A record number of donors brings in over $25,000 for RP Research in two weeks
SPEEDWAY, Indiana – October 30, 2025 – The Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation proudly announces the record-breaking success of the 2025 Warrior Walk for Relapsing Polychondritis — a nationwide virtual campaign dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this rare autoimmune disease. In just two weeks, the Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal, generating over $25,000, supported by an unprecedented number of new donors and returning participants.
Every dollar raised directly fuels initiatives to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for individuals living with Relapsing Polychondritis (RP), a painful and degenerative autoimmune condition that attacks cartilage and connective tissues throughout the body. RP can lead to life-threatening complications when it affects the airway, eyes, heart, or respiratory system — making early diagnosis essential.
This year’s Warrior Walk empowered participants from coast to coast to walk, run, or form teams between October 13 and October 26, choosing their own pace, location, and distance. Supporters activated their networks, created fundraising pages, and shared personal stories across social media — resulting in the highest number of first-time donors in the event’s history. The campaign significantly expanded RP awareness, driving unprecedented visibility and engagement across patient communities, social platforms, and partner organizations.
A standout moment of the 2025 Warrior Walk took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 16, where drivers, crew members, and fans from the McLaren Trophy America racing event joined the cause by walking a lap around the iconic racetrack. This powerful show of solidarity brought RP awareness to a new audience and captured moving scenes of unity and purpose on the same pavement where racing legends have competed for over a century.
“Relapsing Polychondritis remains widely misunderstood,” said Dave Bammert, President of the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation. “Research is the only path to answers. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re advancing critical partnerships with leading institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, the University of Pennsylvania, and the PURPOSE Biobank at Allegheny Health. This support is accelerating the science that will lead to earlier detection, improved care, and — one day — a cure.”
Chair of the RP Foundation and patient with RP Nancy Linn shared, “Participating in the Warrior Walk again this year was deeply meaningful. Every time someone shows up, whether a friend, family member, or stranger, it reminds me that we’re not alone in this fight. RP flares can make you feel invisible. But seeing so many people step up this year gave me real hope.”
The impact of the 2025 Warrior Walk extends far beyond fundraising. From local neighborhoods to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the connections forged during this year’s event are helping to elevate RP recognition among healthcare professionals, communities, and individuals who had never heard of the disease. Every step taken this year brings us closer to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
ABOUT THE RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS FOUNDATION
The Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation is a patient-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness, improving diagnosis, expanding education, and advancing research to improve the quality of life for people living with relapsing polychondritis (RP). Since its founding in 2018, the Foundation has raised more than $1 million and supported over 30 research projects through collaboration with leading researchers and institutions. Where there’s research, there’s hope.
For more information or to donate, visit www.polychondritis.org.
