ABOUT US

Mission statement:
First Descents is committed to curing young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empowering them to regain control of their lives by experiencing whitewater kayaking and other challenging adventure sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Why is this our mission?:
It is our hope that we can improve the lives of young adults with cancer by offering whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure sports. These experiences significantly increase self confidence. Self-confidence empowers people affected by cancer to regain control of their lives. First Descents is not just giving young adults with cancer their self confidence back, we’re also connecting a largely disconnected population.  First Descents helps shatter the illusion that cancer makes people fragile. In the end First Descents helps heal the emotional scars cancer left behind. Also, cancer is the disease with the lowest survival rate among 18-39 year olds. Every year, nearly 65,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 40 are diagnosed with cancer. In contrast to younger and older patients, the survival rates of young adults have not increased since 1975. Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors are a vastly understudied population.  Diagnosis and treatment during young adulthood often results in a range of unique psychological issues. Through First Descents we hope to bring awareness about the young adult cancer population.

How do we accomplish this?:
All of our programs are free of charge to our participants.  To keep our programs free we are continually fundraising via events, corporate funding, sponsorships, grants and private donations. All of our programs are staffed by volunteers to help keep the cost down for each program. For our participants that are in financial need travel scholarships are available. Our office is staffed by only three paid employees Director of Development Karen Crawford, Programs Operations Manager Whitney Lange and Programs/Development Coordinator Lisa Goldstein. 

What we have accomplished so far:
First Descents became a non-profit organization in 2000 by founder and professional kayaker Brad Ludden at age 18. Since then we have served over 600 young adults with cancer.  First Descents started with one camp in Vail, CO in 2001 with 14 participants and has now grown to 9 programs in 6 different states serving over 140 young adults this past summer.  With so many young adults being diagnosed each year in the USA we feel an obligation to continue to grow and offer these programs to more young adults in need. With continued fundraising support and volunteer dedication, we’re confident that we will expand to serve thousands.

“First Descents is one of those experiences that makes having cancer a blessing rather than a curse”
   ~Danielle

What can you do to help?:

    •    Become a volunteer in the office or at a program
    •    Host a fundraiser in your area
    •    Bring awareness about First Descents and young adult cancer to your local community
    •    Donate to help fund a program or a participant
    •    Ask your company about corporate matching or sponsorships
    •    Become an athlete on Team FD