GearUp4CF - Why I Ride | Mike Hamilton

Mike Hamilton, a CF patient and a long time Gearup4CF rider, shares his experience including completing the 9-day Ride!

Show Notes

Mike Hamilton was diagnosed with CF in his pre-teens years. He remained healthy by being an active cyclist and playing soccer.

Currently studying as an undergrad student, he explains how important research for CF is to find the proper drugs and cure for this genetic disease. To read more about his work in detail, this article highlights their research, specifically with the drug Ivacaftor (primarily the G551D mutation) and it's affects on CF Patients.

Mike is currently one of the very few persons with Cystic Fibrosis selected to be on the clinical trial of the drug Trikafta. Here are the results of his clinical trail. He found relief from symptoms almost immediately. 

When this episode was recorded in early June of 2021, the drug Trikafta was not yet available to Canadians. June 18th, Canada approved the drug Trikafta could be prescribed by Doctors to Patients with CF. The next step is getting it covered in your health regions, as not all health insurance or MSP covers the costs.

Mike is one of our riders who continues to come back, be a part of the CF community and a champion for helping us find a cure with research and advocacy.

Links

• New England Journey of Medicine - Trikafta Clinical Trials
• The published article from Mike and his team on the effects of Ivacaftor 
• Patented Medicine Prices review board Canada
• PMPRB - General Audit letter

What is GearUp4CF - Why I Ride ?

This uplifting podcast will bring you into the life and families of those with Cystic Fibrosis. This includes a collection of interviews featuring Riders, Volunteers and Families involved with the annual ride for GearUp4CF, and the Cystic Fibrosis community. Their personal stories share how this genetic disease affects families, the struggles of daily living, and the journey to finding a cure.