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.

Epic Experience came into my life while working as an inpatient nurse on the Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Units at University of Colorado Hospital.  I was instantly drawn to the idea of community and positive change for cancer survivors. 

I spend my days learning from my patients and trying to provide them with the best care possible.  However, that care needs to continue outside of treatment.  Epic Experience has shown me the beauty of life lived to the fullest regardless of health issues.  It has also spoken to the impact of commonality and understanding of one another.  Volunteering at camp is life altering and I hope to bring it's significance into every room I walk into for the rest of my career. 

When not at camp or work, I spend most of my time outdoors.  I love a good butt-kicking hike, skiing fresh powder and drinking delicious craft beer.  I will be setting out to do travel nursing and am excited to see where this crazy whirlwind called life takes me. But I know I always have a home with Epic.