My Xtreme Hike Story
When the Xtreme Hike started in 2009, those with cystic fibrosis (CF) were barely living to graduate high school. Now, thanks to the advancements of the CF Foundation and because of donors like you, people with CF are living longer lives, going to college, getting jobs, having a family, and beyond. With people living into their 50s with CF, it is incredible to think how far we have come but to think of how far we still have to go.
Thanks to you, there are drugs that look to correct the genetic defect of CF at its source. Remarkable things are happening within the world of CF for patients who can take these drugs, those that were on the lung transplantation list are being taken off, hospitalizations have been drastically reduced, and there has been a steady increase in lung function for most. But not everyone can take these drugs, because of the many mutations of CF and while the Foundation has made many great advancements in research, access to care, and therapies for those with cystic fibrosis, there is still no cure, and many are still losing their lives too soon.
By now many of you know that I hike for everyone living with CF but also in memory of Maeve Leonard. Maeve lost her battle with cystic fibrosis at the age of 14 years old while awaiting her second, double lung transplant in 2019. My hope is that by continuing to support CFF efforts is that the many people I know with CF and those I know with loved ones with CF will never have to bear the unspeakable loss of someone they love because of cystic fibrosis.
Since the CF Foundation is not federally funded, I ask for your support in the fight to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. By making a donation you can say that you played a part in making CF stand for “CURE FOUND” when the day comes.
Thanks to private donors like you and special events such as the Xtreme Hike, these achievements have contributed to an increased life expectancy of more than double in the past 30 years. I am grateful to be a part of these milestones and be a part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation legacy.
Making a donation is easy; click on the donate button and you are just a few clicks away from helping us give those living with CF a chance to live the full and healthy lives they so deserve.
Sincerely,
John, Grant, and the Barlow Family
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