My Xtreme Hike Story

This fall I will be participating in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Xtreme Hike for the ELEVENTH year in a row!  As difficult and challenging as the event is, it also has brought us a unique and diverse family across the state of Virginia, and inspired us in ways we can't even describe. 

We believe strongly in the mission of the CFF and all that it has accomplished and will continue to accomplish.  As a nurse in the Adult CF program at VCUHS I have the opportunity to see the effects of this life limiting genetic disease first hand.  As a volunteer with the CFF I have met even more amazing people who live with the disease personally or as it affects their child, spouse or loved one each day.  We are lucky to call these people our friends.

Real, concrete progress has been made in the search for a cure in the last few years, but the lives of people with CF are still cut far too short.  My adult patients live with a condition that used to be labeled a "childhood disease" because children did not live to be adults.  That life expectancy has changed largely due to advances funded by the CFF.  But we need to do more, and we need to do it faster.

The CFF is a highly rated organization and you can know that $0.80 of every $1 you donate will go directly to life extending research and medical treatment.  To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation home page at cff.org

There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends and co-workers who struggle every day just to breathe. We hike for them.  We hike for my patients and we hike for Briar, Evan, Chase, Faith, Jack, Josh, Wanda,Thomas, Bentley, Myles, Anthony, Liam, Jillian, Amanda,Brianna and so many more- who have touched us with their own personal stories and through their parents, siblings and friends.

We are continuously overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our friends, family, neighbors and complete strangers the past 10 years who have helped us raise close to $50,000 for the foundation.  We hope to surpass last year's number and help continue adding tomorrows to the lives of people with CF.

Any amount you can donate will be appreciated.  Thanks so much for your support.

Laura Beth