Mark your calendars for the 10th Annual Cure the Cycle Challenge on Saturday, October 5. Plan to join us in Napa Valley with your bike... or in your neighborhood for a walk, run or ride… or with a donation for the riders and teams. Funds will support our patient advocacy, education, and research efforts. We’re working to find a cure for urea cycle disorders, and won't stop until we do!
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On October 5, 2024 we’ll ride in memory of Jim with hope that one day no child or adult will suffer or die from urea cycle disorders.
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Jim Stavas was a strapping, healthy fire captain for 30 years in Napa Valley when he fell into coma after a simple sinus surgery. Doctors thought Jim had suffered a stroke, but he was not responding to treatment and near death. Jim had been misdiagnosed. His coma was caused by high ammonia levels in his blood due to a rare metabolic disorder -- a urea cycle disorder (UCD) -- unmasked by the sinus surgery.
Friends searched the Internet for a clue to his symptoms and contacted the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation. NUCDF put Jim's wife, Carol, in touch with urea cycle disorder expert Dr. Gregory Enns at Stanford University Medical Center. Jim started responding to treatment and began a long struggle to recover from a devastating brain injury.
Jim fought valiantly through 18 months of rehabilitation. He never recovered functional speech or mobility. His devoted wife, Carol, was by his side day and night, caring for him. Tragically, Jim Stavas lost his battle with urea cycle disorder and passed away.
We'll ride in memory of Jim and too many others who were also tragically lost to UCD. We ride to support research in the hope that one day, no child or adult will suffer or die from urea cycle disorders. Please join us and help conquer this killer.
Pledge your support for our Cure the Cycle Challenge. Help impact the future of those affected by urea cycle disorders.
Here are three easy ways:
REGISTER to bike in the Cure the Cycle Challenge in Napa Valley on October 5, 2024
Secure your spot early—challenge Rider spots are limited!
Join us for a fantastic day of cycling for a great cause.
Bike 12.5 miles (Napa to Yountville) or 25 miles round trip.
Bike 40 miles (Napa to Calistoga) or 80 miles round trip.
Relax at the post-ride picnic with maybe a little wine tasting thrown in!
No bike, no stamina, but great intentions? No problem! Be a Virtual Rider! Join us in spirit and inspire others - you can even ride, walk, or run in your neighborhood!
Start your own fundraising page and set your goal.
Ask your friends and family to donate to your goal. It's easy! We've provided all the tools you need.
1. Pledge your support for your favorite Cyclist -- awesome ambassadors for our cause, including emergency and medical professionals who care for those with UCD, and people just like you who are riding to help save Lives.
2. Pledge your support for your favorite Virtual Rider! Families affected by urea cycle disorders and friends of our cause are participating "virtually" in their communities around the country. Visit your favorite Rider's personal fundraising page and pledge your support!
3. Donate in tribute to a friend or loved one:
Your gift is priceless when it makes a difference in saving lives.