4th, 2009. Join Team Alpha-1 and help us to spread awareness, promote early detection and raise funds for a great cause. Your help will directly benefit in our quest to find a cure through research and help to prolong the lives of our Alpha-1 friends in need.

"When people are asked why they participate in Team Alpha-1, there is a different reason for everyone. Some participate for family lost to lung disease; some do it for children who will grow up without parents; some for teammates who lost the battle with Alpha-1; some for babies born with Alpha-1 and no hope for a cure in their short lives; some for those not strong enough to do it themselves; and some so that fewer people will die in the future from Alpha-1; and some to face down our own fear,” states Mary Pierce, Captain of the Alpha-1 Team.

Team Alpha-1 is comprised of individuals diagnosed with Alpha-1 and family and friends who volunteer to participate or assist in local, national, and international sporting events. Team Alpha-1 began when Mary Pierce, an Alpha and lung transplant recipient, returned from The World Transplant Games held in Manchester, England. She brought home a gold medal for the 20 KM, bicycle race, an accomplishment that attracted considerable press attention. Mary soon recognized the impact that triumph over adversity can have on the media. Since its humble beginnings, the team has become a national movement that inspires individuals who support the battle against the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Since Mary’s success, the team has grown as a national effort by Alphas to create awareness and raise funds for research.

Again this year, Alpha-1 friends and family will travel 160 miles in 3 days to help raise funds for Alpha-1 research. To ride as a member of Team Alpha-1, please register with the Alpha-1 Foundation. There is a registration fee, and fundraising is required. The Alpha-1 Foundation will write one (1) check to the American Lung Association (ALA) for our registration fees and the $500.00 pledge minimum per rider. (This check will represent payment for Alpha patients & families and will not include registration fees and minimum pledges from members of commercial entities.) Whatever is raised over the $500.00 minimum will benefit Alpha-1 Foundation. A two day, 105 mile option is available. Enjoy the scenic coast of Cape Cod as you spend a long weekend with friends and family.

Donations should be made directly to the Alpha-1 Foundation. You can do that by accepting checks (made payable to the Alpha-1 Foundation) or online by setting up your own personal fundraising page and referring your friends and family to your page. Start here First Giving: Team Alpha-1 Escape to the Cape 2009

Register Now online for the 2009 Team Alpha-1 Escape to the Cape Event by clicking the link on the left side bar. (DO NOT register online at the ALA website) Sue Binnall, this year‘s 2009 Event Coordinator, will process all Team Alpha-1 registrations.

To register by mail, fax or email, please click DOWNLOAD EVENT APPLICATION, print and send to the following:

Sue Binnall
c/o Alpha-1 Foundation
256 River Street
W. Newton, MA 02465
Tel: (617) 916-9805
Fax: (617) 467-4732
Email: sbinnall@comcast.net

The Waiver form must be an original so please bring it with you, mail original to the address below, or complete it at check-in the weekend of the event.