Hi! I am fundraising for a wonderful person who has been challenged by a rare disease. Her bunny Poppy and I are planning to hike Vermont’s five 4k peaks June 7-10 to inspire you to make a donation! Please read about this amazing person and help support her journey. ALL funds raised will go to Bree!

Here is the story: Just over two years ago, Bree was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis (RP). RP is an extremely rare autoimmune condition that attacks cartilage throughout the body, including in the ears, eyes, lungs, trachea, and heart. Bree has a rare variant of the disease that also attacks the kidneys. Despite trying a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, Bree’s disease has been stubbornly treatment refractory. And, she has spent much of the last year in and out of the hospital with systemic infections (since the treatments have compromised her immune system). This diagnosis and treatment have been life-altering for Bree, her 15-year old son (Aiden), and their bunny (Poppy). Prior to the dramatic decline in her health, she was an avid hiker who had completed 9 rounds of the New Hampshire 48-4,000 footers, helped her son complete his 48-4,000 footers shortly after his 12th birthday, and cheered on Poppy as she hopped her way to becoming the second bunny to ever complete the 48. Despite the challenges and sadness associated with the disease, Bree and her family continue to focus on hope. The next leap of faith and hope is relocating temporarily to Minnesota to receive treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Relocating cross country is expensive, as is the cost of treating a rare disease where many treatments are considered off-label or experimental. And the financial challenges are increased by the fact that it has been hard for Bree to work with the ongoing hospitalizations. Any funds raised will help make this move possible.