3 1⁄2 years ago, I’d have laughed if you’d suggested I could hike 2.6 miles up and down mountain trails. This year, I plan to do 26. I’ve signed up for the 26.2 mile Virginia Xtreme Hike to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
I confess to a dual motivation: The first, to be sure, is the need to find treatments and a cure for cystic fibrosis. I’ll talk more about cystic fibrosis, the foundation, financial accountability and why research dollars are so important after the orange whatchamacallit divider thingy.
My second reason is more personal: Because I can - and that's an amazing thing. In January 2011 I weighed 320 lbs (150 now, thanks for asking). I have exercise-induced asthma and osteoarthritis in both knees. Yet I've already completed over 200 miles of training hikes for this event.
This hike is a dream come true for me. Won’t you help support me along the way? My fundraising goal is $2500 and all donations are 100% tax deductible. You can find my donation page HERE.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF. In people with CF, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
• Clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.
• Obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients.
Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are making a huge difference in extending and improving the quality of life for those with CF. Historically, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Even fewer reached adulthood. Today, many with the disease can expect to live to their 30’s and 40’s. Real progress has been made in the search for a cure, but the lives of people with CF are still cut far too short.
All gifts are 100% tax deductible. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation meets the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability. You can find out more about CFF here; their financials are here.
Please help! Any donation, small or large, will make a difference. You can support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and me by making a donation on my personal page.