Archie, 16, was born with cystic fibrosis. As a small child he had to endure the twice-daily physiotherapy that is standard for patients with CF and had his fair share of hospitalisations, but he’s always played sport and trained hard - even during the difficult times. Since going on new medication, he is much stronger and healthier and has been able to start training at a much higher level, especially for triathlons.
In recent years, Archie was introduced to the coding world which led him to discover the online cryptocurrency (crypto) community, initially to “try to make a quick buck’’, but his interest swiftly moved into digital art, web development and the communities springing up around web3 projects.
This year, Archie decided to combine his passions and compete in the Husky Triathlon Festival held in Huskisson on the South Coast of NSW to fundraise for Children’s Medical Research Institute/Jeans for Genes.
“My school has always done Jeans for Genes and obviously having CF I knew what CMRI did so I just thought it would be a cool thing to do.’’
Archie is associated with the Okay Bears Crypto Community who have generously supported his fundraising. While telling his online community about this event, one member asked him how much he wanted them to donate.
“I said, ‘How about $5000 in Crypto and suddenly it came through,” he explained.
Mum Jen, who is also passionate about technology, says this kind of radical generosity is emblematic of Archie’s experience in the web3 community space; and so far Archie has already raised $17,000 in crypto funds.
“They saw this kid contributing to a charity and they decided to help him. He’s done it all himself without us at all,” his proud mum says.
Archie, who has done the City to Surf and many other races, recently visited the labs at CMRI to learn more about the CF research he is raising money for.
“I thought it was cool to be able to combine all the things that are important in my life.’’
To donate Crypto to Archie visit https://three.okay.xyz/campaign/strongertogether or to donate money visit https://myfundraiser.cmri.org.au/fundraisers/archiekerr/archie--s-triathlon-for-cystic-fibrosis