Though Nick considers himself lucky to have been born with such a mild case of CF, he has still had many struggles with the disease. Nick was diagnosed with CF when he was 12 years-old after nearly dying of pneumonia. His main struggles with the illness have been breathing difficulty and lung infections. Throughout his life he has experienced severe lung infections that required IV antibiotics, hospital visits, and even led to hemoptysis (coughing up blood).  

       Nick has found a way to cope with his illness by turning to the mountains. Nick's passion for climbing has taken him all over the world. He has conquered several peaks in the Alps and even summited Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest mountain. Most recently, he has set his sights on Mt. Everest. Nick first went to the mountain in 2014 when an avalanche killed 16 Sherpa workers and ended the season early. Breathing On Everest followed Nick to Nepal for the 2015 climbing season but the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country put an end to his attempt. This past spring Nick returned for his third time and the documentary team went with him to capture his journey as he gave it his all to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. 

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