My Xtreme Hike Story
Vista Miller
Fundraising for Grand Canyon Summer Xtreme Hike 2026
Vista Miller
To explain why I’m doing this bucket-list hike, 21 miles through the Grand Canyon! I have to start at the beginning.
Many years ago, when I was in college, I started working at BJ’s Restaurant in Brea, CA. Back then BJ’s was still a small company, and the two owners, Paul and Jerry, were in the restaurant almost every day. I got to know both of them and their families well. After a couple of years, I moved, finished college, and eventually returned to Southern California. When I did, Paul and Jerry hired me back to help open new restaurants.
During that time, their kids were young and often in the restaurant. One of Paul’s daughters, Stacy, has cystic fibrosis. Paul and his wife Debbie were very open about CF. they educated us, shared their experiences, and organized walks and fundraising events regularly. We did them in Stacy’s honor and to help push research toward a cure.
I’ve stayed in touch with Paul all these years and have watched Stacy grow up through social media. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she has built a beautiful family of her own. Paul has done this exact hike twice to raise money for CF, and I always told him I hoped to do it one day.
As part of my 50Before50 challenge and in my search for a few epic hikes this year—I decided it’s time. What’s better than crossing off a hike I’ve always wanted to do while honoring Paul, Debbie, Stacy, and their whole family, and raising money for an incredible cause?
By supporting my fundraising efforts, you help advance the research and science needed to move us closer to a shared dream: a cure for everyone living with CF.
Here are some words from Paul:
“My daughter, Stacy, has cystic fibrosis. She was not supposed to live to be an adult. She beat the odds and will be 40 years old next year. What a milestone that will be! But, CF is relentless, and it impacts every aspect of her life.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life”
Many years ago, when I was in college, I started working at BJ’s Restaurant in Brea, CA. Back then BJ’s was still a small company, and the two owners, Paul and Jerry, were in the restaurant almost every day. I got to know both of them and their families well. After a couple of years, I moved, finished college, and eventually returned to Southern California. When I did, Paul and Jerry hired me back to help open new restaurants.
During that time, their kids were young and often in the restaurant. One of Paul’s daughters, Stacy, has cystic fibrosis. Paul and his wife Debbie were very open about CF. they educated us, shared their experiences, and organized walks and fundraising events regularly. We did them in Stacy’s honor and to help push research toward a cure.
I’ve stayed in touch with Paul all these years and have watched Stacy grow up through social media. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she has built a beautiful family of her own. Paul has done this exact hike twice to raise money for CF, and I always told him I hoped to do it one day.
As part of my 50Before50 challenge and in my search for a few epic hikes this year—I decided it’s time. What’s better than crossing off a hike I’ve always wanted to do while honoring Paul, Debbie, Stacy, and their whole family, and raising money for an incredible cause?
By supporting my fundraising efforts, you help advance the research and science needed to move us closer to a shared dream: a cure for everyone living with CF.
Here are some words from Paul:
“My daughter, Stacy, has cystic fibrosis. She was not supposed to live to be an adult. She beat the odds and will be 40 years old next year. What a milestone that will be! But, CF is relentless, and it impacts every aspect of her life.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life”
Comments