For those facing a life-threatening disease such as cancer, the opportunity to let go and tumble through whitewater in a kayak can be a hugely rewarding, life-enhancing experience. This is the principal upon which the nonprofit organization First Descents is based–”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.”
Last year, First Descents held its first camp in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and the organization plans to provide two more camps this summer, also in the Gorge. One of Wend‘s own iWend Ambassadors will (for the second year) be a camp counselor. Professional kayaker and kayak instructor Heather Herbeck will aid campers in participating in white water kayaking during the both of the two seven-week camp sessions this summer. But she’s not only doing that, she’s also asking people to “step out of our lives for a second and think about how seven days in this camp can change the outlook of a young adult battling with cancer . . .” And as she puts it, “It’s our resources that make this possible. Most of the campers get their ‘spot’ in FD paid for by you, me, or other businesses or organizations. Let’s make a difference . . . let’s send one camper to FD . . . .$1000 does that!”
To donate to the cause, go here.
[Photo Via: Eddy Flower]
