Rotary Club Bike Tour around Taiwan to Raise Funds

Rotary Club Bike Tour around Taiwan to Raise Funds for Rare Disease Patients

Currently, TFRD has listed 203 rare disorders in Taiwan -- 70 percent of which are either incurable or can only be treated with dietary control or orphan drugs that are costly and not readily available. For some diseases, there have been clinical trials going on in other countries. However, it is difficult for patients in Taiwan to become part of the clinical trial held abroad. The cost of such trials is highly expensive. In order to promote the clinical trials to be held in Taiwan, we set up the Rare Disease Clinical Trial Fund to encourage the medical institution to hold clinical trials for Taiwanese patients. At the same time, we continue to network resources and support from the government and from the hospitals for the feasibility of such trials to help patients to get better chance to battle against their diseases.

Rotary Club of Taipei Yenping, in conjunction with other club members in the 3480 Rotary District, conceived the project of “Rotary International District 3480 Charity Bike Tour” to raise fund for rare disease patients’ clinical trial. 21 charity riders decided to take time out of their tide schedule and to train themselves for the tough trip around Taiwan to raise funds for rare disease patients. This trip is a great challenge for the charity riders because the average age of the charity riders are 52 years old. Age, health condition, and skills of long distance riding are all challenges. After three-months training program held by Cycling Foundation of Taiwan, the charity riders started their trip for fund-raising on Oct. 14, 2008. They completed their 1,010-km journey in 11 days and raise at least NT$5 million (US$153,500) for the cause as the Rotary Club has promised to donate NT$1 for every kilometer they ride. They also solicited donation from the public during the stops along the journey.

On their way around Taiwan, they met many kind people who donate right after learning what they’re riding for. Carman Huang, president of Rotary Club of Taipei Yenping, said,” It’s not just about the money, but it is the spirit we want to share with the public--Only through sharing can we help more people.” The riders also visited a patient of Epidermolysis Bullosa and gave her a bicycle as a gift.

For many of the charity riders who have achieved success in their fields, it is a unique experience for them to really contribute their effort and time, instead of money, to help people in need. This trip is not only a dream come true for them; it also brings great sense of achievement because what they did was helping people. We appreciate the Rotary Club for its show of concern for people with rare disorders and we hope that it can serve as an example for all sectors of society in Taiwan.