What’s it Like to Volunteer at Epic Experience?

I was a camper at the 7W Ranch in January of 2017 and returned in February of 2019 as a volunteer. It was surreal going back to Epic after what was a life- changing visit as a camper. As everyone poured into the lodge on Sunday evening, I could feel a lot of nervous tension. I’m sure the campers were …

Yard Sale

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. …

What is Palliative Care?

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 …

Cancer Club

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 …

Don’t Be a Stuffer

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. …

The Epic Journey of Sailor

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 …

Camp Impacts Everyone, Including the Medical Volunteers

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 …

“When I is Replaced by We, Illness Becomes Wellness!”

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 …

Ironman Boulder 2017

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 …

“Real living is living for others.” – Bruce Lee

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 …