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9th Annual Plunge for Elodie Grows into Global Fundraiser for EB Research

The 9th Annual Plunge for Elodie runs March–May 2026 across four continents with a $600,000 goal and a $1,000,000 match from Dr. Jeff Heddles, doubling every donation as thousands take the plunge.

Jamie Taylor2 min read
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9th Annual Plunge for Elodie Grows into Global Fundraiser for EB Research
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The 9th Annual Plunge for Elodie is staging events March–May 2026 across four continents, aiming to raise $600,000 for the EB Research Partnership (EBRP) while a $1,000,000 matching gift from philanthropist Dr. Jeff Heddles will double donations until the match is exhausted. EBRP calls the Plunge a global movement uniting thousands who brave icy waters to fund research into Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), the rare and life‑threatening genetic skin disorder also known as “butterfly skin.”

What began in 2018 as a Wellesley, Massachusetts, hometown fundraiser organized by 10 childhood friends of Emily Kubik has grown into coordinated in‑person and virtual events in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Costa Rica and beyond. The Plunge is named for Kubik’s daughter Elodie, who was born in 2016 with a severe form of EB; co‑chair Kristan Khtikian said, “None of us had ever heard of EB before Elodie was born. Nine years later, what started as a small splash has become a global wave — and we won’t stop plunging until there’s a cure.”

EBRP has positioned the Plunge as a strategic fundraising engine for its research portfolio. Michael Hund, CEO of EB Research Partnership, said, “This grassroots event has become a powerful force for change. With a goal of a cure by 2030, the Plunge for Elodie is playing a vital role in transforming what’s possible for EB families.” Organizers say that if the 2026 $600,000 target is reached, the Plunge movement will have raised more than $3.5 million for EB research since 2018.

Local organizers and participants can take part in traditional cold‑water plunges or join a Virtual #PlungeForElodie; supporters may also create their own fundraising events. Derm Digest lists city events in Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; New York, NY; Denver, CO; San Jose, Costa Rica; North Devon, UK; Adelaide, Australia; and Melbourne, Australia. Organizers are promoting participation and fundraising through the official event channels and the @plungeforelodie accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

The 2026 campaign will also honor Chiesi Global Rare Diseases with the Sophia’s Hope Award, presented to individuals or organizations demonstrating steadfast commitment to the Plunge movement and the EB community. EBRP’s broader fundraising record bolsters the campaign’s credibility: since 2010 EBRP reports raising more than $80 million and funding more than 180 EB research projects worldwide.

With a $1,000,000 match on the table and thousands signed up to plunge in person or virtually, organizers say the 2026 campaign is intended to accelerate funding toward therapies and the stated goal of a cure by 2030. The Plunge for Elodie’s combination of grassroots energy, international reach and leveraged philanthropy frames this year’s effort as a pivotal moment for families affected by EB.

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