Mission Ambassadors Help Fuel the California Coast Classic

Providing hope and inspiration are among the human race’s greatest attributes. These Mission Ambassadors for the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bike Tour have both in spades. Their stories are reminders that each crank of the pedal and every dollar raised helps provide life-changing resources and research for the millions of people living with arthritis.

These are their stories.
 
Nate French — Burbank, California

Nate French realized something was wrong when, at age 10, he couldn’t get out of the family car after a road trip. His legs were stiff, and it hurt to move. He was soon diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which also affected his feet, wrists and shoulders, forcing him to give up the sports he loved and be home schooled.

“It’s been hard and lonely,” Nate admits, “but there have been some bright spots.” He says JA camp, where everyone gets to participate regardless of their disability, was life-changing. “I realized I can do anything, that there’s always a way to make something work. I came home with the confidence to tackle my dreams and figure out my path.”

Now 20, Nate manages his infusion schedule while also attending college, supported by an Arthritis Champions Scholarship through the Arthritis Foundation, which he says has “been a huge help to my family.” When things get hard, he reveals that he just focuses on getting through the next five minutes. “Then I remind myself that everything I’m feeling is temporary.” Nate says he’ll be virtually cheering on everyone involved in the California Coast Classic.

Michael Achach — Ventura, California

When he was 17, Michael Achach was the victim of a hate crime and was pushed off a four-story building. The fall resulted in a broken pelvis, smashed ankle and other injuries, setting the wheels in motion for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), which he has lived with for 30 years. Having to give up hiking and running due to his bad ankle, he decided to try biking and fell in love with the sport.

Soon, Michael discovered the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic and accepted the challenge to pedal 525 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Meeting that goal seemed unfathomable to him at first, but he has successfully completed the tour twice since 2017.

As time went by, the distance Michael could walk was shrinking and his pain was intensifying. So, with X-rays showing end-stage PTOA quickly taking hold, he decided to pursue a total ankle replacement.

While recovering from surgery, Michael reflected on his experience. “I am very thankful to the Arthritis Foundation for helping with resources, community and fitness goals that have supported me through my journey. I will soon be faster, stronger and better than before. If recovery goes as expected, I’ll be back on tour for the 2025 California Coast Classic!”

Paisley Trotter — Grand Rapids, Michigan

As she was starting kindergarten a few years ago, Paisley Trotter was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Her joints were fusing, and her bones were eroding. She quickly went from being a typical kid to having this autoimmune disease and all its implications, including intense pain and a lot of grief and struggles.

Paisley and her family soon discovered the Arthritis Foundation’s annual JA Family Summit, where they found a treasure trove of knowledge about JA, but more importantly, a village of others who get it, going through similar experiences. Friendships they’ve made continue to flourish from afar. Paisley learned how to advocate for herself, not taking no for an answer when someone doesn’t listen.

To top it off, Paisley has also been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, causing her to miss even more school. But she takes it head-on, while struggling with chronic pain, 10 specialists, six medications each day, doctor appointments every week, an impaired immune system and having to miss out on things her friends do.

Paisley and her family found their own new family through the Arthritis Foundation. She now knows that she and her family are not alone. She finds joy anytime she connects with other kids struggling with arthritis. To California Coast Classic riders, she says, “Don’t give up. And be strong!”

Gary Ho — Brandon, Florida

With Saigon burning behind them, Gary and his family escaped Vietnam to start a new life in America. That experience, like everything in his life, helped make him stronger -- and grateful, because many of his loved ones didn’t have the same chance.

At 24, Gary began experiencing severe pain in his right ankle and foot, which eventually led to a diagnosis of gout, a form of arthritis. His gout attacks worsened over time, and he had to rely on a wheelchair and crutches. Once he finally got a correct diagnosis and treatment, he and his doctor founded the Gout Support Group of America, where advocacy and support meet hope.

Their Facebook community has grown to over 16,000 members. They discuss treatment options and empower gout patients to become their own advocates, teaching the importance of proactive gout management. Throughout his journey, Gary has learned the importance of persistence and proper medical care, which he shares with others.

Gary extends his heartfelt encouragement to everyone participating in the California Coast Classic. “Your dedication to riding this challenging course is nothing short of inspiring,” he says. “You are making a significant impact.”

Anna Droge — Phoenix, Arizona

In 2023, Anna Droge of Phoenix experienced pain in her feet each morning, feeling like she was walking on Legos. She started wearing padded sandals around the house. Soon she got the diagnosis of having rheumatoid arthritis, which hit her like a ton of bricks. She frequently had to cancel or alter plans due to her pain. Signing up for the California Coast Classic gave her a new purpose, helping her pull herself out of her pity party and depression.

After being diagnosed, Anna failed an initial medication and had permanent joint damage. She’s still awaiting an approved treatment option. Meanwhile, her RA pain and fatigue keep her from being able to live the active and social life she once had. She can’t hike long distances without having a flare, feeling trapped in a broken body.

So, Anna decided to ride her bike in the California Coast Classic. “I was going to stand up and raise awareness and money to find a cure,” she says. “The outpouring of support was immediate and overwhelming.”

“Each one of you is part of the reason I’m active and enjoying life, even in pain,” Anna says. “Thank you, you wonderful humans, for riding for a cure!”

Pete Staylor — Riverside, California

Pete Staylor was an avid basketball player until around 40 years old. His knees started swelling, and the arthritis pain he experienced eventually sidelined him. He became sedentary, gained weight and got depressed. But soon, he learned about the California Coast Classic and signed up. Now, he’s once again on a mission to train and fundraise in his 21st time in this amazing event. “This ride probably saved my life as I continued to degrade,” he says.

“My e-bike now has almost 8,000 miles on it, all thanks to the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic,” he proclaims. “To say it’s the ride of a lifetime is very much appropriate to me.”

Pete says this special bike tour can be life-changing for anyone. “Be careful, this ride can be addicting. But seriously, there is so much support before, during and after this ride. You can do this! And I can show you how!”

Pete says the event has made a huge difference in his own life. “It's kept me alive! It's brought me friends and allowed me to help others.”

Carlos Câmara — Palm Springs, California

Carlos Câmara was always an avid athlete. But when his knees started giving him problems, he had the first of four anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in four years at age 21. Osteoarthritis (OA) set in by the time he was 25 — first in his knees and then his hips. 

“I have been dealing with pain and limited range of motion and mobility,” says Carlos, now 49. “I started cycling because of this lack of mobility and pain, and in order to remain active.”

Always on the hunt for a challenge, he Googled cycling trips from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the same day he bought his first bike in 2014. The California Coast Classic Bike Tour quickly popped up, and he immediately signed up. He’s ridden every year since, and in the past couple of years, he has cycled the entire California coast and the entire West Coast of the U.S., joining the Tour along the way.

This will be his seventh Tour. He is also on the leadership committee and his wife has volunteered. 

“It is a lifetime experience,” Carlos says. “This event is about the camaraderie, scenery, support and positive attitude. It is a family where you get hooked to come back every year. It is about the cause and the people we can help.”

Mary Jo McBride — San Diego, California

Mary Jo McBride was 7 when she finally saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed her juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). That led her to the medical treatment she needed, but it didn’t provide the emotional support she craved.

“After I was diagnosed, I longed for a community that was going through a similar experience.” She found it through the Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp. “I first attended camps when I was younger and had an amazing experience with Camp Cruz!”

Since then, she has been a committed volunteer for the Foundation. “I will forever be grateful to the Arthritis Foundation for providing resources and access to this community of remarkable and inspiring people,” she says.

Living with arthritis has helped shape her outlook. “It has taught me to be resilient, to endure, to be disciplined, to have grit, to build my mindset. Arthritis is my lifelong weight that has made me stronger,” she says. She even played division 1 volleyball in college. “I’ve always been determined to participate in activities that defy the JIA odds,” she says.

That mindset led her to sign up for the California Coast Classic. But there’s another reason she participates: “Do it for those who can’t and lead the way for those who can!”

Tim Clepper — Fallbrook, California

This year will be the 23rd that Tim Clepper has ridden in the California Coast Classic, but recent years have been hard due to his extreme fatigue.

“The last three years or so have been difficult,” Tim says. “I'm     not able to complete most days of riding and usually have to take several days off during the event.”

His doctors thought his fatigue might be related to psoriatic arthritis. But medication isn’t helping significantly, so they are still trying to find a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Meanwhile, Tim, 68, isn’t letting it stop him. He’s gearing up for this year’s ride with his pedal-assist electric bike.

“It allows me to ride with my friends and stay active. I use the assist as necessary. I still get a good workout and feel like I'm still part of the team,” he says. “I still get really tired, but instead of three to four days of recovery after a ride, I can often recover in a day or so after a 50-mile ride.”

Tim is doing what he advises others to do: “Do what you can. Don't give up. Find a way to stay part of this fabulous group. Ride, volunteer or cheer.”

Titus Long — Ozark, Missouri

It was the evening of Christmas 2021, when Titus Long seemed to get a stomach bug. In the next few weeks, he became increasingly lethargic and weak, and soon he was in a great deal of pain and couldn’t walk. Fortunately, his pediatrician helped his parents get answers and sent him to specialists, including a pediatric rheumatologist, who diagnosed him with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).

Soon after, Titus received a JA Power Pack from the Arthritis Foundation, and his family got involved, attending JA Family Summits and supporting their local office. In 2023, Titus went to his first gala, where he was excited to accept an “Arthritis Warrior” award.

The first year was rough — and daily shots didn’t help — until he was able to switch to monthly injections.

Now, his mom says, “He’s thriving as a healthy 7-year-old. Titus enjoys bike riding, swimming, baseball, running, playing with Legos, being artistic and creative, as well as telling jokes and being silly.

“Titus’ mantra is: ‘Titus is brave. Titus is courageous. And Titus finds a way.’ That has helped him face many adversities in his journey with JA, and maybe someone would benefit from this mantra, too, during the bike tour!”

Rachel Mednick Thompson — San Diego, California

Rachel’s mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after Rachel was born.

“She had three young children,” Rachel explains. “She was stressed, over-tired and constantly battling primarily hand and foot discomfort and difficulty with activities of daily living.” Her mom was given methotrexate and corticosteroids, but her RA caused foot and ankle deformities. She used an ankle orthotic every day and often wore wrist braces.

Rachel was in high school when her mother started the first biologic approved for RA. “It was a game changer,” Rachel remembers. “Her symptoms were regularly controlled, and she was able to participate more fully in all of my activities.” Seeing this remarkable change helped influence Rachel’s decision to pursue a career in musculoskeletal care.

Rachel is now a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. She is an avid Arthritis Foundation supporter, not only as a board member for the Los Angeles area, but also as a volunteer for the California Coast Classic. This is her first year to ride it.

“It is a privilege to ride. It is a privilege to have an able body that allows for independent mobility. It is an honor to ride for my patients who cannot do so. Even uphill and into a headwind,” she says. “Remember that with every uphill push!”