Paddling beyond my diagnosis: First Descents

Mere days after lamenting my never-to-be life as a competitive weightlifter, something cool swoops into my life: First Descents.

According to their website, “First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.”

I first heard about this organization when I attended Stupid Cancer’s OMG Summit (now re-branded as Cancer Con) in 2012, but I didn’t go to the website and sign up for their email list until 2014. At that time First Descents was booked for the rest of the season, but I submitted an initial questionnaire and promptly forgot about it.

Then a few months ago I got an email from First Descents asking about what programs I would be interested in: surfing, climbing or kayaking. I am not a fan of heights, and I don’t quite trust the ocean, so I said I was interested in kayaking.

Fast forward to two days ago: I was checking my email at lunch at BAM! There was a message from First Descents saying that their summer kayaking schedule was released and if I wanted to go I better call ASAP! (I’m paraphrasing.)

I looked at the schedule. I looked at my work calendar. I looked at my home calendar. I looked at my volunteerism calendar. ALL THE CALENDARS. I couldn’t believe it--this could work!

I am now in the process of getting a few things squared away so I can attend a kayaking and camping adventure in late August in (wait for it)… Montana! Yay!

I am so excited about this. I had no idea this adventure would pop into my life and I now have something to look forward to.

In my last post I wondered what I was training for, and now I have a fun new purpose. I am training to go kayaking and camping!