2024 California Coast Classic Ambassadors
Day 8 -Rachel Mednick Thompson
Mission Ambassadors
Nate French – Burbank, California
Michael Achach – Ventura, California
Paisley
Michigan
Paisley was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis when she started kindergarten, as her joints were fusing and bones eroding. She and her family found their own new family through the Arthritis Foundation. Participating in the JA Family Summit showed her and her family that she’s not alone. She finds joy anytime she connects with other kids struggling with arthritis. To California Coast Classic riders, she says, “Don’t give up. And be strong!”
Gary Ho
Brandon, Florida
With Saigon burning behind them, Gary and his family escaped Vietnam to start a new life in America. At 24, Gary began experiencing severe pain in his right ankle and foot, which eventually led to a diagnosis of gout, a form of arthritis. His gout attacks worsened over time, and he had to rely on a wheelchair and crutches. Now living in Florida, he and his doctor founded the Gout Support Group of America as a place where advocacy and support meets hope.
Anna Droge
Phoenix, Arizona
In 2023, Anna Droge of Phoenix experienced pain in her feet each morning, causing her to start wearing padded sandals around the house, feeling like she was walking on Legos. She soon got the diagnosis of having rheumatoid arthritis, which hit her like a ton of bricks. She frequently had to cancel or alter plans due to her pain. Signing up for the California Coast Classic gave her a new purpose, helping her pull herself out of her pity party and depression.
Cheer Anna on and view her participant page here.
Pete Staylor
Riverside, California
Pete Staylor of Riverside, California, was an avid basketball player until around 40 years old. His knees started swelling, and the arthritis pain he had eventually sidelined him. He became sedentary, gained weight and got depressed. Soon, he learned about the California Coast Classic and signed up. Now, he’s once again on a mission to train and fundraise in his 21st time in this amazing event. “This ride probably saved my life as I continued to degrade,” he says.
Cheer Pete on and view his participant page here.
Carlos Câmara
Palm Springs, California
Carlos Câmara was a soccer player and taekwondo champion before osteoarthritis sidelined him when he was in his early 20s. A natural athlete, he was driven to stay active. He discovered the joys of cycling, and it quickly became a way of life for him. In fact, the day he bought his first bike in 2014, he signed up for the California Coast Classic, and he’s been riding in it — and much more — ever since.
Cheer Carlos on and view his participant page here.
Mary Jo McBride
San Diego, California
This is Mary Jo McBride’s first year participating in the California Coast Classic. She’s lived with juvenile idiopathic arthritis since she was about 6 and has been part of the Arthritis Foundation community for much of her life. She went to JA camp and has served on Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run committees. “While volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, I came across the California Coast Classic and knew I needed to sign up!” she says.
Cheer May Jo on and view her participant page here.
Tim Clepper
Fallbrook, California
In the past few years, extreme fatigue has made it difficult for Tim Clepper to get through the California Coast Classic. But he’s determined to do it and has found ways to make it easier — specifically, by riding an pedal-assist e-bike. “Switching to an e-bike for a long-time rider is a difficult decision, but I wish I'd done it sooner. It's a great feeling to be back on the road and even leading group rides,” he says.
Cheer Tim on and view his participant page here.
Titus
Ozark, Missouri
A couple of years ago, Titus was a very sick 5-year-old whose parents didn’t understand his mysterious symptoms. Fortunately, his pediatrician helped them get answers and treatment for his systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Shortly after, Titus got a JA Power Pack, and his family has been part of the Arthritis Foundation family ever since. This year, Titus is a mission ambassador, inspiring riders and helping raise awareness of arthritis and the California Coast Classic.
Rachel Mednick Thompson
San Diego, California
Rachel Mednick Thompson grew up watching her mother struggle daily with pain from rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosed in the 1980s, when disease-modifying drugs were still new, her mother suffered from side effects from the drugs and developed ankle and foot deformities. She switched to a biologic when the first one came on the market in the 1990s. Rachel was inspired by her mom to pursue a medical career — and now to ride in her first California Coast Classic.
Cheer Rachel on and view her participant page here.
2024 Mission Ambassadors
| Nate French-Burbank, CA | Michael Achach - Ventura, CA |
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