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When I first heard about Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Worldwide Trek to Morocco, I was excited but also hesitant. The idea of raising so much money seemed overwhelming, and I was worried about travelling with strangers and the physical challenges of the trek itself. Little did I know that this trip would be the most impactful experience of my life. I can’t even put into words how incredible it was.
CF Canada provided tremendous support the entire time, offering fundraising tools, tips and success stories from past Trekkers. After months of fundraising, I reached my fundraising goal, thanks to the support of family, friends and my community. In November 2023, I packed a backpack and boarded a plane to Morocco, ready to embark on an adventure with a group of strangers who would soon become like family.
You might be wondering, “Why join a group trek when you can travel on your own?” While solo travel can be rewarding, travelling as a group made the experience so much more special.
Within minutes of meeting each other, it felt like I had known them my entire life. We had meaningful conversations around the campfire, sharing laughs and personal stories. Our group was a mix of parents of children with CF, lifelong advocates and a person who had CF themselves. We all shared the same goal: To help all Canadians with this disease live longer, healthier lives.
Like many, I was worried about sharing close quarters with strangers. But the Worldwide Trek team were mindful of these concerns. We stayed on a campsite, sharing six large tents where everyone had their own space. The itinerary was well thought out, allowing us to spend time with each other without feeling overwhelmed. The group size was manageable, and there were many opportunities for quieter moments and one-on-one conversations. Despite initial worries, I never felt like I didn’t have any privacy or like I was lost in the crowd.
We walked over 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert under the hot sun. It was tough, but we had ample breaks, and the pace was adjusted to ensure everyone could keep up. The whole group was incredibly supportive, offering encouragement and assistance whenever needed.
The best part of the Trek was seeing the night sky filled with stars above the Sahara Desert. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. As we gathered around a campfire under the starlit sky, I felt a deep connection to the cause and the people around me. It was a breathtaking reminder of why we were there—to bring light to those living in the shadow of cystic fibrosis.
Back home, I’m constantly sharing photos and stories from my time in Morocco. The vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and the wonderful people I met left a huge mark on me.
- Lex Watt
This shared mission brought us closer, turning strangers into friends who supported each other through every step of the journey. It truly felt like such a strong, close-knit community.
