Autoimmune Association

RK60 Challenge in Memory of Spencer Simmons

Benefiting: Autoimmune Association

This summer, Bob Simmons, Spencer's father, and I, are taking on an endurance journey in memory of someone who was kind, selfless and genuine: Spencer Simmons.

To honor his legacy and raise awareness for autoimmune diseases, Bob and I are embarking on the RK60 Challenge.

Over the course of the coming weeks, we will:

Swim 60 miles

Walk 160 miles

Ride 260 miles

That’s 480 miles of movement, every mile driven by purpose — to bring attention to the fight against autoimmune diseases and to do so while remembering Spencer.

Your support helps the Autoimmune Association make a difference by contributing towards efforts like:

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a world where autoimmune diseases are better understood and managed. Join me in supporting this vital cause and help us empower those who are facing these challenges every day. Thank you for your generosity!

RK60

Hi! My name is Anaahita Kaashyap, and I am a high school junior who seeks to support the search for a cure for autoimmune diseases. The Autoimmune Association is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to expanding autoimmune disease advocacy, awareness, education, and research. By organizing this fundraiser, I want to support the Autoimmune Association’s efforts in conducting research toward finding a cure for the many autoimmune diseases that lack one. I hope you will consider supporting this cause by making a donation. Your contribution will go a long way towards benefiting millions of people, such as my own grandmother, whose lives rely on a potential cure.

Ever since I was young, I have seen my grandmother suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, one of the most common types of autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system is overactive, which causes it to attack and damage the body’s own tissues. Because the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis led to worsened symptoms, specifically inflamed and deformed joints, it is difficult for her to perform simple tasks such as buttoning her sweater, opening the door, and even holding a spoon. Unfortunately, to this day, there is no cure available for this disease, only alternative medications to lessen the symptoms. However, these available medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressants, have adverse negative side effects. This disease has affected not only my grandmother but also many others in my family, and I want to be able to make a positive impact to combat this disease.

Your contributions will be tax deductible. Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support.

Hi! My name is Ginger Roe. I’m raising money for the Autoimmune Association to help shine a light on the 140+ autoimmune diseases that affect millions of people, including myself. These conditions are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and overlooked, and currently, there is no cure.

Autoimmune Association

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy organs and tissues. They are one of the fastest-growing public health challenges today, yet they remain severely underfunded and underrecognized. Because of this, living with an autoimmune disease can create a significant financial burden due to the many specialists, tests, treatments, and ongoing medical expenses often required.

The Autoimmune Association is dedicated to advancing research, improving healthcare, and advocating for people living with autoimmune disease. Their work supports better diagnosis, better treatments, and ultimately the hope for cures.

With stronger advocacy, we can change the future of autoimmune disease. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps advance this mission. Even small actions can create meaningful change.

As someone living with autoimmune disease, your support means more than I can put into words. Thank you for helping bring awareness, progress, and hope to this community.