The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) started back in 1994 to help one man with quadriplegia achieve physical feats that previously weren’t considered possible. CAF has continued to raise money to allow physically challenged individuals pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics, and thereby increasing self-esteem, independence, and quality of life for people from every state, and 56 other countries. Total raised to date exceeds $100 million.
One event of CAF is the Million Dollar Challenge (MDC); a bike ride down the California coast on Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego. Roughly 100 able body athletes together with 18 challenged athletes rode the 620 miles from Oct. 11 – 18, 2019 and raised $1.3 million. Approximately 85% of these funds goes towards prosthetic limps, hand cycles, or other expenses to allow these challenged athletes to get back into an active lifestyle.
Dr. Jeff Anthony was one of two physicians that alternate on the bike or medical van for the MDC. The weather was perfect; the camaraderie was fantastic; and the inspiration was amazing.
