It's finally time! After years of watching my mom (and later, Thomas) hike, I'm so excited to be joining them on the trails this year!

For those that are new here, my brother, Thomas, has cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a chronic genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and pancreas. There is no cure. When Thomas was diagnosed in 2006, the life expectancy was 37.  Today it is over 60 years old, thanks to the efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. There are drugs that target the basic genetic defect in CF. And Thomas is thriving.

This year, Thomas graduated with a degree in Astronomy from UMD, taught an advanced STEM program to high school students in Georgia for two months, hiked the Georgia AT in 3.5 days, set a school record for 4State (Maryland AT with parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania totaling over 48 miles), and has run every training hike leaving all the rest of us in the dust — not bad for a kid with lung disease!

However, there is still work to be done. There are thousands of CF mutations, and not all of them can benefit from the existing therapies. While Thomas is the most common mutation and is on the third generation of CF modulator (and works his butt off to keep himself healthy!), his lung function has still declined slightly. We still need a cure. 

Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?

By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.

Thanks,

Emma :)