I know I used to post a lot more online, but over the years I’ve gravitated away from the social media spotlight. I can’t say this post is initiating a full return, but I do want to mindfully come back into the sphere bit by bit. So I figured the best first way to venture back into LinkedIn posting is to talk a bit about my breast cancer and a few opportunities I’ve recently landed in that space.
Most of you know that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021, two weeks after I turned 27-years-old. That was five years ago. And in the breast cancer community, 5-year survivorship without recurrence is usually an indicator (from medical professionals) that my chance of recurrence lessens over time. I’ll never fully be out of the woods, but I am excited that this year (in November, technically) will be the first major step toward full survivorship for me.
I’ve been less publicly vocal about my breast cancer journey as the years have gone on, but privately, I’ve done research on programs offered to survivors as part of their healing journeys. This led me to apply to several cancer survivor retreats, and by the grace of God, I was selected for not one, but three different retreats this year.
The first one was this past weekend, fly fishing in the middle of Missouri with 13 other wonderful breast cancer survivors and thrivers alongside an incredible group of volunteers who put on an unforgettable weekend teaching us to cast, tie flies, and fly fish for the very first time. A huge shout out to Casting for Recovery for the opportunity.
The second and third opportunities are coming up later this summer, but I’d love to focus on opportunity #2 for this post. I will be attending a retreat with True North Treks in the UP in Michigan. This retreat is for survivors of all cancer types who were diagnosed between the ages of 18–39 along with one person of our choosing who has supported us through our cancer journey.
True North Treks is a fully-funded experience for survivors that runs on a pay-it-forward pledge that all participants partake in. Our goal is to raise $1200 per attendee to help future survivors and their caregivers attend an experience like I’ll be doing in August. This upcoming trip was funded by past participants fundraising for future participants, and now it’s my turn to raise funds for future participants so that other young survivors may have an opportunity to attend next year.
This 5-day trek will consist of hiking, meditation, yoga, swimming, camping, and most importantly, connection and conversation with other young survivors. It’s an opportunity that, looking back five years ago when I was in the trenches of pre-chemo IVF, chemo, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy, I’d never have believed would be a possibility to experience.
For moments during diagnosis and treatment, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I’d live or die. But I’ve had the blessing of surviving, the grace of living, and now, the opportunity to pay this once-in-a-lifetime experience forward for future survivors. I’ll drop the donation link below for anyone who’s interested in helping me raise funds for future attendees. I can’t wait to share the experience with you all once I’ve attended my retreat this August.
| HELP A FUTURE YOUNG SURVIVOR ATTEND TRUE NORTH TREKS! DONATE NOW |
I’ll drop info below for those of you interested in learning more about True North Treks, their mission, and how you can be involved either as a future participant or a volunteer:
Candidly Cancer 