Sean Squires was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at the age of five (most of those individuals who have cystic fibrosis are diagnosed soon after birth).  Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease (both parents must have a CF gene) that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that blocks airways and damages organs.  Cystic fibrosis is considered an “orphan disease,” which is a rare disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.  Orphan diseases are often severe and life-threatening.  The federal government provides little if any, funding to find a cure for “orphan diseases.” 

Raising awareness and fundraising by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made a significant difference in the lives of those suffering from CF.  The Squires family has been fundraising since Sean was diagnosed, and we have raised about $4 million, which has been used to find better drugs, therapies, and the motivation to find a cure.  Sean and many others who have cystic fibrosis have benefited from new medications that have improved their quality of life and extended their life expectancies (when Sean was diagnosed, his life expectancy was 34 years). 

Sean is doing well, living independently, and pursuing his dreams, but he struggles with mental health issues.  Jodi and I are very proud of him and will continue to raise awareness and money for those with cystic fibrosis.

I was touched and humbled when Mike Meier, Dan Murphy, and Gary Jones contacted me about the “Gulf to Goat” (G2G) Charitable Bike Ride and told me that they wanted to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through “Sean’s Pals.”  I am blessed to be a member of the Great Class of 1975.  I love my classmates!

 
Mission Statement:

The Mission of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Class of '75 Gulf to Goat (G2G) charity bike ride is to embark on an unforgettable journey from Apalachicola, FL to the U.S. Naval Academy while uniting cyclists in a quest for physical fitness, camaraderie and charitable giving. By pedaling over 1100 miles through our great nation, we will honor the legacy of USNA Class of 1975 while supporting causes close to its members' hearts.  We will pedal with purpose, have fun, forge bonds and make a meaningful difference one mile at a time.

The G2G charity bike ride will begin on 1 October 2025, in Apalachicola, transit up the east coast, arriving at the “Bill the Goat” (Naval Academy mascot) statue inside Gate 1 of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, on 22 October, in time for the 50^th Reunion festivities of USNA Class of 1975.  Approximately sixteen (16) members of the Class of ’75 have committed to the G2G charity bike ride, not only to honor our Class legacy, but to also collect donations for four (4) other charities that are close to a Classmate. One of those charities is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation/Sean’s Pals.  The riders themselves are covering the entire cost of the ride, so all donations collected will go directly to the charity.