Dawn Cochran
My Hike Story
Why we hike 2025 edition
Huge shoutout to you all for the support over the years! Last year was amazing and just what I needed. Rob and the CF Foundation (CFF) team took care of me along the trail and made sure I felt safe and cared for, every step of the way. I truly felt so loved.
I can’t believe that it has been 19 years since I saw RW, heard his laugh, witnessed his smile and was able to hug him. We are at the point where he has been gone as long as he was here with us. Honestly, how can that be true? My brain has a hard time grasping the reality until I look at pictures and see how little Harrison and Sebastian are in the photos. Saying, “I miss him,” is such an understatement, even though it’s true, it’s so much more than that. One of my greatest wishes is that no other family has to experience the profound loss that we live with every day.
Words from the CFF that explain the fight, and our “why”.
“There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m hiking to help change that reality.
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.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal (5K combined for Rob and I), you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
Why we hike 7.0 2024!
What a year it's been! As some of you may know, I couldn't take part in the Xtreme hike last year due to cancer treatment. I'm now back on the trail and ready to get back to Yosemite for the CF Xtreme hike. I know the 20+ miles would be too much for me but feel the pull of the mountains and want to give my all to participate in this amazing event. Over the years this hike has become more to me than just walking up a hill. Training has become my therapy and helps me to manage my stress and grief. Being out in nature allows me to deliberately slow my mind and allow the memories of RW to flow. I can see his smile and hear his laugh. In other environments, this is becoming more and more difficult as time has passed. Doing the Xtreme hike and raising money for the CF Foundation gives me such hope. Hope for better treatment for all those living with CF. Hope for a world where young people are no longer dying of this disease but thriving. Please consider supporting me by donating, sharing my post, or sending encouragement. I have received so much love from you over the years, and I truly appreciate it. If you don't know my story and are interested, below is a glimpse into my relationship with CF and the Xtreme hike
Why we are hiking 6.0 2022Due to family health issues Rob and I each hiked different Xtreme hikes, I went to Zion and Rob hiked Yosemite. We didn't fundraise, but we're welcomed by this amazing organization to join them.
Why we are hiking 5.0 2021!!! Super excited that we get to hike in Yosemite this year. Last year's virtual hike was not quite the same. Thank you all for the support over the years! It's hard to express what it means to me. I'm hiking in memory of RW (Rdub) who I miss desperately. Being out on a trail, hiking until my mind calms is one of the ways I deal with my grief. Hiking has become my therapy, and I am thankful for the Xtreme hike- I'm not sure I would have ever spent so much time on trails had I not been training and I do think it has profoundly helped me. Our hike is just a few short weeks away. If you are able, please consider donating to this amazing cause. I appreciate you all, and the support and encouragement I have received over the years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Why we are hiking 3.0 2019! I am happy to report, I am really excited to hike this year. If you have been following my journey, then you know, this has not always been the case (if you haven't my story is below). This year Xtreme Hikers will hike to the top of El Capitan at 7,500 feet in elevation. This is a total of 22 miles roundtrip with ~4,500 feet elevation gain. The hike begins by traveling on the Yosemite Falls Trail to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Then, we will take a side trip to Yosemite Peak. After Yosemite Peak, we continue to Eagle Peak before reaching El Capitan. This will be the longest hike I have ever done, and I have been working hard to prepare. The CF Foundation continues to support the research and development of treatments for those living with CF. They have made such progress and that can only continue with donations from people like you. No amount is too large or small, it all adds up to more opportunities for everyone who is fighting this merciless disease. I appreciate all of you who have donated in the past, plan to donate this year, or have lifted me up with your encouraging words. Thank you all!!!! I honestly could not do it without you.
Why we are hiking 2.0 2018 First, I want to thank everyone who supported us last year. I don't think I did a very good job of saying thank you. I'll be honest, the hike was tough. It was physically a challenge, and emotionally brutal. The day after the hike, sitting in a room with other hikers having breakfast, our story was told, and the pain that I saw in the eyes of others, nearly made me retreat again. The following couple of days were not much better and I had decided that I wasn't strong enough to be involved with the CF community. Time moves on and as always, wounds begin to heal. I meant to send out a huge, happy, thank you note to everyone, and I found that although I had good intentions, I couldn't quite sit down to write the letter. I'm m sorry about that, but here we are again, about to hike again. It took a month or so after the hike last year, but I decided I couldn't quit the hike. I need to be out there, struggling to get into shape, pushing myself through setbacks and all sorts of reasons why not to do it. The reason I need to do this is to honor RW, to remember him, and to take care of him in one of the only ways I can. I do believe in the CF Foundation and the excellent work that they do. I do believe they are closer than ever to finding a cure, and they have made advancements in treatments. I need to hike because I see hope again. Although I am sad, some days beyond what I think I can endure, I am hopeful. The hike has moved to November 3rd this year due to the fires in Yosemite. If you would like to donate, we sincerely appreciate it. If you are unable to, please know we appreciate your kind words and encouragement just as much. Below is my story-
Why we are hiking(year1) ... So, it's been 11 years since RW died. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday, then at other times, it seems like a lifetime ago. I look at Sebastian, now 13, and think about how he never got to know his brother, and I'm sad for him. We have plastered pictures all over the house, but as the years go by, I've noticed the stories are not shared as often. At times, I have flash backs, and I see Harrison, who was just a sweet 11 year old boy at the time of RW's death, holding his brothers hand as he died and my heart shatters in a million pieces. Cystic Fibrosis can be such a cruel disease, one that affects 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. It is my greatest dream, that a cure is found for CF and every child who has it goes on to live life to the fullest without fear. Rob and I used to fundraise for CF; we took part in the walks and stair climbs, raising thousands of dollars over the years to help fund research to find a cure, to help our boy, to help all of our dear friends and their children. Then RW died and our grief and sadness took over, and we couldn't bear to be around fundraising events. We couldn't t bear to be around people who were hopeful, who believed that there would be a cure. We also felt we had become a reality that other CF families had a hard time dealing with and stark reminder of what could be, if a cure or better treatments were not found. Then Brandie died and that was like a fresh, new dagger to the heart and that pushed us farther away from the CF community that was once such an influence on our daily lives. We retreated, to lick our wounds, to try and heal, and figure out what our new reality was going to be. We couldn't just quit, even when we wanted to because we had two more kids that needed parents, but we could remove ourselves from Cystic Fibrosis. Fast forward, and here we are today. We are still healing. I don't think you can ever get over the death of a child, or ever be the same again, but I hope that we can continue to heal, and this hike is part of our healing process. We are ready to be optimistic again and to have hope for all those affected by CF. We would love to have you help us along our journey. Our goal is to raise $3000.00 each (yikes) for this amazing foundation that tirelessly fights for all of the children and young adults who are fighting daily themselves to live their lives to the fullest, to stay healthy enough for better treatments, transplants, or, wouldn't it be amazing, a cure! We are asking that you support us in our journey and help support the CF Foundation by donating today.
Why we hike 2025 edition
Huge shoutout to you all for the support over the years! Last year was amazing and just what I needed. Rob and the CF Foundation (CFF) team took care of me along the trail and made sure I felt safe and cared for, every step of the way. I truly felt so loved.
I can’t believe that it has been 19 years since I saw RW, heard his laugh, witnessed his smile and was able to hug him. We are at the point where he has been gone as long as he was here with us. Honestly, how can that be true? My brain has a hard time grasping the reality until I look at pictures and see how little Harrison and Sebastian are in the photos. Saying, “I miss him,” is such an understatement, even though it’s true, it’s so much more than that. One of my greatest wishes is that no other family has to experience the profound loss that we live with every day.
Words from the CFF that explain the fight, and our “why”.
“There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m hiking to help change that reality.
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.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal (5K combined for Rob and I), you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
Why we hike 7.0 2024!
What a year it's been! As some of you may know, I couldn't take part in the Xtreme hike last year due to cancer treatment. I'm now back on the trail and ready to get back to Yosemite for the CF Xtreme hike. I know the 20+ miles would be too much for me but feel the pull of the mountains and want to give my all to participate in this amazing event. Over the years this hike has become more to me than just walking up a hill. Training has become my therapy and helps me to manage my stress and grief. Being out in nature allows me to deliberately slow my mind and allow the memories of RW to flow. I can see his smile and hear his laugh. In other environments, this is becoming more and more difficult as time has passed. Doing the Xtreme hike and raising money for the CF Foundation gives me such hope. Hope for better treatment for all those living with CF. Hope for a world where young people are no longer dying of this disease but thriving. Please consider supporting me by donating, sharing my post, or sending encouragement. I have received so much love from you over the years, and I truly appreciate it. If you don't know my story and are interested, below is a glimpse into my relationship with CF and the Xtreme hike
Why we are hiking 6.0 2022Due to family health issues Rob and I each hiked different Xtreme hikes, I went to Zion and Rob hiked Yosemite. We didn't fundraise, but we're welcomed by this amazing organization to join them.
Why we are hiking 5.0 2021!!! Super excited that we get to hike in Yosemite this year. Last year's virtual hike was not quite the same. Thank you all for the support over the years! It's hard to express what it means to me. I'm hiking in memory of RW (Rdub) who I miss desperately. Being out on a trail, hiking until my mind calms is one of the ways I deal with my grief. Hiking has become my therapy, and I am thankful for the Xtreme hike- I'm not sure I would have ever spent so much time on trails had I not been training and I do think it has profoundly helped me. Our hike is just a few short weeks away. If you are able, please consider donating to this amazing cause. I appreciate you all, and the support and encouragement I have received over the years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Why we are hiking 3.0 2019! I am happy to report, I am really excited to hike this year. If you have been following my journey, then you know, this has not always been the case (if you haven't my story is below). This year Xtreme Hikers will hike to the top of El Capitan at 7,500 feet in elevation. This is a total of 22 miles roundtrip with ~4,500 feet elevation gain. The hike begins by traveling on the Yosemite Falls Trail to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Then, we will take a side trip to Yosemite Peak. After Yosemite Peak, we continue to Eagle Peak before reaching El Capitan. This will be the longest hike I have ever done, and I have been working hard to prepare. The CF Foundation continues to support the research and development of treatments for those living with CF. They have made such progress and that can only continue with donations from people like you. No amount is too large or small, it all adds up to more opportunities for everyone who is fighting this merciless disease. I appreciate all of you who have donated in the past, plan to donate this year, or have lifted me up with your encouraging words. Thank you all!!!! I honestly could not do it without you.
Why we are hiking 2.0 2018 First, I want to thank everyone who supported us last year. I don't think I did a very good job of saying thank you. I'll be honest, the hike was tough. It was physically a challenge, and emotionally brutal. The day after the hike, sitting in a room with other hikers having breakfast, our story was told, and the pain that I saw in the eyes of others, nearly made me retreat again. The following couple of days were not much better and I had decided that I wasn't strong enough to be involved with the CF community. Time moves on and as always, wounds begin to heal. I meant to send out a huge, happy, thank you note to everyone, and I found that although I had good intentions, I couldn't quite sit down to write the letter. I'm m sorry about that, but here we are again, about to hike again. It took a month or so after the hike last year, but I decided I couldn't quit the hike. I need to be out there, struggling to get into shape, pushing myself through setbacks and all sorts of reasons why not to do it. The reason I need to do this is to honor RW, to remember him, and to take care of him in one of the only ways I can. I do believe in the CF Foundation and the excellent work that they do. I do believe they are closer than ever to finding a cure, and they have made advancements in treatments. I need to hike because I see hope again. Although I am sad, some days beyond what I think I can endure, I am hopeful. The hike has moved to November 3rd this year due to the fires in Yosemite. If you would like to donate, we sincerely appreciate it. If you are unable to, please know we appreciate your kind words and encouragement just as much. Below is my story-
Why we are hiking(year1) ... So, it's been 11 years since RW died. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday, then at other times, it seems like a lifetime ago. I look at Sebastian, now 13, and think about how he never got to know his brother, and I'm sad for him. We have plastered pictures all over the house, but as the years go by, I've noticed the stories are not shared as often. At times, I have flash backs, and I see Harrison, who was just a sweet 11 year old boy at the time of RW's death, holding his brothers hand as he died and my heart shatters in a million pieces. Cystic Fibrosis can be such a cruel disease, one that affects 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. It is my greatest dream, that a cure is found for CF and every child who has it goes on to live life to the fullest without fear. Rob and I used to fundraise for CF; we took part in the walks and stair climbs, raising thousands of dollars over the years to help fund research to find a cure, to help our boy, to help all of our dear friends and their children. Then RW died and our grief and sadness took over, and we couldn't bear to be around fundraising events. We couldn't t bear to be around people who were hopeful, who believed that there would be a cure. We also felt we had become a reality that other CF families had a hard time dealing with and stark reminder of what could be, if a cure or better treatments were not found. Then Brandie died and that was like a fresh, new dagger to the heart and that pushed us farther away from the CF community that was once such an influence on our daily lives. We retreated, to lick our wounds, to try and heal, and figure out what our new reality was going to be. We couldn't just quit, even when we wanted to because we had two more kids that needed parents, but we could remove ourselves from Cystic Fibrosis. Fast forward, and here we are today. We are still healing. I don't think you can ever get over the death of a child, or ever be the same again, but I hope that we can continue to heal, and this hike is part of our healing process. We are ready to be optimistic again and to have hope for all those affected by CF. We would love to have you help us along our journey. Our goal is to raise $3000.00 each (yikes) for this amazing foundation that tirelessly fights for all of the children and young adults who are fighting daily themselves to live their lives to the fullest, to stay healthy enough for better treatments, transplants, or, wouldn't it be amazing, a cure! We are asking that you support us in our journey and help support the CF Foundation by donating today.
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