
An emotional moment on the shore for young Piper Suit, as she hugs her father Travis. After Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Travis initiated “Crossing for the Cure,” a fundraising event where participants paddleboard from the Bahamas to Palm Beach County. This year, Marco Island Police Officer Josh Ferris made the challenging journey. Read about it on page B-1. Photo by Lori Griffith, Chasin A Dream Photography
he plight of a little 11-year-old girl in the Palm Beach County area was one which local Marco Island Marine Police Officer Josh Ferris was quick to warm to. Little Piper Suit was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in 2011.
Her father, Travis Suit knew he

Piper awards the medallion to Josh. Josh was met by hugs and good wishes from all in attendance, but two of the most meaningful came when little Piper Suit ran up to place an event medallion around his neck to say thank you for his efforts, giving him a hug and a kiss. Photos by Steve Stefanides
CF is an inherited life threatening

Submitted Photo

Josh gets a big hug from his mom.
In 2013 Travis initiated a fundraiser through an event called “Crossing for the Cure,” when he and four of his friends threw their paddleboards into the water in the Bahamas and took the grueling 15½ hour

Submitted Photo
2017 saw Travis put the call out again for volunteers, who would gather pledges to benefit research and education to help all those experiencing what he and his family have been undergoing for the last six years since Piper was diagnosed.
On Saturday of Father’s Day weekend, 16 individuals left

Families await news on the paddlers. Photos by Steve Stefanides
There

Proud mom, Mary Ellen Ferris with Josh.

The first time in 14 hours Josh’s feet feel sand.
Josh was met by hugs and good wishes from all in attendance, but two of the most meaningful came when little Piper Suit ran up to place an event medallion around his neck to say thank you for his efforts, giving him a hug and a kiss. Piper was followed by

Josh’s cousin Mike (left) flew in from Atlanta to surprise Josh.
Sergeant Brian Hood of theMarco Island Police Department was also onshore to meet his fellow officer, along with his wife Linda, as well as City Councilor Bob Brown who congratulated the weary paddler.
It

The paddleboarders begin to arrive.
It would be his

Piper gives Josh a hug, after his long journey.
The event raised an astounding $125,000 from pledges, and more are expected. You can join in and help by visiting www.crossingforthecure.com and following the link to donate to the effort made by one of Marco’s finest to help fight this debilitating disease.
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