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Paying It Forward

By: Anna "Whiplash" Wallace

As a young adult cancer survivor herself, FD alumna Kym “Otter” Sinclair keeps coming back to volunteer on FD programs to pay it forward to other young adults. Over the years, Otter has joined programs in Santa Cruz, Moab and Hood River as a medical volunteer. She has a special love for Santa Cruz programs, where she gets to share the amazing place she lives with participants. “An added bonus of volunteering on programs in my hometown is that I am surrounded by all the spots where so many FD memories have taken place,” Otter said.

We asked Otter what it’s like to volunteer on a weeklong FD program:

How did you first hear about FD, and why did you decide to join a program?

FD first came into my life back in 2014 while attending a conference for young adult cancer survivors. I was struggling with my mental health and isolation after finishing treatment for lymphoma and was totally drawn to the “Out Living It” concept and excited (for the first time in a long time) about the awesome trips in the brochure. The decision to join an FD program was life-changing and the catalyst I needed to begin to rebuild what cancer had destroyed. But, it’s been the opportunity to give back to FD and pay the gift forward to those who are still struggling that keeps me coming back to serve this community season after season. 

Transitioning from participant to volunteer happened pretty naturally with my nursing background and past experience as a counselor for a pediatric burn survivor summer camp. My history of working in emergency  medicine and oncology has prepared me to address the variety of health-related challenges faced by the FD community and provide the support needed to keep everyone out living it safely all week. 

What day-to-day tasks were you responsible for?

Medical volunteers get to do all of the fun things! Not only are we master dishwashers, fashion icons and expert minivan drivers, we are also the keepers of all bandaids and sunscreens! But the core of my role as a medical volunteer is to help everyone stay comfortable, safe and healthy throughout the program. Being able to address participants’ individual needs and concerns throughout the week allows me and the team to help each person meet and exceed their expectations for the program and themselves. 

What was the highlight of your experience?

The highlight of every program is witnessing the positive changes and growth in each participant at some point during the week. That moment the group starts to connect and the outside world fades away is pure magic. Helping to enable a person to exceed their expectations of themselves and watching them absolutely crush a multi-pitch climb, rappel down a cliff, catch a head-high wave, or paddle into gnarly whitewater is simply a beautiful thing. 

What did you take away from your experience?

Gratitude. Every program leaves me with a deep sense of gratitude for the First Descents community. The FD magic doesn’t just happen. It is created by the entire group of amazing and talented people, staff and participants, who have come together with the common purpose of healing through adventure. I have the most incredible collection of friends from all over the world thanks to FD. 

What inspired your nickname?

My nickname “Otter” was given to me during my first FD program. At the time, I was an animal care volunteer with the sea otter rescue and conservation program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Sea otters have long been my favorite critters due to their fierce nature and love for naps and snacks.  

What advice would you give someone considering an FD program?

First Descents programs are totally worth pushing through the anxiety that comes with the thought of joining a group of strangers on an epic adventure. Programs always come with a warm welcome into a supportive community with others who understand the reality of living with a cancer or MS diagnosis. It’s an opportunity to live in the present and soak up all the moments of joy, reflection and connection happening in the space around you. 

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