My Xtreme Hike Story

As many of you know, the Cystic Fibrosis Xtreme Hike for a Cure is very important for our family. Fifteen years ago Addie and Grant's father started the Xtreme Hike with his best friend Amos. Since then the hike has grown and expanded to many cities and national parks around the country. I have had the privilege of participating in the Xtreme Hike in the Adirondacks in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Ashton joined me in 2017 and Addie joined me in 2021. This year I'm lucky enough to be doing the hike with both Ashton and Grant who is joining the CNY group for the first time. Addie and Grant will be hiking Haystack this year - a 46'er (there are 46 peaks in the Adirondack Park that reach over 4000 feet in elevation) which will total approximately 16 miles and have an elevation gain of 3874 feet and should (hopefully) take about 10 hours to complete.  Due to some health complications I've had this year I have asked Grant to take my place and, depending on weather conditions and how I am feeling, I will hike Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge with another group the same day.

In the 20+ years our family has supported the CFF we have seen incredible progress and development. New drugs like Kalydeco and Trikafta have significantly extended the lifespan of many patients who have Cystic Fibrosis and improved their quality of life. Last year's hike was incredibly inspiring as I hiked alongside a CF patient whose lung capacity had improved by almost 30% on Trikafta enabling her to do the hike (and kick my a** in the process!)

Unfortunately CF has many mutations and strains so we have not been able to help everyone. In 2020 our family lost a dear friend and CF fighter. This year we hike in memory of Maeve and with hopes that eventually CF will stand for Cure Found. Please consider supporting Grant, Addie and me as we hike August 19th and know that your contributions are truly making a difference in the lives of those with Cystic Fibrosis.