I found out about Epic Experience through a magazine article in my oncologist’s office. After reading how Epic claimed to help adult cancer patients learn to “live beyond cancer,” I stole the magazine (I actually told my doctor I was taking it) and applied for camp. I was thrilled to be accepted as a camper in the summer of 2018. …
Although palliative care has been around for decades, many people have either never heard of it before or couldn’t really say what it is. To be honest, many of the medical providers that I work with have a hard time explaining just what palliative care means for their patients. We in the business describe palliative care as an extra level …
Hello! My name is Cheese Curd, or Kathy. My story all began with a lump in my breast I felt in the winter of 2015. Earlier that year I had done three half marathons and took second in a national fitness challenge. I was a vegetarian for almost 40 years, ate fairly clean, received regular acupuncture, and did yoga, Pilates, …
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 …
