Joseph Lewis
Dear friends and supporters,
As many of you know, our family’s journey with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been a central part of our lives for over a decade. This year marks my 15th year hiking to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF) research, and I am once again asking for your support.
This year’s hike will be especially meaningful for several reasons:
Oregon Xtreme Hike: This August, I’ll be participating in and raising money for my fourth Oregon Xtreme Hike, and 34th hike overall. We hike on a rugged section of the Pacific Crest Trail, starting at the historic Timberline Lodge, and finishing more than 20 miles north after countless switchbacks on the climbs, seemingly steeper descents, and a few “wet feet” river crossings. The Oregon trails are tough, beautiful, and a fitting metaphor for the journey faced by those with CF.
A Family Milestone: I’m thrilled that Caroline will be hiking alongside me in Oregon for the first time. While this is her first official Oregon Xtreme Hike, it’s actually her fifth CF hike overall. In fact, she joined me to scout the Oregon trail a few years ago, hiking the very route I completed on hike day. Sharing this experience with her is both humbling and inspiring.
Pushing New Limits: This hike is also a “warm-up” for an even more extreme adventure in September, when I’ll trek over 100 miles in six days through Colorado’s high country, staying at the historic 10th Mountain Division Huts. Most of that journey will be at elevations between 9,000 and 12,000 feet—a stark contrast to my usual 590 feet above sea level. In many ways, this will be the closest I come to experiencing the daily challenges of living with CF, where every breath can be a struggle. Cell coverage will be minimal during that hike, but I look forward to updating you on the adventure as we test out the concept for an “Xtreme Expedition”.
Each year, these hikes remind me of the progress we’ve made—and the distance we still have to go. Thanks to advances in research and new therapies, people with CF like Caroline are living longer, healthier lives. But for many, a cure remains out of reach. Current treatments are not effective for everyone, and even the best medicines only manage symptoms—they do not cure the disease.
Our family remains committed to the day when CF stands for “Cure Found.” The path ahead is still daunting, but with your help, we are making real strides. Your generosity directly supports groundbreaking research, better treatments, and, ultimately, the hope for a cure for all those living with CF.
Thank you for considering a donation this year. Your support means the world to us and to thousands of families like ours. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about cystic fibrosis, the Foundation, or our hikes.
With gratitude,
Joe & The Lewis Family
As many of you know, our family’s journey with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been a central part of our lives for over a decade. This year marks my 15th year hiking to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF) research, and I am once again asking for your support.
This year’s hike will be especially meaningful for several reasons:
Oregon Xtreme Hike: This August, I’ll be participating in and raising money for my fourth Oregon Xtreme Hike, and 34th hike overall. We hike on a rugged section of the Pacific Crest Trail, starting at the historic Timberline Lodge, and finishing more than 20 miles north after countless switchbacks on the climbs, seemingly steeper descents, and a few “wet feet” river crossings. The Oregon trails are tough, beautiful, and a fitting metaphor for the journey faced by those with CF.
A Family Milestone: I’m thrilled that Caroline will be hiking alongside me in Oregon for the first time. While this is her first official Oregon Xtreme Hike, it’s actually her fifth CF hike overall. In fact, she joined me to scout the Oregon trail a few years ago, hiking the very route I completed on hike day. Sharing this experience with her is both humbling and inspiring.
Pushing New Limits: This hike is also a “warm-up” for an even more extreme adventure in September, when I’ll trek over 100 miles in six days through Colorado’s high country, staying at the historic 10th Mountain Division Huts. Most of that journey will be at elevations between 9,000 and 12,000 feet—a stark contrast to my usual 590 feet above sea level. In many ways, this will be the closest I come to experiencing the daily challenges of living with CF, where every breath can be a struggle. Cell coverage will be minimal during that hike, but I look forward to updating you on the adventure as we test out the concept for an “Xtreme Expedition”.
Each year, these hikes remind me of the progress we’ve made—and the distance we still have to go. Thanks to advances in research and new therapies, people with CF like Caroline are living longer, healthier lives. But for many, a cure remains out of reach. Current treatments are not effective for everyone, and even the best medicines only manage symptoms—they do not cure the disease.
Our family remains committed to the day when CF stands for “Cure Found.” The path ahead is still daunting, but with your help, we are making real strides. Your generosity directly supports groundbreaking research, better treatments, and, ultimately, the hope for a cure for all those living with CF.
Thank you for considering a donation this year. Your support means the world to us and to thousands of families like ours. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about cystic fibrosis, the Foundation, or our hikes.
With gratitude,
Joe & The Lewis Family
JUL
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