Plunge for Elodie

about the plunge

4-year-old Elodie Kubik was born with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Like all children with EB, Elodie is missing a critical protein that binds the layers of the skin together, making it extremely fragile and causing severe pain and wounds, both internal and external. Today, there are no treatments for this life-threatening disease.

Elodie's mom's friends wanted to do more for the family than just offer emotional support. As they learned about EB and the larger rare disease community, it became clear how desperately diseases like EB need funding to find treatments and cures. In short: every dollar truly matters. Thus, the first Plunge for Elodie took place in 2018. Now in its 4th consecutive year, the event has grown into an international movement, raising $700,000 to date to fund critical research aimed at curing EB and other rare diseases.

This year, the Plunge honors the life of Sophia Ramsey, who lost her battle with EB far too young, but whose legacy and courage live on through our mission. Let's make waves until a cure is found!

Elodie's Story

Sophia's Story

make waves with us!

1) Set up your personal fundraising page or make a donation to heal EB by clicking here. You can start your own team or join one!

2) Take the plunge into a body of water by March 28th. Can't find a body of water? Click here for more ideas.

3) Take a video of the action and submit it for the plunge compilation video using the form below. Post your video to social media and tag @ebresearch, @plungeforelodie, and #PlungeForElodie2021

fundraise to Collect the plunge kit

To encourage your fundraising efforts, you'll receive incentives by hitting the following levels. Raise $2,500 to receive the full Plunge for Elodie kit! Get started by setting up your personal fundraising page here.

$250 - Face Mask
$500 - T-Shirt
$1,000 - Sweatshirt
$2,500 - Beach Towel

submit your plunge video

about elodie

4-year-old Elodie Kubik was born with Recessive Dystrophic EB. On a daily basis, Elodie must endure more than any young child ever should - eating complications, doctor visits, wounds, painful bandage changes, bleach baths, and more. Even still, Elodie's adorable demeanor is unfazed - she thrives at school, loves all things princess, has a burgeoning sense of humor, and is the best older sister to her brother Gus. In short, she is the sweetest little girl in the world. We could all learn so much from this beautiful 4-year-old warrior.

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about sophia

The world was blessed when Sophia Grace Ramsey was born on April 20, 2019. Shortly after, Sophia was diagnosed with Junctional EB. Sophia fought the incredibly painful disease with unmatched courage. Despite suffering so much, her spirit was always bright, and she gave her family unimaginable joy. Sophia loved goofy songs, her dog, and spending time with her family. Her smile could brighten any moment. Eventually, the devastating effects of EB became too much for Sophia's tiny body to carry. On May 15, 2020, just a few weeks after celebrating her first birthday, Sophia returned home to heaven. Supporting vital EB research is important to Sophia's family, who continue to share her message through Sophia's EB Hope, donating proceeds to EB Research Partnership. They are deeply committed to giving children like Sophia a chance at a life free of pain and suffering. With your support, Sophia's Hope could one day become a reality.

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how to plunge

Elodie's family friends chose to start a plunge rather than another fundraising event as a way to feel a moment of pain to honor the lifetime of pain that kids with EB endure. So, we encourage you to do the same! Find a lake, pond, ocean, or other body of water and jump in.

If you can't find a body of water, get creative. Here are a few ideas:

Take an ice bath
Plunge into a snow pile
Have a friend drench you with a hose on a cold day
Take a freezing shower
Can't do any of these? Submit a video offering your support to the plungers and explain why you want to find a cure for EB.