Dear Friends and Family,  
 

On Saturday, September 26th, I will be participating in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 20-mile Xtreme Hike. I am hiking to support the CF Foundation in raising funds to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. This will be my fourth year on the trail with the CF Foundation!

Cystic fibrosis is a rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that causes persistent lung infections and often limits an individual’s ability to breathe over time.

Why am I hiking?  

My friends Sue and Art Lohsen invited me to participate in the hike; their daughter, Elena, lives with Cystic Fibrosis. Last year's hike was Elena's first full Xtreme hike. She will be hiking with the team again this year! 

On September 26th, I will hike as one of the seven members of Sue’s team, “Elena’s Entourage”. 

In her own words, here is why Sue hikes: 
 

Thanks to your donations, the Foundation has developed life-saving drugs and therapies that have not only kept Elena alive, but allow her to climb mountains. In fact, Elena would not have lived to age 3 without these medications. Additionally, recent developments in gene therapies (CFTR modulators) have not only dramatically increased life expectancy but have also improved quality of life…..Elena has personally benefited from these gene modulators and is even able to consider a career in nursing—something that would have been too risky without modulators. 
 

Your support makes a difference.  
The median life expectancy for someone born with CF today has doubled over the last 30 years and continues to rise thanks to advancements in research and treatments. Since 2009, the CF Foundation has raised more than $31 million through 280+ Xtreme Hikes across the country to help support research for a cure and to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis.

I love this event and look forward to hiking with Sue and her team again this year!

Please consider donating to this year's hike so the CF Foundation can continue its great work. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help me achieve my goal. Please select or enter an amount that suits you and your family. There are various ways to donate on this platform and offline, so feel free to contact me for more information.


With Gratitude, 

Marianne