Changing Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing cystic fibrosis (CF) research, will hold a polar plunge at noon New Year’s Day on Devereux Beach in Marblehead to raise money and awareness for the disease.
The organization began with a group of Lynnfield fathers who participated in local charity bike events to raise money for CF research, eventually leading to the founding of the nonprofit.
“We realized that while research has come a long way in helping CF patients live longer, there is still a critical gap—particularly in addressing gastrointestinal (GI) complications that emerge as patients age,” said co-founder Mike Weiss.
To ensure Changing Futures had a direct connection to research and that its fundraising would have an immediate impact, the group partnered with Dr. Steven Freedman of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Freedman will join in on New Year’s Day by taking a dive into the chilly Atlantic waters.
“We’ve had doctors, pharmaceutical executives, and other notable figures hear about this and donate or even sign up to plunge themselves,” said Weiss. “It’s been remarkable to see how one community-driven event can gain such momentum when people believe in the cause.”
That momentum has been evident in Lynnfield, where Weiss said neighbors have stepped up to volunteer, donate, or simply cheer on the effort. Even their children have become involved in the charity.
For this upcoming polar plunge and other events, Changing Futures hopes to raise awareness about CF, particularly the gastrointestinal complications the group feels has not received enough attention.
Weiss also wants to show how something as simple as taking an exceedingly frigid dip into the ocean can make a meaningful impact on a major medical issue.
This idea reflects Changing Futures’ model of micro-fundraising, which prioritizes grassroots efforts over the traditional approach of relying on large donations from a small pool of donors.
So far this year, the group has raised $65,000, which has been matched twice—once with $60,000 and another time with $25,000—demonstrating how smaller gifts can add up to something significant.
“We hope people walk away inspired to tackle problems creatively, value grassroots efforts, and remember that every single contribution—big or small—can make a powerful impact,” said Weiss.
