The missing New Jersey hiker found dead in New Hampshire last week went on the excursion to celebrate the recent strides he'd made in his battle with cancer, according to his friend.

Greg Auriemma made major progress in his battle with cancer before he died on a hiking trip to New Hampshire.

Greg Auriemma, 63, of Brick, was diagnosed with cancer a little more than two years ago and was told by doctors they "weren't sure where he'd be" in three years, according to New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel.

Auriemma, who headed the Ocean County chapter of the Sierra Club, recently learned that he was responding well to treatment and that he'd made major improvement, Tittel said.

"The prognosis was good for at least another three years," Tittle said Monday.

Auriemma's body was found Thursday in the Crawford Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest. It was recovered Friday following an extensive, week-long search.

Auriemma, a lawyer, who took a bus to New Hampshire in late June to begin his adventure, was was due back in New Jersey on July 5 for the Sierra Club picnic.

He is survived by two brothers and longtime partner, Joyce Isaza.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.