The Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) expands its fourth annual Gears for Good charity bike ride to several regions across the nation starting this year. The first regional bike ride will be held in Andover on the weekend of June 27 through 29.

On Saturday, June 28, the ride will go from the Highland Lake Inn to Mickey’s in Enfield for lunch and back. For refreshments, the participants will go to the Grafton and Danbury Country Stores as well as to the historic Potter Place General Store and Train Station, operated by the Andover Historical Society.

On Sunday, June 29, the ride will go from the Highland Lake Inn to Boscawen’s Depot Street; up to Cumberland Farms for refreshments; and back to the Highland Lake Inn, ending the day with a barbecue.

Gears for Good bike rides raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder which affects only 20,000 people in the United States and results in excessive bleeding. Bleeding episodes may be external or internal into joints, muscles, the abdominal cavity, the brain, and other organs.

Untreated bleeds can lead to crippling deformities of the joints or life threatening bleeds within the body. Currently, there is no cure, and medication needed to treat the disorder typically costs around $250,000 annually per person.

The funds raised during the bike ride will support HFA’s Helping Hands program. Helping Hands is a one-of-a-kind assistance program available to people living with a bleeding disorder undergoing temporary financial crisis due to their chronic condition.

“Hemophilia is not only physically and emotionally painful, it can be financially challenging,” said Allie Boutin, HFA Development Coordinator. “I am proud to organize this fundraiser to help moms and dads who have lost their jobs or paychecks because they stayed in the hospital with their children. I ride for adult males who aren’t able to work because of their debilitating and chronic pain”.

You can help raise awareness and funds to assist people affected by hemophilia and other bleeding disorders by registering for the ride and donating to support this important cause. Visit GearsForGood.com for more information.