Survivor Feedback

Through our First Descent, we ascended and transcended from cancer survivors to a family empowered. I’ve kayaked beyond my turbulent life and paddled my way to OUTLIVING IT!!! Thanks so much.” -Stormy, 2012

“FD was the quintessential experience. I have been having problems becoming comfortable in my new cancer body. My week in FD gave me the chance to know that I can still do whatever I put my mind too. The people there have given a new meaning to friendship and to caring.” -Dak, 2012

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

“BELAY ON?… ON BELAY!
ON ROCK?… ROCK ON! -participant 2012

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

The amount inspiration you get from the group of survivors you are with is something out of a movie. There is so much passion and determination in such a small group of people that became some of my closest friends, and the memories I made with them will inspire and motivate me for the rest of my life. – M^3, 2012

My life post cancer has been mostly lows, very depressing, not believing in myself. FD taught me a valuable lesson…….life is like a Wave Train. There is both ups and downs, but if you believe in yourself and hop on, you will have the ride of your life!! Thank you FD! I woov choo! - Paisley, 2012

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

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

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

“What is great about FD, is that if offers the absolute best learning environment possible because the best learning environments are ones that offer the learners an experience, rather than a “lesson.”  The lesson occurs only when the learner interacts with the experience.  Because each of us brings his or her own life experiences and prior knowledge to the table, or in this case, river, each takes a different lesson away from the experience.   Our 40+ crew drew from a variety of life experiences, and during our time together, we wove the personal with the collective to create a beautiful mosaic.  A 15-year old might not see the bigger life lessons inherent in a kayak tipover and recovery, but a 50-year old cancer survivor definitely experiences epiphany when she has to turn that boat (her life) back over! ” -Ooh Ooh, 40+ program 2012