My Xtreme Hike Story

A few years ago, I met someone who would eventually become one of my closest friends. Influenced by a mutual friend, Megan purchased her horse ‘Georgia’ at the same time I got ‘Scout’ and we kept them together at the same barn. While getting to know each other and our new horses, I learned that Megan lives with cystic fibrosis (CF). While I was vaguely familiar with some of the new drug therapies that had become available to treat CF, I still had the mental concepts about CF instilled in me during OT school, i.e. that rehabilitation potential was limited due to frequent complications and prognosis.

As Megan shared her story, I learned that she was once unable to ascend a flight of stairs, but after starting a new CFTR modulator medication, has made remarkable progress. Her improved health has allowed her to engage in physical activities including hiking, strength training, and riding her own horse, as well as all the barn chores that come along with horse ownership! Megan is a remarkable person with exceptional strength who uses her talents and abilities to care for those around her, including her family, friends, pets, and community.

I am fundraising to help continued development of these types of medications that correct the malfunctioning protein made by the CF gene. Unlike Megan, not everyone with CF can access or benefit from the currently available treatments. There is still work to be done.

I am committed to training for and completing the Xtreme Hike, a difficult 23.8-mile hike in Davis, West Virginia, with Megan to mark a huge milestone – her 50th birthday.

Thank you for supporting my dear friend and I in this cause. With your help, we can continue to support treatment advanced and improved quality of life for those living with CF.

With sincere gratitude,

Emily