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 …
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 …
I first heard about Epic Experience from a good friend, Bobcat, who had attended a winter camp in 2016. She had so many positive things to say about her adventure and recommended that I apply, so I did. As the week of winter camp approached, I was anxious (who leaves behind their family to go and hang out with a …
When I meet another cancer survivor, I rarely feel as if I’m meeting a stranger. Why? Because there are no strangers in the cancer community. Before words or histories are shared, we already understand. We get it! I was overly excited about meeting men and women with whom I shared a story. Before I’d spent time with any of them, …
On the morning of Oct. 10, 2016, I opened Compass and read a story about agent Scott Hood (D-047, Hartford, Wis.) that changed my life. Okay, I have to go back a little to explain. 2016 was not my favorite year. In March, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pretty big blow! I have gone through a series of treatments including hormone …
“Every day, I am reminded that our life’s journey is really about the people who touch us.” —Stuart Scott, Every Day I Fight When I first heard about Epic Experience in 2015, I was hesitant to apply. It wasn’t because I don’t like Colorado or free stuff or playing in the snow. It was partly because I didn’t think I …
My name is Kim and I am a two time breast cancer survivor, both cases within the last four years. The first time I had a bilateral mastectomy and the second time (yes, even with no breast you can get breast cancer) I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation at Callaway Young Cancer Center. I am a strong woman whose motto all …
In July of 2012, I heard those 3 loathsome words that have impacted so many lives through the years, “You have cancer”. I was 28 and had gotten married just 3 months earlier. I felt completely unprepared for this fight. More than that, I felt it was completely unfair that I was so young, lived a clean lifestyle, had no …
I heard about Epic Experience from two previous campers. Both kept telling me I needed to go; that 7W Guest Ranch was beautiful, that the activities were awesome, that I would find a new Epic family, that I would laugh till my sides hurt—which all sounds incredible, right? But I kept dragging my feet. It’s a free week of outdoor …
