Grayton's Guardians Xtreme Hike at Glacier
Join Grayton's Guardians in making CF stand for Cure Found!
Hi! We're Grayton's Guardians and we're going to cure Cystic Fibrosis. We're inspired by Melissa's son, Grayton (age 9) and our bestie's, Regina's nephew, James (age 8) - both diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis weeks after their birth. On July 26, we'll be hiking with some of the most amazingly strong and powerful women in Glacier National Park as part of the Xtreme Hike to raise awareness and critical funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Grayton is full of energy and joy—he loves flag football, baseball, and soccer—and is doing incredibly well thanks to the unbelievable advances in science, including the life-changing medication Trikafta. It’s because of breakthroughs like this that my son can run, play, and thrive. But we’re not done yet.
When Regina's nephew, James, was diagnosed with CF at 3 weeks old we felt helpless and alone. She was 27 when he was born and the life expectancy for CFers was 30, that didn’t sit well with her and she knew she had to get involved to help my family. She found Xtreme Hike through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and became hooked. The community, hiking beautiful national parks and our shared passion for finding a cure drew her in.
CF is known mainly for the affect it has on their lungs but it affects their entire body and organs. 90% of CFers are pancreatic insufficient. James has been taking enzymes to help him absorb nutrients in food since his diagnosis.
Through your continued support and donations to the CF Foundation we have made accomplishments we never imagined possible. James has been a part of a clinical trial for the last 2 years. Last year we realized his pancreas began working and he has been able to stop taking enzymes.
It brings us so much joy watching James accomplish and live out his dreams. His greatest dream is to become the first MLB player with CF. Last year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grated James his wish and he was able to meet the Atlanta Braves at Spring Training.
For the first time ever 60% of the Cystic Fibrosis population are adults. This milestone is historic. What was once known as a childhood disease is now a lifelong journey. Their life expectancy is now in the 60s! Now, almost 9 years later we have become family with other CF families and thanks to your continued support and donations we feel hopeful. None of this is possible without you and we am eternally grateful.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease that still claims far too many lives. While we’ve seen amazing progress, there is no cure, and continued investment in research is essential. Even with new treatments, individuals with CF will need lifelong, personalized care—which is why fundraising is so critical. I’m beyond grateful for this sisterhood of hikers who show up—not just for this hike, but for Grayton and our family—and for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, whose tireless work gives families like mine real hope for the future.
Every step we take in Glacier is for a better tomorrow—for Grayton, James, and for every person living with CF. If you feel moved to support, please consider donating. Together, we can climb toward a cure.
Xtreme Hikers - Glacier: Niki Armstrong, Jennifer Campbell, Kelly Conner, Lynne Derby, Natalie Dean, Regina Hernandez, Jen Evans, Jenna Mattox, Austin Mahler, Natalee Rowe, Amy Rolen, Chaise Schmidt, Julie Stine, Courtney Stone, Brittney Suchanek
Until Its Done,
Grayton’s Guardians 💜
