U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) recently applauded the 2,200-mile “Ride4Gabe” bike ride that departed from Houtlon, Maine on Saturday to support Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients.
The event, which was organized by the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPDM), the Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne and Hope for Gabe, began in Maine and will end in Mobile, Alabama, stopping in nine states along the way.
Poliquin met with Gabe Griffin, an 11-year-old who has been diagnosed with DMD, and a group of cyclists embarking on the 2,200-mile ride on Saturday.
“Gabe is truly an inspiration to us all,” Poliquin said. “I am so amazed by Gabe’s extraordinary bravery and applaud his and the riders of Ride4Gabe’s efforts to raise awareness for this terrible disease. It is so important that we give our medical researchers the tools and support they need to find treatments and, hopefully, cures for our loved ones who suffer from these difficulties.”
Michael Staley, a Ride4Gabe organizer, thanked Poliquin for being a consistent supporter of the DMD community.
“Mr. Poliquin and an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures Act last year,” Staley said. “We are cycling to thank leaders like Mr. Poliquin and to ask the Senate to pass this very important legislation.”
Organizers of the Ride4Gabe event visited the House of Representatives on Thursday to voice support for the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s 21st Century Cures Act, H.R. 6.
“The Duchenne community stands together in sending a clear message that patients are counting on Congress to pass the 21st Century Cures Act,” Pat Furlong, president and CEO of the PPMD, said. “We are energized as all eyes are on September for #CuresNow. Accelerating the discovery, development, and delivery of treatments will make a tremendous difference for Duchenne families and provide great hope.”