My Xtreme Hike Story

My Xtreme Hike Story

I first learned about cystic fibrosis in medical school. During my earliest experiences in pediatrics, I met some patients with CF both in and out of the hospital. I knew I wanted dedicate my research and clinical training efforts to help people with CF. Nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who face the sobering prospect of a shortened lifespan. I hike for them.

As the director for the SUNY Upstate CF Care Center, I have the privilege of knowing over 100 of these patients personally. Over the years of since medical school, I've seen many children with CF grow up to be amazing adults with CF.

Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Some of the recently approved "CFTR modulator" medications can prevent the complications of CF if started early enough. However, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies. Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis – a life free from the burden of this disease – and we will not leave anyone behind.

You can support me!

By supporting my fundraising goal, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.