Survivor Feedback

Being blind [from cancer] has created a huge void in my life. That’s why First Descents is so awesome. Just to be given that opportunity to get back into sports, it was surreal. I was finally an athlete again. -Tailz

Here at camp, people with cancer are the majority and people without cancer are the minority. Where else does that happen? -Mateo

I felt outside my comfort zone, but in a good way. I had not exercised or used my left side since my surgery as I was afraid to hurt myself. FD pushed me beyond my limits of what I thought I could do and I went even further than I had imagined. If it wasn’t for FD I would still not be doing exercise. Since the camp I have continued my exercise regimen and feel stronger than even before I had treatment. It was exactly what I needed to help me with my physical limitations. They push you hard but allow you to determine what you can and cannot handle and are there to help and listen every step of the way! Amazing program all around! -Anonymous

It is impossible to pick one part of the week because the entire week long experience was amazing!! I loved every minute and didn’t want to leave. I would go back today if I could -Huggy Bear/Flossy

The camp was the best 5 consecutive days I’ve ever had. I was so thrilled with camp that I can’t wait to share my experience with other cancer survivors and other potential donors. I really can’t imagine that they could have done anything better. -Floyd

I felt so encouraged and empowered by the FD staff- I continue to carry this belief in my abilities to this day. -Braveheart

I felt an immediate sense of comfort with these other girls, these other cancer-surviving warriors. -Wings

Every instinct in me fought this-there was NO WAY I was going to rappel back down a mountainside. You must be kidding me. But Spare Parts, in unwavering patience, with a calm and even voice, explained the procedure to me, taught me how to properly hold my ropes, and gave me the quiet confidence necessary to take that step backwards. If it wasn’t for him I absolutely never would have done it. And yet there I was, taking that first step, and then the second, absolutely terrified for my life, holding onto my rope with a deathgrip- or perhaps more accurately, a life grip. Halfway down I heard Little Bit call out, “good job Wings, you’re doing a great job”. I nearly burst into tears. How the hell did I end up on the side of a mountain, lowering myself back to the ground with an impossibly small rope? But somehow, some way, I made it to the bottom. Relief washed over me in a way I cannot describe. I nearly burst into tears again, ha ha. I called up- “off-belay!” untied myself, and I was free. If there was ever a time when a good, stiff drink would’ve been called for, that would’ve been it. But we were a little short on whiskey, there on the side of the mountain. So I sat and calmed my nerves again. -Wings

This was an amazing week - haven’t felt that strong since my diagnosis. -Scar

This was the most amazing week. It’s the first time in 2 1/2 years that I have a story of triumph that isn’t about cancer. -Alice

Very inspiring and empowering week. -Hawk

I loved being with new people, making friends and learning a new challenging sport. -Double D

The level of positivity and support shown by every single person there was amazing. –Sharishta

 

I now have what I never had 18 years ago – a support group of other young adult survivors and I know we can count on each other no matter what our futures hold. -Eh’

This city girl fell in love with the great outdoors and kayaking! -Mojito

Kayaking and cancer brought us together, but the living we experienced formed life long bonds. -X2C

The camp was the best 5 consecutive days I’ve ever had.  I was so thrilled with camp that I can’t wait to share my experience with other cancer survivors and other potential donors.   -Floyd

I experienced instant comfort and trust with the campers and staff; on and off the water. -Bling

I haven’t felt so alive in a long time!!  -Gelato

Because of my experience with First Descents, I am even more grateful for my second chance at life. -Cowgirl

My name is Cheesesteak, and First Descents saved my life. I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA ovarian cancer in December, 2007.  In August, 2009, I went rock-climbing in Jackson, Wyoming with First Descents.  When I arrived at camp, my life as a survivor was still very much defined by fear, sadness and anger.  My body had been debilitated and weakened from my treatments.  I was unsure how to go on living. Through First Descents, I was given the opportunity to connect with other young adults who truly understood my struggles.  And through First Descents, I realized that it was possible to live fully – and joyfully – after cancer. I truly cannot imagine my life as a survivor without First Descents.  It means the world to me. Through Team FD, my hope is to raise enough money to give another young adult this same second chance at life.