Hello! I’m Lahana, or as the rest of the world knows me, Kelly Capre. However, I prefer my camp name “Lahana.” I came to camp in June of 2016. A couple months prior, a friend told me she had just signed up for a camp later that summer. Later that day, I watched the video on Epic’s home page. I …
In May 1999, as a recently engaged thirty-two-year old, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Given the two western medicine options—hysterectomy and a relatively untested drug—I opted for door number 3: an alternative juicing therapy. Six months later, however, it became clear the cancer was too aggressive and I ended up having a hysterectomy anyway. I never really wanted kids. …
Following treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma in the 1970s I enjoyed 35 years of great health. My high school sweetheart and I married and adopted two boys from Thailand. We’ve pursued adventures without limitations and with little thought of cancer “survivorship.” Then shortly after I turned 50 a series of health issues, including a secondary cancer, began to develop. Each of …
Because I work in the cancer not-for-profit sector, when November rolls around each year I am often asked, “What is the difference between Movember and No Shave November?” Good question, but is it the one we should be asking? The month of November gives us a chance to think about something else: How do we build awareness within the cancer …
I have always had a strong desire to find a profession where I could help people. As a childhood lymphoma survivor, I found oncology nursing to be the perfect fit. I love being a nurse, especially for oncology patients. I am fulfilled in my job knowing that I have an opportunity to help people overcome the biggest struggle of their …
This year marks 20 years since my initial diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease, now known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was 17 years old at the time and a senior in high school. All these years later, and I am still dealing with long-term effects and secondary cancers. I began searching on good-old Google for a getaway for cancer survivors because I …
This quote by Malcolm X represents literally what I believe in! Togetherness is a key factor when it comes to well-being. Togetherness and the healing power of nature are exactly the two elements Epic Experience provides to cancer survivors, fighters, and thrivers. I had completed active treatment for my primary brain cancer six months prior to participating in my week-long …
June 15, 2017 In the aftermath of all of the soreness, hobbling around, and celebrating a job well done with photos, phone calls, and text messages, I’m finally sitting down to reflect on my first Ironman. 🙂 In the two days prior to the race, what I found most surprising was the overwhelming sense of calm I felt. I expected to …
In 2014 with absolutely no symptoms, I went in for my 50-year-old preventative colonoscopy and was shocked when the results came back as stage 3-4 mantel cell lymphoma (MCL). I quickly spiraled into a nice depression while we scrambled to get a second opinion and discussed treatment options, which ranged from “wait and see” to “you are young; hit it with …
By the time I found Epic Experience, I had already been an oncology nurse for approximately seven years; however, I had never witnessed oncology patients actually doing well in the outside world. The oncology nursing staff at University of Colorado had been gathered together in one of our auditoriums for a standard quarterly meeting. I found out very quickly that …
