The Annual Hike-for-a-Cure climbed to its fifth year this past September. With 175 hikers this year, the half dome challenge is growing every year. In 2004, the organization raised $70K, and the goal in 2005 is to match last year if not supersede. To contribute to the organization, visit www.hikeforacure.com

Hike for a Cure was started by Ron and Colleen McPeek-Bechtold, to raise funds for research and a cure for a rare disease called Langerhans cell Histiocytosis (LCH). Their son, Anton, was born with it, and in addition to raising funds, the family is raising awareness and bringing other affected families together.

There has been much progress in the field over the last five years. Ron and Colleen attended a medical talk on histiocytosis at Stanford a month ago. “It seems like the understanding of the disease has advanced quite a lot in the past two years.  They have discovered some markers for the disease, a specific indicator tied to the disease.  This is a clue that will allow genetic testing for histiocytosis and will start to define a target for disrupting the disease”, says Ron.

“On the treatment front, the results of different treatment regimes continue to come in.  It is becoming clearer what specific drugs and dosage levels are optimal for initial treatment (minimized side effects from the drugs, maximum impact).  If it works, the treatment goes for 6 months now. It used to end shortly after the disease went away.  This appears to significantly reduce the chance of remission.  If it doesn't work, the 'next step' trigger is pulled much sooner and the escalation to the next level of drugs happens more quickly than before.  This also increases the probability of stopping the progression of the disease early before too much damage has occured. It is exciting to see this.  The understandings and treatments have come a long way since Anton was initially diagnosed.”

When asked about his most memorable moment from this year’s hike, Ron chose the Saturday night pre-hike dinner. “The number of people that joined the dinner this year was huge.  It was particularly special for us as each of the families affected by the disease was introduced and the group had a chance to meet them and give their support.  The passion, commitment and enthusiasm of the hikers are quite moving.”

Nuvation friends and family continue to be a big part of the hike.  “We really appreciate the energy and enthusiasm the group brings to the weekend. So many people give much of themselves to help us make the hike successful.  This is really something that is created and sustained by this community,” says Ron.

Next year (2006), the hike is scheduled for Sunday, September 24th!

About Hike For A Cure

Ron and Colleen McPeek-Bechtold, who have a son named Anton born with Langerhans cell Histiocytosis (LCH), started Hike-For-A-Cure in 2001. Raising $10,000 with 27 hikers in their first year! The hike grew to $70,000 with 150 hikers last year! In 2005, the goal is to raise a cool $100K.

"Histiocytosis affects roughly 1 in 200,000 children born each year in the United States. Histiocytosis is so rare that there is little research into its cause and treatment and is often referred to as an "orphan disease", meaning it strikes too few people to generate government-supported research."