First Descents

First Descents is by far the greatest networking group for young adults with cancer! And there's the bonus of learning rad outdoor adventure skills such as whitewater kayaking and rock climbing. I happen to get this message first hand from our participants, as I work at several camps per year as "camp mom" and at each camp I attend, the consensus is overwhleming that FD is amazing and changes/touches their lives deeply! It is the greatest thing I have ever been involved with!

This camper story says it all about this organization:

'm not really good with words, but I'm going to try. Every day since I finished treatment I woke up and told myself I was healed because it was so much easier to deny that I was still hurting than it was to admit that I probably wouldn't be completely healed for a long time, or ever. I never spoke to anyone about my illness, not even my parents, I wanted people to treat me normally and not see me as "that girl with cancer." At FD people accepted me, and for the first time in 14 years I was able to talk about my illness, it wasn't easy but I finally feel like maybe I'm on the right track. I got to work on my fears of being underwater (I never really learned to swim because I couldn't get my central line wet when I was sick), and I met some of the most awe-inspiring, courageous, beautiful, and warm hearted people on earth. I was terrified of the graduation rapid, but just as I was going over it I felt all of the love and support of everyone at camp 61, family, friends, and that of my friend/hospital roommate who passed away when I was 7. That love and support brought me safely through the rapids, and there was a huge sense of accomplishment and freedom when I caught that final eddy. A lot of my emotional pain was washed away somewhere between the lake on the first day and running the graduation rapid. Thank you is not enough for what you and the other staff at FD have done, but I have to say thank you so so much for being so supportive and fostering an environment that allowed us to challenge ourselves, face our fears and learn from each other. I will be joining Team FD to say thank you and pay it forward, hopefully rowing a marathon. This will be the greatest athletic challenge I have ever faced, but I will draw my strength from my week at First Descents. What an amazing organization.

My husband and I were able to receive scholarships to attend FD's first couples retreat. Since I went through cancer when our relationship was still in the very early stages (he was just my boyfriend) it was very helpful and empowering to be around other couples with the same issues we struggled with. I did great on the white water kayaking. It was a great bonding experience for me and my husband. I think it was a great way not only to boost my self confidence but to reassure him that I was ok. FD cooked all homemade meals family style while we were there. There were so many WONDERFUL volunteers with the organization and this trip. We had an ER doctor that came down the river with us on his day off, the kayak enthusiasts who enlisted their friends to loan their boats for the week, etc.

I haven't felt so alive in a long time!! You start to think the world actually only consists of what you're experiencing, like surgeries or uncertainty or loss... but then you taste mountain air and spider up a rock face and remember THERE IS SO MUCH MORE LIFE TO BE LIVED.

I have been involved with First Descents since 2004. I have known the founder Brad Ludden since 2001...I can tell you all from personal experience that you will not find a more committed group of people than those behind the wheel at First Descents. Spend one day in their company and you will be infused with the inspiration that they pass on to young adult with cancer and cancer survivors on a daily basis at these camps. I have spoken with dozens of cancer survivors that have attended these camps, and they all say the same thing: "one of the best experiences of my life" Brad, Chuck, Jinny, and the whole FD crew in Colorado are a personal inspiration to me as well to keep giving back and helping people in need. Join this cause, and you will feel like a new, better person...I promise you. Terry L., Montana

I was a participant in one of the FD kayaking programs last summer. It changed my life. I'll never forget the connections I made with other survivors and one day I hope to be able to give back to this great organization that has given me so much!

First Descents is the most effective cancer survivor support organization I've been involved with during a career of over 30 years in oncology. Both participants and volunteers and empowered and enriched by the experience. Cancer survivors must get beyond victimhood to live full and happy lives- First Descents helps them rediscover the confident and capable person inside who may have gotten lost during the cancer journey.

Cancer taught me about death. First Descents taught me how to live. Most valuable week of my life. I hope many others will be able to attend and benefit as I did.

This program is amazing. As a benefactor of a wonderful week kayaking in Montana near Glacier National Park, I can highly recommend this program. A huge part of what makes it so great is the amazing volunteer staff. I know that this organization spends it's money wisely on providing wonderful experiences for cancer survivors. As someone said, "This is a cancer camp that's not about cancer." It's about amazing experiences, challenging yourself to do something difficult and sometimes scary, and making great friends along the way.

Magical. Energizing. Peaceful. Challenging. Loving. First Descents ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite experiences. The moment I stepped off the plane and met my fellow FDers, it felt like a family. I was amazed at the instant trust each one of the campers had in the volunteers and counselors. FD gives you an opportunity to be out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in the midst of the most beautiful spots in the country. Because of my experience with First Descents, I even more grateful for my second chance at life.

First Descents was an amazing esperience for all attending lending to continued reflection and positive life changes for all. FD brings together young adult cancer survivors with others who have been through a similar life threatening disease and gives them a place to connect and not feel alone, face fears of descending whitewater rapids (and of illness), and be in nature to heal on the emotional, mental and Spiritaul levels, in a supportive, kind, fun and playful atmosphere. I saw many volunteers give so much to others over the week-it was awesome!!!

I took my First Descent in June 2008, and it was an experience that would forever change my life. In August 2004, at 32 years of age, my carefree world as I knew it was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. For the next 7 months, I battled this disease with every ounce of strength I had. I easily coasted through my treatments and surgeries never imagining that the period following my cancer treatment would be so difficult. For months afterwards, I struggled to find my “new normal”. I felt that I had missed out on so much as I watched my friends around me move up in their careers, get married, and have children. I often felt I had no one to turn to, no person who would understand how I really felt. And then there was the constant fear of mortality... In June 2008, I boarded a plane to a First Descents camp in Montana with many reservations. To my surprise, my reluctant decision to attend was one of the the best decisions I ever made! For the first time since I was diagnosed, I did not feel different or pitied. I was challenged to do things that I thought I could never do. I learned the true beauty of humankind through the volunteers I met. I took a little piece from each camper that to this day continues to inspire me. Most importantly, I learned to love myself again. I returned home happy, empowered, and part of a whole new family. Thanks in grand part to First Descents, I was finally able to close my "cancer" chapter. No more pity parties for me!! I have since completed a half-marathon, learned how to snow ski, continued my travels, and returned to the "social scene". My wonderful medical team in Miami may have cured me physically, but First Descents mended my battered heart and soul.

First Descents has a unique offering of adventure which bring together young adults. Together we face our fears and take on bigger challenges each day. Without the forces walls of a therapy room or hospital, the conversations naturally occur. The friendships are life-long and the new found confidence is amazing. First Descents is the best thing to come from my cancer experience. FD offers well structured programs, with highly qualified staff. The amount of care put into our safety is amazing. Thank you FD!!!

I recently returned from my second camp. Cancer is many things but two things that come to mind are that it is limiting and it is a betrayal. I face physical limitations, such as fatigue and poor balance, that limit my world compared to before being diagnosed. Others may have lost their fertility, limbs or bear other physical and emotional scars. Beyond that, cancer is a betrayal; our body is literally killing itself and acts in ways that defy sense. First Descents is the anti-dote to all of this. While there are many things I can't do compared to my pre-cancer self, one thing I can do is kayak. And to learn something that requires physical exertion and balance, has given me a newfound confidence that is difficult to explain. While my physicians prevented me from dying (for which I am incredibly grateful), FD helped teach me how to live.

Seeing firsthand the approach that First Descents takes to young adult cancer, via kayaking as adventure therapy, has revolutionized my thinking on how an organization can use adventure sports to give back and how effective that gift can be to each and every participant and volunteer!

This was my second full week experience with First Descents (FD). As a returning camper to their adult cancer survivors kayak camp, I expected nothing but a memorable experience - and I was not disappointed! FD provides adults with both a physical and emotional experience by connecting them with other adult survivors in a comfortable environment. Between the kayaking, the food, staff/volunteer support, and the sharing of personal triumphs and struggles - you almost forget it cost your health to attend. By connecting with more survivors and mixing in an activity that some of us would never have encountered on our own, FD has created the perfect blend for adults to rejuvenate and inspire.

I recently returned from my first week with First Descents. It was life changing! I met some of the most amazing people in my life that week, campers and staff included. I loved the adventure of kayaking but mostly enjoyed being surrounded by people filled with strength, courage and an abundent willingess to live life to the fullest. FD creates an atmosphere that is unrivaled! The Ludden family is amazing for creating this opportunity for young cancer survivors and I hope to do my best to assist them in furthering their efforts and to continue to experience First Descents for years to come!

I have recently come back from my third camp as a camper at first descents. It is a place you go to challenge your self and finally feel you hace control over what you do. The staff is thare to watch you and help you when you need it and will make shure you feel safe. I would say this camp is the best one i have went to it really dosent even feel like a cancer camp. you are thare to make friends and have a good time and finally made to feel like you arent broken and you can do any thing.

I recently worked as a volunteer at a First Descents Kayak Camp for young adults with cancer. The very positive attitude, support, and encouragement seemed to provide a wonderful experience for campers and staff alike. I hope to volunteer again.

First Descents has been the most amazing thing that has happened in my life since cancer-if not my whole life. I recommend this camp to everyone I know with cancer. I get goosebumps just thinking about all the amazing bonds I've made within just the first day of knowing everyone! I felt more comfortable there than I ever have in my entire life. I'm absolutely in love with FD and would one day like to become a counselor! This experience has changed my life forever! The best thing about FD is that they push you in kayaking no matter what you're skill level is. I look forward to going back next year!!! :) Thank you, FD, for the best time of my life!

First Descents is an amazing organization that centers on offering a camp experience like no other. It provides a great opportunity for young survivors to test their emotional and physical strength, to become strong again. I had never had the chance to go to camp as a kid. Before going, I had joked that this was my last chance to attend since I was almost at the age cut off (since it focuses on young survivors.) During my week at camp, I was challenged physically more than I could imagine, but never more than I was willing. I always felt safe and incredibly supported by all of the staff and safety boaters. I learned kayaking skills and had incredible experiences on the water. But the comraderie and support off the water was just as important. First Descents may have taught me how to kayak, but it also taught me how to live, Without Fear.

First descents was an incredible experience, both for me as a volunteer and for the participants. Looking back at the video of the week and comparing the first tentative wobbles of the participants as they entered the current for the first time and comparing that with the footage from the end of the week where the entire group aced Graduation Rapid is very moving to me and still brings tears to my eyes because I am so proud and blessed to know everyone that I met at FD. To watch people come out of their shell and go from being scared or intimidated to enjoying things and being playful with what once scared them was amazing (and the parallels to life are obvious there too...). I think kayaking is a great thing for cancer survivors because it is a great equalizer. In paddling gear everyone just looks like a kayaker. Way to go FD!

You get to camp and are scared but then you remember that being scared is nothing new after going through all you have been through with your illness. Then you jump in, literally, to the water and start to aclimate to the world of kayaking. Kayaking lingo, kayaking thrills, start to become your focus and you forget the past, time becomes eternal, as you master the physicology of it all. The warmth, support and love of all the expert and dedicated staff reminds you just what matters in this world, not that you needed a reminder. By the end of the week your body is in better condition, even if you still feel sore. Lifetime friends are made and the place in your heart that expands to make room for more happiness grows bigger. It feels all so magical but it really is a result of all the positive energy that flows back and forth among everyone. It is a tremendous adventure, not to be missed. Adventure therapy-was definitely coined at First Descents!

When you are going through cancer treatment your family and significant other might try to understand what you are going through but no one knows better than other cancer survivors. First Descent's gave me a chance to get away from the harsh reality and enjoy the outdoors while learning how to kayak with other survivors that have gone through similar scenarios. For me, there was nothing better than connecting with nature while connecting with peers in which I can comfortably talk about cancer.

First Descents is the most powerful organization I have seen. I attended First Descents and was blown away, not only by the staff and experience, but by the inspiring atmosphere that the campers help create. It provided an escape from treatment, motivating and EMPOWERING cancer survivors to beat their disease and take control of their lives.

First Descents was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to all young adult cancer patients. The staff was great, the kayaking was awesome and hanging out with other young adult cancer patients was something no one else could provide for me. This organization deserves our support because they truly are helping young adult cancer survivors.

After my first week as a volunteer at First Descents I almost felt guilty that I had taken away so much from my time at camp. I was supposed to be helping the participants, young adults with cancer aged 18-34, and they ended up changing my life. The participants arrived at camp and immediately jumped into the FD programming. Most campers arrived at camp ready for anything. Others were guarded, shy and not so sure about the whole kayaking as treatment program. The best part was that they all left empowered and ready to deal with whatever life had to hand them. They have inspired me to appreciate my life, not sweat the small stuff and most importantly, raise as much money for First Descents as possible. Over the past two years my husband has raised almost 200K for First Descents. Since my week at camp, I have taken on a number of admin. jobs for FD that I can do from my home in Maryland. All the volunteering I do for them is better than any sales commission that I have ever received. The feeling of giving back to this amazing organization is indescribable. The impact First Descents has on its participants is truly unbelievable. I feel lucky to be a part of the FD family.

First Descents has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have had since being diagnosed with cancer at 25. The experience was based on outdoor adventure and putting myself out there with others who have gone through what I have gave me so much hope and stregnth. Being surrounded by such positive energy and optimism and spirit was healing. First Descents made me whole again.

One of the most difficult parts of being diagnosed and treated for cancer as a young adult is the isolation experienced during and after the barbaric treatments we are forced to endure. As a three time cancer survivor, at the age of thirty, I have taken advantage of the programs offered by First Descents for two years, and will continue doing so as long as I am able. The sense of community amongst survivors, which is built at each camp create life-long bonds between those of us who understand what it is like to have had the rug pulled out from under us by a life-threatening illness. The support I have gotten from everyone I have met at camp keeps me motivated while kayaking, and throughout the year.

May name is Richard Harvey. I am a 4 year brain cancer survivor and I count my 2008 First Descents Whitewater Kayaking Camp as one of most empowering, exciting and beautiful experiences of my adult life. First Descents’ mission is to help young adult cancer survivors recover their sense of physical and mental wellness. I arrived at camp grateful that they had provided my camp experience free of charge. I was going to get to do something I never would have been able to afford do or to set up on my own. When we arrived, First Descent leadership gave all of us new campers nicknames; one’s with attitude like Slick, Carney and for me NoMo (for NoMo Chemo Man). It was a signal that now it was time for each of us to find the can-do rough-and -tumble personas going through cancer had beaten down in us. Each new day at a First Descents Camp meant a new level of challenge for me. The ample professional staff to camper ratio ensured my safety and success. Many of the staff members were volunteers from the medical and kayaking communities. I was grateful for their loving support and the sense of stewardship for the sport that they love that they engendered in us campers. The leadership at my camp went to inspiring lengths to accommodate the varying levels of physical wellness and coordination in the group of survivors at my camp. I learned about the beauty of being on the river. I learned that kayaking is a great way to be with nature without causing any damage. I never would have guessed on the first day of camp what I was capable of doing by the end. I have shared information about First Descents with anyone who was willing to listen as I attended brain tumor conferences this year because I believe this program is truly transformative for young adult survivors. I am grateful I will be back for another camp in 2009.

First Descents was first brought to my attention in Vail, CO and I was an admirer from the sidelines. Little did I know it would be part of our daughter's experience a little over a year ago! Since then my husband and I volunteered at a hugely successful fund raiser, meeting the founders Brad and Corey who are totally committed and the coolest guys on the planet. FD was empowering, rewarding, a learning and teaching experience, humbling, and positive in a world which was being viewed negatively because of the cancer diagnosis.

I think a big part of having cancer as a young adult involves trying to let the world know that you are still a normal 20-something. For me that meant pretending cancer never happened or that it had no impact on my life. FD was such an amazing experience because it allowed us all to feel like perfectly normal 20-somethings that happened to be cancer survivors. First descents let me open up and assess the impact cancer really had on me and talk about it with other survivors without feeling like my life was a pity party.

At First Descents, the reaction to my cancer wasn't a pitying gasp or awe-tinged shock, reactions that I got a lot after being diagnosed at 17. Instead, my fellow campers offered empathy, encouragement, and assurance that life goes on after cancer. My week on the river introduced me to an incredible and inspiring community, led me to rediscover the joy of physical achievement, and helped me make the transition from being a patient to being a survivor.

First Descents was an amazing experience i have been going for two years. it has definately shed the light on what we can do if we put our minds to it. i truely love what they do, and admire what they do cause it takes very special people who reach out to cancer survivors and i truely appreciate being able to come to this camp and show what i can do outside of my comfort zone.

As a volunteer at First Descents for several camps over the years, I can say with confidence that THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FIRST DESCENTSOUT THERE. Not only does FD pay for young adults to spend a week in the outdoors, but it empowers them for life. I still keep in touch with my friends from camp and know that their stories and courage will be with me for life. I may have taught them how to paddle, but they have shown me what true determination is.