Hello There!
My name is Brady and I am a 17-year-old senior at BASIS Oro Valley in Tucson, Arizona.
Beginning this February I am thru-hiking the 800-mile Arizona Trail to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation and as part of a senior project. I am doing this largely in part of my good friend Nic.
Nic is one of the nicest young men you’ll ever meet. He has lived with the Cystic
Fibrosis his whole life.
if you would rather just watch a short summary of what I'm doing, watch my TV interview
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetically inherited disease that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the
lungs, pancreas and other organs. When mucus builds up in the lungs bacteria can get trapped,
leading to infections, lung damage and eventually respiratory failure. The mucus buildup in the
pancreas can lead to the prevention of enzyme release that help digest food, making it
hard for the body to digest vital nutrients. Some CF patients have to go as far as being fed
through tubes or having lung replacements by their 20s. Due to all the possible complications,
the average lifespan of a CF patient is around 35. However, many patients never make it to the
age of 10.
Why hike for CF?
It all has to do with a boy named Nic. I’ve been good friends with Nic for years. I met him at
church and we have been friends ever since. Nic has lived his entire life with this condition. Before
meeting Nic I had never heard of Cystic Fibrosis, and I've learned a lot from him. Nic has to go through treatment 3 times a day and he must wear this vest that vibrates his lungs for about 20 minutes. What I love about Nic is how full of life he is, he has not allowed this condition to sap his spirit in the least and if you’ve ever meet him, I bet you can say the same thing. He genuinely is one of the kindest, most friendly guys I've ever met. Thinking about the struggle and burden he has to live with breaks my heart. Nic is one of the luckier CF patients who should live a fairly full life, but hundreds of thousands of people are living with this condition and are not as fortunate as he is.
What's the "Arizona Trail"?
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is an 800-mile trail stretching throughout Arizona, comparable to the better known Appalachian Trail. The Trail weaves its way from the Mexican-American border to the Utah-Arizona Border. Currently, no minor has ever completed in its entirety, I would like to be the first. I am beginning my trip mid-February and should finish two months later in mid-April.
How can I help the CFF?
Press donate!
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.
I am a seasoned hiker and outdoorsman, but this trail is a monster for even the most well-versed hiker. In order to complete the trail I need supplies for 2 months, as well as some new gear to accommodate for the cold night temperatures in the mountains, two months of freeze dried meals can cost a pretty penny (over $1000). Add on countless things like an ultralight tent, water filters or money to get dinner when I reach a small town and the price tag really adds up.
Financial support is key. I am still in high school and do not have the financial assets to pay for this whole trip. My family has been wonderful enough to support me in any way they can but money is tight and we cannot afford all the gear needed. That is why I am trying to reach out to anyone I know to ask for donations.
What support have I gotten so far?
I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with some great people and great organizations in preparation for my trip. Summit Hut has been incredibly generous and given me over $1000 worth of gear. I have been able to get support from the Arizona Trail Association, plan with a Summit Hut employee and get support from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Summit Hut and from friends, family and total strangers