Wheaton girl completes 21-mile hike to combat cystic fibrosis

Maddi Bertrand knows firsthand that when you have cystic fibrosis, even breathing can be difficult.

But the 14-year-old Wheaton girl, who was born with the disease, is determined to do what she can to prevent a shortness of breath, a cough or the weakened state of her lungs to stand between her and her goals.

Last month, the Glenbard West High School freshman and her mother, Linda, completed a one-day, 21-mile Xtreme Hike through the Manistee National Forest in Michigan to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Linda Bertrand says her daughter is the first person with cystic fibrosis to complete the foundation's Greater Illinois Chapter Xtreme Hike.

The trek already is an arduous journey as it is, Linda said, but for Maddi, her body has to work "probably at least twice as hard as the rest of ours would have to work because her lung function is significantly lower than the average person."

Despite the challenges, Maddi said the hike was a great experience.

"It was very, very amazing," Maddi said. "I was able to meet so many new, great people."

The best part, though, was when mom and daughter both successfully navigated the course.

"When I saw that finish line," Maddi said, "I just got really excited and I just started running."

This was the second year the Greater Illinois Chapter has sponsored a hike; other treks take place in other states. Last year, Linda completed the trek without Maddi, but this time the mother/daughter duo tackled the path together.

The foundation's Xtreme Hike program aims to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis, according to the group's website.

Maddi was born with the disease, which primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

Those with CF can have a hard time breathing because of the mucus buildup in their lungs, which also can trap bacteria, leading to infections.

Maddi spends a lot of time taking medications and undergoing other treatments, but also finds time to play the flute and has started learning to play piano.

She also does martial arts and is a member of West's marching band.

"Just everyday life, it's kind of hard, because not only do I have to deal with … like homework and friends and family and what not, I have to deal with this health, I have to deal with my CF," Maddi said.

Linda Bertrand admits she had some concerns about her daughter being able to finish the hike, but she never had any doubts Maddi would give it everything she had.

"Ever since she's been a little girl, she's had such a spirit of determination and willpower that I knew if nothing else, that was going to carry her through," Bertrand said.

Now the Bertrands are looking beyond the hike and toward a bowling fundraiser they're planning for the foundation on Oct. 11 at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. To donate to their fundraising efforts, visit http://www.fightcf.cff.org/goto/MaddisMudrunners.