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Mike Leppert

Team New Jersey

Dear Friends and Family,

In February, I will be pedaling with purpose as I take part in Shadow Jumpers' 5th annual Spin-a-Thon fundraiser. I am thrilled to contribute to this cause, which raises funds for photosensitive families across North America facing challenges with the sun. Individuals with these rare, one-in-a-million conditions can suffer from severe symptoms, similar to second-degree burns or even skin cancer, after just a few minutes of UV exposure.

Shadow Jumpers supports these families by offering expense-paid sun-safe vacations, home renovations, financial assistance, and hosting an annual camp called "SUN ESCAPE," with activities planned indoors or during the late evening.

I am reaching out to seek sponsors to help me achieve my fundraising goal. Every donation, regardless of size, will make a meaningful impact and contribute to our overall goal of $100,000.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

About this fundraiser:

Spin Away the Sun is an exhilarating charity event, similar to a bike-a-thon or a walk-a-thon but on stationary bikes, designed to support the Shadow Jumpers nonprofit organization. The funds raised during this Spin-a-Thon will aid Shadow Jumpers in their mission to offer meaningful experiences and foster a sense of community for families living with photosensitive conditions.

Since 2018, Shadow Jumpers has assisted families across North America in renovating their homes to be more UV safe, organized sun proof and all expenses paid vacations, provide financial relief for related medical bills, and created a ‘pay it forward’ protective clothing drive. Shadow Jumpers team consists only of people with a photosensitive condition, a parent or family member to someone with these conditions, and medical professionals specializing in this space. One of our 7 board seats is always held by a youth ambassador.

In 2024 Shadow Jumpers launched SUN ESCAPE, a yearly transformative camp weekend in North Carolina that is designed purposefully with photosensitive families in mind. Every aspect of this experience is set sun proofed inside or purposely in the late evening. Activities include, archery, horseback riding, zip lining, a water park and more. Completely free for those who attend, Sun Escape focuses on removing the sun, so our families can spend their time focusing on the fun.

Since 2020, Spin Away the Sun has successfully raised over $114,000 for families affected by photosensitivity, including a remarkable $60,000 during our event last February which saw our volunteers cycled a combined total of 1,968 miles during their 2.5-hour ride. This year the charity ride is going coast to coast adding a second spin location in New Jersey.