A Warrior's Journey: The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis

Ask anyone who’s participated in The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis about the grueling 80+ miles paddling journey from Bimini, Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach, Florida. We bet every person will say it is worth it because with every mile crossed it gets us that much closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF).  

For the last 11 years, Power Design has been proud to be the longest-running sponsor of The Crossing and a strong supporter of the Piper’s Angels Foundation, an organization focused on supporting and improving the lives of families in the cystic fibrosis community. CF is a disease that affects more than 30,000 people across the United States, including a member of our extended #PDIFamily, Rylee Walker.  

Rylee is a CF warrior, who has been facing this disease head-on since she was three years old. While many view CF as a disability, Rylee views it as a challenge, and an opportunity to be her best self for her and other CF warriors.  

But you may be asking how does a long-distance endurance paddle challenge make sense to bring awareness to those battling CF, like Rylee? The Crossing was inspired by the incredible health benefits the ocean provides to those living with CF and according to Travis Suit, founder & executive director of The Crossing, “to show that no matter what adversity we face in life, we can always use the gift of choice to persevere.” And that’s exactly what drove Rylee to join in the challenge. 

It's given me a goal to achieve and set high standards, it’s allowed me to push myself to the limits and help defy the odds of cystic fibrosis.

Rylee Walker | CF Crossing Crusader | Team Power Design

Year after year, our team of Power Design paddlers learn new ways and new practices to help prepare them for The Crossing. From adapting proper nutrition and hydration early on to dedicating their time to physical training, it all helps to ensure they are ready to make their journey across the Gulf. This past year, Low Voltage Production Supervisor Chris Farhney, Campus Security Specialist Ryan Goodwin, and Property Event Specialist Nathalia Campbell joined Rylee in strenuous training that turned into a one-of-a-kind bond, that serves as an inspiration to others. 

Hear from Team Power Design and Rylee on what The Crossing means to the Power Design family and to Rylee’s daily life.  

As an organization, we’re proud to stand alongside the Piper’s Angels Foundation and all the brave participants of The Crossing. We believe in the power of community, the importance of giving back, and the strength that comes from facing challenges head-on. 

I've made the promise to the cystic fibrosis community to never give up until there is a cure, and I will continuously show up every year until there is one.

Chris Fahrney | LV Production Supervisor | Power Design

Take a look back at the moment team Power Design hit the sand after paddling 80+ miles in 2023, and how you can get involved in The Crossing, here.