MD
Medical Oncologist
University of Colorado Cancer Center

I became involved because I have taken care of many cancer patients and found the idea of the EPIC Experience a way to give back for all they have taught me over the years. As a cancer survivor myself, I hope to be able to empathize and empower participants in our camps.

Retired Nurse
Epic Experience Cancer Thriver

I have been a pediatric nurse for over 30 years. Most of my experience was at The Children’s Hospital on a general medical/surgical unit and coordinating pediatric clinical trials, but I did dabble in biotech and adult oncology clinical trials for the last few years.

On March 5, 2014, my life changed forever; I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Being a non-smoker all my life, this came at quite a shock. I sought care for my cancer at the Anschutz Cancer Center at University of Colorado Hospital. I was introduced to Epic Experience through the social worker and the rest is history.

I became an Epic camper in June 2014. The experience was life changing and it will forever remind me that there is, indeed, life after you have been told, “You have cancer”. Epic allowed me to push past those scary limits I set for myself and let me have fun doing it. On the days when I begin to feel sorry for myself, I think of all the brave cancer fighters and survivors from camp who are either walking a much more challenging journey than I can ever imagine or have walked the walk before me and have come out the other side stronger and more hopeful than ever.

Although I have Stage IV lung cancer, my treatment has allowed me to continue doing the things in my life I truly enjoy like running, skiing, hiking and being with my friends and family. Because of today’s cutting edge research and current treatment options, I plan on being around for a long time!

Everyone is so busy with life, but when the majority of the Epic Experience camp volunteers are previous campers themselves, it says a lot about the program. The urge to “pay it forward” is strong and this is why I want to volunteer my time and experience for such a great organization

RN, BSN, OCN
Calloway Young Cancer Center

I’ve been an Oncology nurse for 8 years. I work at the Calaway Young Cancer Center in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I’m passionate about helping my oncology patients. I joined The EPIC Experience family  because I wanted to continue to give back. I’ve spent much of my nursing career focused on oncology treatment. I’ve come to learn the Survivorship is where the continued healing happens!
Since moving to CO in 2010, the mountains of Colorado have been my playground. I love trail running, rafting, and my Berner pup Finnley.

Cyndi currently lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her husband and therapy dog, Jax. She works full-time as a nurse practitioner. She was diagnosed at the age of 26 with Ewing Sarcoma and Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016. 

Cyndi found Epic Experience while looking for ways to help her get back to a normal life after her cancer treatment. She attended summer camp in June of 2018. Cyndi’s experience at camp was truely life changing. She felt she was stuck in a world where she wasn’t able to see past her cancer diagnosis and Epic Experience provided her the opportunity to see that it was okay to plan a life after cancer. She found a whole new support sytem and family that helped her thrive.

Cyndi returned to the 7W Ranch in October 2023, with Epic’s first ever alumni week fundraiser. She brought her husband, Brian with so he could see the place that impacted her life so much. 

Cyndi continues to pay if forward by helping with the Epic Alumni & Epic Medical teams. She also gives back by volunteering as the medical personnel at weekly camps.