Breathe Deep.
Run Hard. ROCK CF.
Our Kicks Back program donates running shoes to adults and children with cystic fibrosis. Whether you’re a 5k newbie, experienced marathon runner, cyclist, hiker or gym goer, we’re here to help you outrun, and outmove, cystic fibrosis. Research shows regular exercise improves strength, FEV1, mental health, lung clearance and quality of life - so let’s get you and your new kicks moving today! And, we’ll register you for a race of your choice (up to $100)- on us!
HOW TO APPLY
1. Click HERE to fill out our online Kicks Back application!
2. We will contact you once we process your application with some follow up questions.
3. Kicks Back donates running shoes and registers participants for a *running/race of their choice. We believe that exercise is vital for those living with CF. If you are a participant and would like to run a race please email us (info@letsrockcf.org) *Race Fees Must Not exceed $100
IMPORTANT HEADS UP: Due to a recent reduction in funding for the Kicks Back program, it is still open, but there may be longer wait times to receive your kicks depending on our events/funding schedule. We have developed an ordering system where we place orders approx. once per month, and then send out the shoes once received. Your patience is appreciated! Application will remain open for as long as possible.
Just for Kicks - How Our Running Shoes Program Started
One day in January 2004, our Founder, Emily Schaller decided to go for a run.
“I was convinced I could knock out two miles. Wearing ridicously heavy winter layers, I reached the end of my driveway, and then reality set in. With 50% lung function, I wasn’t built for distance running-at least not yet. I doubled over in a fit of coughs, ignored my neighbors peeking through their windows and refused to quit. I kept going for 20 minutes - alternating between walking and jogging. Still, I wasn’t ready to quit. I walked to the next corner, then alternated between walking and jogging for about 20 minutes.
I barely covered a mile, but it was a start-and every start matters.
That run led to Kicks Back, a program that could champion your 1st or your 500th run, and ensure an empowered exercise experience.
Since 2014, we’ve distributed over 1,700 pairs of running shoes to the cf community in partnership with RUNdetroit. What started as a way to help those in the CF community improve their quality of life, has since evolved into an incredible movement. We hope you’ll join us!”
- Emily Schaller, Rock CF Founder
