My son, J, has cystic fibrosis. Every day includes medications and enzymes, and our evenings are filled with airway clearance therapies that help keep his lungs working the best they can. His care is constant and non-negotiable. He does hard things every single day.

So this August, I'm choosing to do a hard thing for him.

And I won't be doing it alone! My nephew, Nate, is joining me - and we are stoked. We're hiking together to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research and care. To participate, each hiker must raise $2,500, bringing our team goal to $5,000. We're training hard, logging miles, and preparing our bodies for this challenge.

I'm hiking because my son - and people with cystic fibrosis just like him - fight hard every day just to live. Every step I take on this hike is for them.

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, and too many people with CF still die young. CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. It makes breathing difficult, weakens the body's ability to fight life-threatening infections, and often leads to irreversible lung damage and respiratory failure.

While medications like Trikafta have been called "miracle drugs," that hasn't been the reality for everyone. Trikafta caused serious harm for J and was not an option for him. While another medication is now in the pipeline, it still isn't a cure. With recent cuts from the federal government to research funding, organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the scientists working toward life-saving breakthroughs need our help now more than ever.

Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this disease differently. While progress has been made, far too many families are still waiting - waiting for better treatments, waiting for longer lives, and waiting for a cure.

Every little bit helps. Thank you for supporting our team and for helping us change what's possible for people with cystic fibrosis.

Mt. Hood better look out - here comes the Salty Boy Crew.