SURVIVOR FEEDBACK

I have often considered myself disabled and avoided activities my friends did, thinking I couldn't do them myself. However, after kayaking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing, I've decided that I can do much more than I ever believed possible. Since returning home, I have been pushing myself and thinking about First Descents whenever I hear myself say 'I can't.'

    Peanut

First Descents challenged my physical and emotional limits and reminded me of my inner strength. The staff taught me how to try new things and that even if I flipped over in my kayak, the fact that I tried is enough.

    Giggles

First Descents has a unique understanding of what cancer patients need.

    Wacky Chan

It's amazing to find a group of people who know what you are thinking and feeling without having to say a word. I miss my First Descents family.

    Charmed

Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for making me cry. Thank you for this amazing week in my life.

    Eco

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.

    Truffles

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.

    Sassy

Fun-loving, caring, dedicated, funny, talented, generous, lovely and inspirational people.

    Ace

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.

    Cowgirl

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... witnessing the kindness, giving, compassion, nonjudgment and deep connections among attendees and volunteers.

    Gypsy

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.

    CeeCee

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the family I have gained. I still turn to many of my FD friends for support. Although months may pass before I see them again, we pick up right where we left off.

    CeeCee

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... learning about myself and that I can push myself farther than I thought possible. It also taught me to appreciate what I have because it could be taken away before you know it.

    Butta

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... fabulous. The staff and volunteers were so generous, patient and understanding. I felt that they all were genuinely enjoying themselves and definitely believed in what they were doing.

    Butta

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 The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... open minded. I've met few people that can have a discussion about cancer without feeling awkward. Having them be so open minded helped me be more open. 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!!!

    Nomad

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... open minded. I've met few people that can have a discussion about cancer without feeling awkward. Having them be so open minded helped me be more open.

    Ionosphre

While my physicians prevented me from dying (for which I am incredibly grateful), FD helped teach me how to live.

    Chucky

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... experienced, inspirational, and unforgettable. There truly is not enough that can be said of those that volunteer their talents and time to all of us attending a first descents kayaking camp. These individuals are the very definition of selfless.

    Wacky Chan

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!

    CSchmit

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... meeting other young survivors and bonding with them in such a supportive environment that only a camp can bring about.

    Sheboing

First Descents provided me with an incredible experience that allowed me to truly "live my life to the fullest," a feat I had never actually tried to achieve before. I was able to share a week of adventure, relaxation, and fun with a terrific group of volunteers and other young adult cancer survivors who allowed me to feel as if I could completely be myself. It was the first time in 3 years, since my cancer diagnosis, that I truly felt comfortable. I was able to finally be myself in a place that was SO different from where I live and from the way I live my life. I am so grateful for the experience and can honestly say that the way I view and live my life has been changed after the week I spent in Montana. I'm so inspired by the experience, as well as by the people I met, that I am continuing to live my life to the fullest and have just signed up to train for a half-marathon, something that would never have been on my "to do list" previously. I hope to be able to experience First Descents once again in the future and look forward to it more than anything else.

    Vice

Cancer took away my self-confidence. First Descents gave it back. They don't tell you to take it easy or baby you the way everyone else around you has. They want you to jump in and take control of yourself again. I'm tearing up just writing about it because the volunteers, staff, and other campers bring such joy out in each other that it's really hard to describe the feelings that you have while your at camp and when you get home. First Descents for me is was a life saver!

    Amber

I told Chris that I'm finally going public with my cancer on Facebook. It's time. You guys helped give me the confidence to worry less about how others might view me. I've got the wind back in my sails :)

    Townie

There is always a bright side to everything. I was reminded of that many times again this past week

    Johnny

"is home from best week of his life"

    Loco, posted on Facebook right after camp

It was great to have a week off from the Cancer

    Loco

Attending First Descents is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

    Giggles

I am so thankful that FD exists, it makes a positive out of something very negative.

    Nymph

The kind of empowerment First Descents fosters transforms the survivors who go through it. It is a huge boost to survivor quality of life.

    Nomo

FD was such an amazing experience because it allowed us all to feel like perfectly normal 20(and 30) 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.

    Doce

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.

    Baby Guac

As a volunteer at First Descents for several camps over the years, I can say with confidence that THERE IS NOTHING LIKE FIRST DESCENTS OUT 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.

    Mulk

First Descents blew my expectations out of the water! I signed up for an adventure camp with hopes to step out of my comfort zone. Being a cancer survivor got me into the camp but living to my potential and beyond helped me finish my camp. I walked away with a new found appreciation and desire to live every moment with everything I have. FD has changed my life and I cannot imagine my life without my new FD family.

    Farley

FD gives a renewed hope and a sense of accomplishment that is robbed from some people that have had cancer. Cancer makes you realize the magnitude of which you rely on others....not just for self-definition....but mere existence! This camp taps into the inner core of each person who attends.....both camper and counselors alike. I can and have written long stories all about First Descents and what this camp is/can do!

    Big Daddy

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.

    Polish

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 acclimate 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!

    Turby

Two years ago today, I had surgery to remove the tumors from my abdomen and got preliminary biopsy results confirming that I had cancer. Or, more realistically, I was unconscious and on all kinds of killer pain meds while my parents worried about the news from the lab.With all of the talk about chemo and prognosis (and trying to fit in my senior pictures before I was bald), it took a while for anyone to tell me what really happened that day--I got an invitation to the coolest camp and the coolest sport I could have imagined. The past two years have added some scars, removed some hair, and given me new appreciation for being allowed to sleep through the night. While I could have done without the nausea and inability to walk, any disease that has First Descents as a side effect just got a little bit easier to take. I know I'm alive because of my doctors, but I'm well because of people like you. Thanks again for an awesome week and all of your support over the past year, and here's to many more.

    Baby Guac

I would like to thank EVERYONE at First Descents for helping my wife continue to SMILE and LIVE with cancer! She was pretty damn cool before she went kayaking in Montana...now she's even more KICK-ASS (I didn't think that was possible)! We will continue to spread the word about FD.

    Johnny's Husband

Sweet! Brilliant is not the only thing i can say about the program... Fan-freaking-tastic sums it up pretty well too.

    Ryan S.

Before taking the plane at the Kalispell airport I bought a T-shirt very opportune for the kayak and life experience I lived. I want to share the small text written on it: Advice From a River Go with the flow - Immerse yourself in nature Slow down and meander - Go around the obstacles Be thoughtful of those downstream - Stay current The beauty is in the journey!

    LoveSeat

I just wanted to let you know I received a job offer from that interview I went on (I was talking about the job at camp). Very exciting! Anyway, you guys gave me the confidence to nail my interview, even with very little hair. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate being at camp and how I felt it helped me walk into a 4 person panel interview with confidence!!

    Townie

I want to sing again

    Loveseat