My Xtreme Hike Story
Linda Douglas
Fundraising for 15th Annual Xtreme Hike Massachusetts 2026
Linda Douglas
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE HEAVIEST LOADS BEARABLE!!!
Dear friends,
This Saturday, June 6th, is the 15th CFF Massachusetts Xtreme Hike. Patrick’s Posse joined the hike in its 2ndyear back in 2013 and I hiked for 12 years. This Spring I did a few training hikes but because I still haven’t addressed my foot issues, I will once again be volunteering. I will support the hikers, including Posse members Jim, Diane, Meredith, & Jane, to have the safest and best hike possible as they hike 27 miles, 6k of elevation through the Berkshires. They will be hitting the trail at 3:30AM to start a 12+hour hike while volunteers Mary, Elizabeth, and I set up tents, rest stops, trail signs and prep food and supplies to ensure a successful day for all!
Initially I hiked in support of Diane & Jim’s son Patrick but now I am also involved to help many friends I have met since then who are impacted directly or indirectly by this challenging disease.
Patrick update: Patrick has been out of BC for 3 years, enjoying his job in Boston at Data Dog, loving life in the Northend and spending time with his girlfriend Anna. Pat fortunately continues to enjoy good health thanks to the breakthrough drug Trikafta for which CFF played a large role in funding research.
THANKS to your INCREDIBLE generosity, we recently learned that Patrick’s Posse, through this hike alone, has raised over $720K!!!! Together we have had a direct impact on CF medical research and breakthrough treatments!!
So isn’t that enough? Why do we continue to hike/volunteer?
So…we continue to hike and volunteer towards more viable treatments and ultimately a CURE. The support you have given over the years is overwhelming and for that we are forever grateful. If you happen to be in a position to support us this year, please know that ALL donations, ANY size, will make an impact. You can donate by:
Weather is looking much better than last year! As you rise tomorrow, please send positive thoughts & prayers for a safe and successful day for all of the hikers (& volunteers)!
With hearts full of love & gratitude,
Linda & the Posse
Diane, Jim, Pat, Liz, Mary & Meredith
xxoo
Dear friends,
This Saturday, June 6th, is the 15th CFF Massachusetts Xtreme Hike. Patrick’s Posse joined the hike in its 2ndyear back in 2013 and I hiked for 12 years. This Spring I did a few training hikes but because I still haven’t addressed my foot issues, I will once again be volunteering. I will support the hikers, including Posse members Jim, Diane, Meredith, & Jane, to have the safest and best hike possible as they hike 27 miles, 6k of elevation through the Berkshires. They will be hitting the trail at 3:30AM to start a 12+hour hike while volunteers Mary, Elizabeth, and I set up tents, rest stops, trail signs and prep food and supplies to ensure a successful day for all!
Initially I hiked in support of Diane & Jim’s son Patrick but now I am also involved to help many friends I have met since then who are impacted directly or indirectly by this challenging disease.
Patrick update: Patrick has been out of BC for 3 years, enjoying his job in Boston at Data Dog, loving life in the Northend and spending time with his girlfriend Anna. Pat fortunately continues to enjoy good health thanks to the breakthrough drug Trikafta for which CFF played a large role in funding research.
THANKS to your INCREDIBLE generosity, we recently learned that Patrick’s Posse, through this hike alone, has raised over $720K!!!! Together we have had a direct impact on CF medical research and breakthrough treatments!!
So isn’t that enough? Why do we continue to hike/volunteer?
- Although incredibly successful, these treatments are life-extending, NOT A CURE.
- 10% of CF patients still have NO suitable treatment
- Many continue to battle lung infections and need research to find new antibiotics
- Life expectancy for CF patients has increased from 31 in ‘05 to 65 for a child born today – amazing progress but being 62 myself, that is incredibly alarming!
So…we continue to hike and volunteer towards more viable treatments and ultimately a CURE. The support you have given over the years is overwhelming and for that we are forever grateful. If you happen to be in a position to support us this year, please know that ALL donations, ANY size, will make an impact. You can donate by:
- Following my link: https://fundraise.cff.org/xtremehikema/PsPosseLindyD26
- Mailing your check, payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and send to: Linda Douglas, 45 Sacramento Street, Unit 1, Cambridge, MA 02138
Weather is looking much better than last year! As you rise tomorrow, please send positive thoughts & prayers for a safe and successful day for all of the hikers (& volunteers)!
With hearts full of love & gratitude,
Linda & the Posse
Diane, Jim, Pat, Liz, Mary & Meredith
xxoo
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