A1F Riding for a Reason 2026: Community, Commitment, and Resilience on Cape Cod 

From September 25–27, riders and volunteers joined the Alpha-1 Foundation’s (A1F) Team Alpha-1 and the American Lung Association (ALA) in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for the 2026 A1F Riding for a Reason weekend. Together, 189 participants raised funds, supported the Alpha-1 community, and honored Alphas whose strength continues to inspire us. 

The weekend began with a welcome dinner, where patients, donors, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and other members of the Alpha-1 community came together to reconnect and remember Dr. Gordon E. Cadwgan Jr.  

Gordon served as Chair of the A1F Board of Directors from 2013 to 2018 and as a board member for 14 years, from 2006 to 2020. As a chemist, Alpha, A1F Support Group leader, and longtime advocate, he helped advance A1F’s mission through his leadership, scientific perspective, and unwavering commitment to finding a cure. He was also a longtime participant in Escape to the Cape and an important part of the event’s history. 

The evening included weekend announcements, special recognitions, and an inspiring presentation from Frankie Andreu, a former professional cyclist who competed in two Olympic Games and completed nine consecutive Tours de France during his 12-year professional career. Drawing on his extensive cycling experience, Frankie shared encouragement with riders as they prepared for the weekend ahead. 

On Friday, riders and volunteers gathered at Oyster Pond, Massachusetts, for the start of the annual event. Volunteers supported riders at each rest stop, helping ensure everyone had what they needed along the way, including the famous Fluffernutter, a peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich that has become a must-have at the A1F rest stop. Riders safely completed the 35-mile route, making the day a meaningful celebration of the Alpha-1 community. 

As weather conditions deteriorated, portions of the weekend activities were canceled, and the ride was ultimately cut short. But the change in plans did not stop A1F volunteers and community members from coming together.  

Near the beach, members of the community gathered for a small and moving memorial honoring the life of Arran Strong, an Alpha-1 advocate, surfer, and beloved member of the Alpha-1 community. The gathering created a meaningful opportunity for remembrance and reflection while celebrating the impact Arran had on so many. 

Although A1F Riding for a Reason did not unfold exactly as planned, the weekend demonstrated the remarkable resilience and commitment of our riders, volunteers, and community. When circumstances changed, their dedication to one another and to A1F’s mission remained strong. 

This year’s event brought together 121 riders and 68 volunteers, raising more than $183,000 to support A1F and its mission. 

And the journey continues. Team Alpha-1 will be back on the road for the A1F Gulf Coast Ride in Dunedin, Florida, on October 17^th.  

Thank You to Our A1F Riding for a Reason Sponsors 

Airna • AlphaNet • CSL • Gondola Bio • Grifols • KorroBio • Takeda • Sanofi 

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generosity and continued support of the Alpha-1 community. Their partnership helps make events like A1F Riding for a Reason possible and allows us to continue moving the mission of A1F forward.  

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