My Xtreme Hike Story

Thanks for visiting my page, welcome! I hike to end cystic fibrosis and that is what Xtreme Hike 2024 is all about. Last year, I hiked through the beautiful trails around the Massanutten Resort in Virginia, to honor my sister Catherine, and brothers Tim and John. Cousin John McCafferty hiked with me again and the weather was great, no hurricanes! I believe we made the 22-mile hike in record time in spite of the rock scramble at the end. Thanks to all that provided the OUTSTANDING support I received before, during, and after the hike! Together, we raised over $3000.00 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and CF research to overcome this terrible disease and, for a 5th year in a row, we led the MAS Mileage team in donations. Let's do it again! Catherine is always with me and still visits in my dreams, always positive and always suggesting something new. Her energy and enthusiasm for life, adventure, and family have always been an inspiration to me and have helped keep me focused. This past year I’ve had my own challenges with a prostate cancer diagnosis and surgery and the memory of my sister, and how she did not let CF stop her, has been an inspiration to Hike Until It Is Done, until there is a cure!

The first picture shows Catherine with Clara on a regular run to Findlay Market in Cincinnati. She loved biking to the market whenever she could. Clara is now in her first year at the University of Cincinnati, studying Physics. The second picture shows Catherine in our living room in Fort Collins Colorado with an infant Oscar on her lap. During that visit, we took many daytrips up into Rocky Mountain National Park where Oscar was “baptized” several times in the Cache La Poudre River. Oscar is now a Lance Corporal in the USMC and is stationed around Miramar, CA. Catherine would be very proud to see them today. They are wonderful tributes to her life.

This year we hike, for the first time, in Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis, WV. Catherine will be watching over us all and urging me, eternally, to "Go! Mojo Jojo!". Through the hike we continue to love and honor her and work to help others who still struggle with CF. Please consider making a donation or providing some encouragement in support of our efforts this year.

Thanks,
Joe