This year I'm hiking in memory of my Papa. He always said I was his "hero". For 25 years, Papa cared for me and raised

me to become the woman I am.

We spent countless hours in hospitals, waiting rooms, and every weekend when I would stay at his house, I would sit in his lap, and he would do chest PT on me while I did my nebulizer. He would always sing silly songs and make it a lot more fun. If I was hospitalized, he brought me anything I ever asked for. I never ate hospital food, so Papa was often on meal duty. Normally, I would request waffles.

When Papa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he looked to me for guidance through the medical journey he was about to endure. He would say that if I could do everything I do with 50% lung function, he could get through whatever cancer was going to throw his way. It is beyond devastating to lose him.

He was so proud of my advocacy work and the articles I wrote for the CF Foundation. He believed I was much smarter and wiser than I have ever believed myself to be. Even in his final days, he was sure to let everyone know I was "the biggest inspiration".

During last year's hike, whenever I could get a bar of service, I sent him updates on my way up to the top. He cheered me on the whole way. He has always been my hero, and motivation to live life to its fullest.

I will be doing everything I can to keep his memory alive. Papa dedicated so much of himself to fundraising for CF my whole life. From BBQ events in their backyard, Great Stride walks, and Cycle for Life events - Papa did anything he could to fundraise for a cure.

It is deeply appreciated for any donations made. There is currently no cure to cystic fibrosis, and I still struggle with daily battles of chronic illness even with the great medical advancements we do have.

I will keep advocating until there's a cure for all, doing everything in my power to live a life as big as Papa's was.