“Boarding put me in control.”
“After you’re diagnosed, control over certain areas of your life is taken away from you.
Less than a year after a lumpectomy and chemo, I was ripping it up on the mountain again.
In 2009, B4BC will launch a scholarship program to send survivors to snow, skate and surf camp.
For more information, check outBoarding for Breast Cancer.
“Being outside makes me feel alive and happy.”
“As a climber, you have to breathe with your steps for get through the ups and downs.
Having that focus and endurance helped me during my recovery from cancer.
I forced myself to walk laps around the hospital floor, dragging my IV pole beside me.
I’d concentrate on my breath, as if I were climbing.
Last May, I hiked the Grand Canyon and next I’m tackling a trail on Mount Rainier!
“Yoga helped me find peace.”
“When I’m in yoga class, I feel as if I’m part of something bigger.
I pray to let go of the negative energy.
I pray for gratitude.
Mostly, I pray for inner strength.
The cancer had already spread to my uterus, and my only treatment option was a radical hysterectomy.
After my surgery, I fell into a deep depression.
I’d wanted to have my own children.
I also felt frustrated that I didn’t have energy, that I didn’t have strength.
A month later, I started doing yoga.
I take what I learn on the mat into the world.
When I’m doing the poses, I realize I’m stronger than I ever knew.
Now I’m four years cancer-free!”
Get involved.Yoga Bear provides cancer survivors with free classes at local studios.
VisitYoga Bearfor info or to donate.
“Cancer messed with the wrong person.”
I learned I had cancer in July 2006.
But by the fourth day, my stomach started killing me.
Two days later, I was having emergency surgery to remove a 2-inch tumor from my colon.
During chemo treatments, I’d think, This is something I can triumph over.
This is my chance to kick cancer’s ass.
I can’t wait to explore.”
Get involved.First Descents organizes free kayaking and rock climbing trips for adults ages 18 to 39 who have cancer.
To sign up, volunteer or donate, visitFirst Descents.
“I am competing to show the world that cancer did not stop me.”
Ironically, in the middle of my training, I was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin lymphoma.
As weird as it sounds, I felt lucky.
Not only did I catch it early, but I had a coach and team standing behind me.
Even though I couldn’t race, I went to practice every week.
Finishing the race will mean this nightmare is over.”
