Jem Featured on CrossFit Full Strength’s Blog…

To see the actual blog and website go to: http://www.crossfitfullstrength.com/blog/?p=2309

Jemma’s Story… 

Finding Your Full Strength
If you were to look up, “strength” in the dictionary you will find that the definition is this:  “The quality or state of being strong; ability to do or to bear; capacity for exertion or endurance, whether physical, intellectual, or moral; force; vigor; power; as, strength of body or of the arm; strength of mind, of memory, or of judgment.”  We all come to CrossFit FullStrength day in and day out to work up to and to find our full strength.  I may not be the strongest physically nor am I the fastest when 800 meter runs are thrown in a WOD, but if you were to take the time you will find that I have the mental, intellectual, and emotional toughness to bear any capacity of endurance.  That is a strength that may not be found at CrossFit, but through what life throws at us every now and again.

Behind the walls of our box are members of various levels of strength whether mental, physical, emotional, etc.  Each person has a story and their reason for doing CrossFit.  Gayle has asked me to share with all of you, my story.
Last August, I moved here from Chicago, Illinois to pursue my goal of completing my Bachelors Degree in Business & Entrepreneurship.  I also moved here from the big city out to the desert to find and re-invent myself.  Since moving here and with those goals in mind, I have signed up for a Half Marathon and four Triathlons which include an Ironman 70.3 event, all to be completed by August of this year.  I am a two time cancer survivor of Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the Lymphatic System.  I was diagnosed at the age of 23 and have been cancer free since I was 25.  This June, I will be celebrating my 32nd birthday.  A Stem Cell Transplant in where I was my own donor and recipient saved my life.   As a two time cancer survivor, I feel that it is my responsibility and obligation to raise awareness about this horrible disease and inspire others that cancer is not always a, “death sentence.”  Since having cancer, I have become a volunteer and spokesperson for three different organizations, the American Cancer Society, First Descents, and Imerman Angels.  Each of these organizations take up the fight against cancer in different ways, but they all have one common goal: No one should have to go through cancer alone.  So, every race that I participate in I dedicate to people whose lives have been touched by this disease.  On May 15th, I will be participating in the Tempe International Triathlon with Coach Travis May and CF FullStrength members, Sheila Reed and Ricardo Diazluna.  I dedicate this race to Coach Lauriel Luther.
In September, thanks to the strong suggestions of some friends I decided to try out CrossFit.  I contacted three different boxes within the valley and CrossFit FullStrength was the first to respond.  I took my first few classes while nursing some severe back problems and had quit because I thought CrossFit wasn’t for me.  However, when the New Year rolled around I reached out to Gayle and asked if I could have some one on one coaching till I was ready to enter into a regular class again.  It became a “win, win” situation as I ended up being the first student to start their “Basics class” and since then I have been addicted to CrossFit!  Today, I am down 17 pounds and two dress sizes thanks to our recent Paleo Challenge and my max deadlift has gone from 53 pounds to 173 pounds.
Finding your full strength does not always mean being the strongest physically, but also emotionally, intellectually, and mentally.  I encourage all of you to pay it forward, take the time to learn someone else’s story, and push yourself outside your comfort zone.  Remember that life is a marathon and not a sprint!  Consistency leads to endurance and think “mind over matter” and you will find your full strength in no time at all!
For more on my story check out my website at www.iamjem.com

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Oh No Jemma Has Gone Paleo…

At the beginning of March the CrossFit facility that I go to started a Paleo Challenge for its members.  The coaches wanted to challenge and introduce to its members a healthier lifestyle and a better way of eating.  It’s an optional, friendly competition based on points and not on pounds lost in the 30 days of the challenge.  Points are earned based on how many times we came in for class, for getting over 8 hours of sleep, taking fish oil, and for stretching before or after a workout for 10 minutes.  We also log into www.fitday.com and keep an online journal of what we ate for the day.  We would lose points if we ate anything that was not “Paleo friendly” such as potatoes, fried, or processed food.  For more on the Paleo Diet go to www.robbwolf.com.  It’s a great place to start reading up on the diet which is actually more like a lifestyle. 

Paleo is also known as the “Caveman Diet.”  It’s based on the concept that we eat what cavemen ate back in the day.  Protein, vegetables, and fruit.  No dairy, no negative carbs, no processed foods, grains, bread, pasta, etc.  Their way of eating may have been from over a thousand years ago, but I agree and believe that our bodies were never intended to eat all the sweets, fried, processed foods, that have slowly evolved into our dietary habits of today. 

Ten years ago I weighed 255 pounds!  In 2007 I got down to 166 pounds and by the end of 2009 I got back up to 215 pounds!!  I have been on every diet, worked out for hours, and after a few months on and off of seeing results I’d fall back into my “normal” routine of eating carbs, fast foods, sweets, etc.  The diets got “hard” and my workouts became boring.   I had tried convincing myself a hundred times over that I was just meant to be overweight and to just get use to it…  Last year, in 2010, I was introduced to an organization called, First Descents (www.firstdescents.org).  This organization provides outdoor adventure camps for young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 18-40 as a form of therapy and healing of the emotional, mental, and physical challenges that we face when battling this disease.  I am a two time cancer survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  I attended my first white water kayaking camp last year.  There, was I not only introduced to the beauty of the great outdoors, great new friends, but I was also introduced to healthier eating and where I had heard about CrossFit.  Brad Ludden, founder of First Descents and other FD Campers attend classes at their local CrossFit facilities.  It’s hard for me to describe CrossFit, but in a nutshell it combines strength training, cardio, and conditioning into an intense 30-45 minute workout.  To learn more about CrossFit go to http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html .  I have been going to CrossFit Full Strength located in Phoenix, Arizona (www.crossfitfullstrength.com) since January of this year and I am totally addicted!!  Talk to anyone that does CrossFit and they will tell you the same!  The owner, Gayle and her team of coaches are AMAZING!!!  The members are AWESOME and so supportive!  Since starting CrossFit I have gotten faster, stronger, and have built up my endurance!  I am officially down 13 pounds since we started the Paleo Challenge!!  The contest ends on March 31st, but like I mentioned earlier, Paleo is more than a diet.  It’s a lifestyle.  I don’t intend on going back to my old ways of eating.  However, I will have a baked potato here and there or a slice of cake when I feel like it.  Other than that I will remain 80-85% Paleo.  I love this healthier way of eating and I don’t miss anything so far!!  So, yes, my dear friends I will “remain” boring to eat out with when we go to restaurants.  You eat what you want to eat and I will eat what I want to eat.  I love all of you for who you are and not for what you stick in your mouth!

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Jem Featured in Team First Descent’s March Newsletter

 
Team_FD_Logo_FINAL
Team FD Athlete Profile

mojito 2This month our Team FD athlete profile features Jemma Bas-Ramos Cabral. Not only is Jemma (aka Mojito) a Team FD athlete, but she is also a First Descents alum. Jemma’s Team FD page tells her story best…

Nine years ago the big “C” word entered my world… Cancer came out of nowhere and decided to take me outside of my comfort zone, strip me of my health, my hair, and two years of my life. This not only happened once, but twice. What cancer could not do was strip me of my love for my family and friends, nor could it strip me of my attitude, motivation, and determination to look it in the face and yell, “I AM GOING NOWHERE!” 
 
Seven years later a different “C” word entered my world… Camp. Last July, I traveled to Montana for a whitewater kayaking camp through First Descents. There,  I was taken out of my comfort zone, was faced with a different type of challenge while surrounded with perfect strangers that had one thing in common with me…Cancer. Seven days later I charged through rapids and the perfect strangers were now my family. First Descents gave me even more motivation and determination to look at life’s challenges and say, “I CAN GET THERE!”
Last fall, I decided to rise up to one last “C” word… Challenge.  I decided that life gave me enough challenges, that I should push myself outside my own comfort zone. I signed up as a half marathon runner for the first year of Team FD at the Denver Rock and Roll Marathon! This year, I am challenging myself to a Triple Triathlon Challenge! I will be participating in the Marquee Triathlon (Sprint) in Arizona on April 10th, Boulder Peak Triathlon (Olympic) in Colorado on July 10th, and then Ironman 70.3 Boulder (Half Ironman race) in Colorado on August 7th.

Jemma is already almost half way to her fundraising goal of $2,500 and she has been training intensely over the past several months. We recently checked in with her to see how things are going and ask about her Team FD experience.

Why have you decided to do such an epic challenge?
I am a huge believer that one should always set goals, challenge themselves, and do whatever it takes to rise above it.

What does Team FD mean to you?
Team FD to me, is an opportunity to share with the world what First Descents does for YA cancer survivors/fighters through choosing our own challenge (race) while raising funds to pay it forward for another survivor/fighter to have the experience FD alums have had.

How has training for these events affected your life?
Training for these events has brought on a new personal confidence and physical strength. It has introduced to me a healthier and more active lifestyle. I have found myself to be happier with my life and the experience has surrounded me with such great people who are willing to help me see through these races.

A 52 year old triathlete who I work out with at CrossFit has signed up to do my first race with me in April just to coach me through transitions and get over the “new triathlete jitters.” Her friendship has been such a blessing that I want to pay it forward next year by signing up for a race with a new Team FD’er and be by their side as she
will do with me.
We want to hear your Team FD story! Email us about your challenge, your training and your motivation for participating in Team FD and you might be one of our featured Team FD athletes, like Jemma! 

 

Event Spotlight:
Climbing for Cancer
Boulder, Chicago, DC, Denver, Dallas & Los Angeles  andandLos AngelesLos AngelesLos Angeles
April 30,  2011
 
Join us for our very first Team FD hosted event of 2011! In honor of the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year, we’re challenging you to come out and help us reach our goal of climbing 70,000 vertical feet, while raising money to give more young adults with cancer a First Descents experience.
 Click here to register for the event and start your fundraising today!

 

 rebekah climbing 
 
Nutrition Info banner-nutrition 2
by Lisa Nielsen
 
Coconut oil has become the oil of choice for health-conscious people, and can be used in everything from smoothies to personal care products to natural medicine.

It is known as a functional food because of its numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion, aiding in weight loss  and reducing inflammation.
   
Coconut oil is composed mostly of medium-chain-fatty-acids (MCFA), the highest in lauric acid. MCFAs are great for providing sustainable energy, thus athletes rely on coconut oil as a key part of their high-performance diets. Lauric acid is converted by our bodies into monolaurin and is known for its immune enhancing properties.

It’s great for cooking because coconut oil has a much higher temperature tolerance than even olive oil. Its fat molecules stay intact at higher temps, so you can cook with it without poisoning your food as often happens with corn, soybean or other low-end vegetable oils.

You can add coconut oil to a smoothie to give it a creamy flavor and texture. It’s great in raw foods recipes including healthy desserts.  Using it as a spread, such as on toast, pancakes or vegetables is delicious. You can use it as a healthy alternative in practically any recipe that calls for vegetable oil, shortening, or butter. It’s also a wonderful base for personal care products for skin, hair, face and your entire body.

Be sure to buy “unrefined” virgin organic coconut oil to get the best quality and most nutrition!

Team FD Trains for the Denver Marathon with Coach, Tyler Haughnesswoman-running-776113 2
 
First Descents has taken on the challenge of the Denver Rock n’ Roll Half and Full Marathon for the first year taking place on October 9th, 2011.

This is going to be a great experience for anybody, from the first timer to seasoned marathoner. Working together as a team we will push in our efforts for Final Descent. By starting training on Wednesday April 6th, 2011 we will have plenty of time to make anyone feel comfortable and confident about running in the Denver Rock n’ Roll.

This type of opportunity does not happen very often, but when it does it is special. So if you ever wanted to see just how far you could go, wanted to make a change, a difference, then I recommend you come out and give it a try. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

I look forward to coaching this program, and feel honored to be selected as the coach for
the first year.

Thank You,
Your Coach – Tyler Haughness

Do you want to join our Denver Marathon team? Fill out your registration form and email it to: TeamFD@FirstDescents.org
 

Team FD Fundraisers Jump on the Matching Grant!fundraising_with_pennies
Our generous board members offered a fundraising match and you all took advantage of it! 

We didn’t even make it to March before all of the matches were claimed!

Thank you to Joel Appel and Brad and Kammi Reiss for your generous fundraising match of $10,000 a piece. And thank you to the following Team FD athletes who hit their $500 fundraising mark and received their match:

Alex Makler
Alissa Drinker
Andrew Fleming
Anne Meisner
Ben Skipper
Beth Silverman
Christina Dixon
Clarisa Cue
Cory Munro
Curt Skipper
Danielle Krapinski
Dawn Henderson
Dirk Sorenson
Doug Braham
Emily Beck
Evita Provenzola
Fred Bohm
George Green
Jason Ransdell
Jeff Suffolk
Jemma Cabral
Jennifer Grabowski
Jill Bankey
Jim Skipper
John Hartmann
Karim Souki
Kate Jozwicki
Kevin Riegler
Lisa Butch
Mark Ely
Mike Buckley
Natalie Conforti
Randolph Green
Ryan Fitzgerald
Sorina Rodgers
Stephen Rodgers
Susan Rafferty
Tammy Sadle
Veronica Lynch


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Why Ironman 70.3?

 Since becoming a two time cancer survivor seven years ago, I have challenged myself in various sports to support a charity and raise awareness.  I’ve been a two time participant in the Hustle Up the Hancock 52 Floor Half Climb Race to benefit the American Lung Association.  I have climbed up 30 floors for the Children’s Memorial Kohl’s Step Up For Kids Race, and I have been a two time participant in the W.I.N.G.S. (Women In Need Growing Stronger) 5K race, where one year I placed 3rd in my age group!  All of these great races for such great causes! 

For the friends, family, and people that know me, there is not one thing out there that I have accomplished that didn’t stem from some sort of spontaneous idea that suddenly floated into my busy little mind.  In 2009, I decided to travel and participate in over 25 Relay For Life events for the 25th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s signature event.  No one believed that I would or could do it.  It was an idea that came about from seeing videos and pictures from various Relay For Life events all over the world and one spontaneous conversation on how cool it would be to see those events.  Since participating in 35 Relay For Life events as of this year, I have walked in sand, snow, dirt roads, padded tracks, rain, sun, cold, heat.  It was from this accomplishment that I came to the conclusion that I would participate in the Denver Rock N Roll Marathon event as a half marathon runner for another organization that I love, First Descents, this past October.  I completed my first ever half marathon in 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 21 seconds, despite suffering a pinched nerve in mile 9 of the race.  This is the latest challenge and accomplishment to add to my list! 

Now, with the year coming to a close and a new year on the rise, I wanted to challenge myself yet again.  So, one day after text messaging back and forth with a friend, I asked her if she would do a triathlon with me.  She had agreed and mentioned that she had a goal of doing an Ironman race.  I have always heard about Ironman and knew that it was quite a challenging race.  I decided to look up more about it online and it was there I found out about Ironman 70.3, the Half Ironman Race.  Ironman 70.3 Boulder is a great compromise since she wanted to do an Ironman race and I wanted to do a triathlon.  Days after making this decision I registered for the event online!  This is my biggest race challenge ever that comes with quite the training commitment!    The last few weeks I have been talking to friends, mostly cancer survivors, about this recent challenge I have decided to take on.  It is from them I have drawn the courage and inspiration to flood out the doubts and nervousness that has crept back and forth in my mind.  I have been reminded that there are so many people out there in the world who dream to be able to do just half of what I have done so far in my life and that I should be thankful to be able to train for such a race, let alone even have the opportunity to do it.  It is for those friends, family, cancer fighters, cancer survivors, and everyone else out there in the world that can’t do this that I WILL do this for!  I dedicate this Half Ironman Race to all of you and to my First Descents family.  It is from my First Descents family that I have learned that it is okay to continue to challenge yourself and live a life of your own adventures.  GO TEAM FD!!!

Ironman 70.3 Boulder – August 7, 2011, HERE I COME!!! 

Jem nearing the finish line of her first half marathon

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Mojito in Action…

Short video created by Raz for me during my time at the First Descents Montana Camp July 18-24, 2010.  The last day of camp marked my 8 year anniversary of when I was first diagnosed with cancer.  Time sure flies by, but life is not about the amount of time you spend on earth.  It about what you have done during your time on earth…

Mojito

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First Descents Montana Camp Video July 18-24, 2010

The one week with that changed my life FOREVER was documented and captured on video! 

Thanks Raz!! You’re the best!

 FD Montana Camp July 18-24, 2010 Video

For more information on First Descents please visit: www.firstdescents.org

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My Cancer Survivor Story

Jem - June 2003

Everyone has a story.  Life itself is one big story with several different chapters, several different characters, several different plots, and outcomes.  My life is filled with many different stories.  This is my cancer survivor story.

For almost a year, I suffered from fevers of 101, 102, 103, and sometimes 104, drenching night sweats that caused me to get up in the middle of the night to change my clothes, and sleep on towels, and after losing over 20 pounds in less than two months I was finally diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage IIIB on July 24, 2002.  I remember this day like it was yesterday as it was my dad’s birthday.  I was very proactive in trying to find out what and why I was suffering from these symptoms for so long.  I had seen my primary care physician several different times.  However, every time I went it was either during “cold season,” or he told me that I was feeling the way I did due to being overweight (I was over 230 pounds at the time), or that stress was causing my symptoms.  He had been my doctor since I was a kid.  So, I trusted him.  As time went on I did my best to live life as normal since my new normal was walking around this world with a constant feeling of the flu.  However, such an existence can catch up with you.  I had started missing a lot of days of work, 17 days on and off to be exact.  The absenteeism did not go unnoticed by my employer at the time and I even got, “the talk” at one point.  So, I decided to force myself into work, day in and day out, with a thermometer in hand to prove that I was a walking hot box at a temperature of 101 to 104.  One afternoon I couldn’t focus very well at work, took my temperature, showed my supervisor the 103 degree result, and requested to go home early.  I called my mom that day.  She is a nurse and worked down the street from my office.  She asked me to stop in on my way home.  Once I arrived, the Infectious Disease doctor that she worked for asked if he could examine me.  While in the examining room I go over the details of my symptoms as he is feeling my neck.  I was not familiar with this part of any examination with my primary care physician, so I stop and ask him, “Doctor, what are you doing?”  He looks at me strangely and replies, “I am feeling your neck for lymph nodes.”  I had no idea what he was talking about.  I digest the information for a bit then reply, “Why?”  He stops again and says to me, “Jemma, based on your symptoms and what I feel in your neck right now, it seems like you have a text book case of Lymphoma.”   At that point my head is spinning from trying to understand what all of that meant.  I had no idea what lymphoma was.  He noticed my confusion as I ask him, “Doctor, what is Lymphoma?”  He takes a deep breath and pats me on the knee and says that he will be right back.  I was left alone to try process the information.  I had never heard of the word and at that moment had no idea how this was going to affect me.  Moments later my mom comes into the examination room with tears streaming down her face.  I think to myself, “Oh God, I must be dying…”  I sure felt like it the last few months, like a soul just waiting to be taken.  I barely had any energy left in me.  I ask my mom, “What is lymphoma?”  She takes a deep breath and in between choking sobs says three words no parent should ever have to tell their child, “You, have cancer…”  From there I was admitted into the hospital, had a lymph node biopsy the next day, and was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma stage IIIB.  I had tumors covering my body from the neck down to my groin and the cancer had spread to my spleen.  Happy Birthday to my Dad, I am sick…  After being released from the hospital I started chemotherapy the following week.  My body responded quickly to the treatment and six months later the cancer went into remission.  I returned to work and my “normal” life shortly thereafter.  However, four months later while scratching my neck, I felt a lump.  I contacted my mom, who made me contact my oncologist, who had me come in for another biopsy.  On Mother’s Day weekend of 2003, I was diagnosed with the Reoccurrence of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Happy Mother’s Day to me!  For this second battle with cancer my oncologist informs that we’re going to take a more aggressive approach and perform an Autologus Stem Cell Transplant.  “Auto” meaning that I was going to be my own donor and recipient of the stem cells.  My test results showed that the cancer did not reach my bone marrow.  So, on June 21st, my 24th birthday, I started my chemotherapy treatment in preparation for my stem cell transplant.  Needless to say, I didn’t have birthday cake that day…the after affects of the chemo ruined that for me.  In late July, my stem cells were harvested from me and placed in a special freezer for when I would be admitted into the hospital for my stem cell transplant.  In August, I entered into the hospital for what was supposed to be a 30 day stay.  I was given high doses of chemotherapy for a week and then the following week the reinfusion of my stem cells began.  The transplant procedure was performed on August 18th, my oncologist’s birthday.  On August 31st, eighteen days later I was released from the hospital!  This meant the world to me as this was the day before my son, Jacob’s 3rd birthday!  My cancer went into remission for its second and hopefully, final time in October of that year.

Cancer was something I thought of as an “old person’s disease.”  However, it affects many people of every age.  Cancer knows no limits and tries its best to limit us.  It can be a very negative experience, but if you are fortunate enough to survive it or fight it, cancer can sometimes can provide you with many hidden blessings.  Those blessings being the people that you meet, the stories that will inspire you, the positive attitudes that may surround you, and the incredible strength that may embrace you.  I follow this saying quite a bit, “No matter what disease, disorder, or dysfunction one may suffer from, you have two choices: either learn to live with it, or let it live for you.”  I choose to learn to live with it.  The faster you can embrace it and do that, the faster you can work to overcome it.  I feel that there’s a purpose for me here on this earth.  Why else would I still be here?  Only one entity knows the answer to that.  However, with that being said, I plan to live the rest of my life to its fullest, give back to this world and to those who have been affected by this disease in any and every way possible.  Remember to live by the Golden Rule and to always pay it forward!

Jem - October 2010

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My American Cancer Society Story

Jem being presented with her survivor's shirt at the Relay For Life event of Vieques, Puerto Rico

 The American Cancer Society, which is the official sponsor of birthdays, with its renewed focus on a world with less cancer and more birthdays, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1913.  The American Cancer Society focuses on prevention, early detection, and saving lives of those who suffer from cancer through fundraising, research, education, and advocacy.  The American Cancer Society offers many services to those going through cancer such as the “Look Good, Feel Better” program, “Road to Recovery,”  “Support to Recovery, “ and “The Great American Smoke Out.”  The signature event of the American Cancer Society is called, Relay For Life.  Relay For Life was started by a colorectal surgeon named, Dr. Gordy Klatt in 1985 when he circled a track for 83 miles in 24 hours.  Since then Relay For Life has had 26 birthdays!

In 2004, when I was 25 years old, I was introduced to the American Cancer Society and its signature event, Relay For Life.   I have contributed my time and efforts in many positions and facets of the organization.  I have been a speaker, a training facilitator, served on various different committees, and has served as a Relay For Life Event Chair.  I have also been an Advocate and Relay CAN Chair for ACS CAN; the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society,   

In 2009, in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Relay For Life, I dedicated my summer to attending 25+ events in honor and in memory of 25 people whose lives have been touched by cancer in the last 6 years (amount of time I had been in remission).  I attended a total of 30 different Relay For Life events in each of the 15 Regions in the state of Illinois, in addition to a Relay at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a Relay event in Tacoma, Washington and a Relay event in Ontario, Canada.

As a two time cancer survivor, I have made it my personal mission to make a difference in the lives of those who have been touched by cancer.   I have also made it my personal mission for people to see that cancer does not have to be a death sentence. To make a difference in this world you don’t always have to do something earth shattering…you can do something as simple as walk and talk…I will walk in as many Relay For Life events as possible.   I will raise as much money for the cause as possible, and I will talk to whomever is willing to listen on how we need to put an end to the deaths from this disease.

Jem with fellow ACS CAN Ambassadors meeting with their Representative in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the American Cancer Society please visit:
www.cancer.org

For more information on their signature event, Relay For Life please visit:
www.relayforlife.org

For more information on their sister organization, ACS CAN please visit:
www.acscan.org

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Tour of Hope-The 100 Relay Mission

Jem on the 2010 Relay For Life calendar cover

In 2009 the American Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay For Life celebrated its 25th birthday!!!  That year the American Cancer Society became the official sponsor of birthdays with a renewed focus on a world with less cancer and more birthdays!  The year 2009 was a special one for me as I was celebrating my 30th birthday and 6 years being cancer free.  In honor of the milestones for both occasions I traveled to, attended and/or participated in a total of 30 Relay For Life events.  Since accomplishing this goal I have made it my personal mission to reach out and visit a total of 100 Relay For Life events across the United States by 2013 which is the year of the 100th birthday of the American Cancer Society!  It is always amazing and humbling to meet so many cancer survivors, caregivers, and others affected by this disease.  Cancer walked beside me twice in my life.  I embraced it, fought it, and beat it.  As a two time cancer survivor it is an honor to walk along side those who have overcome or are still battling this disease.  As they say in Relay, “Cancer never sleeps” and “There’s no finish line until there’s a cure.”  So, till then I will continue to Relay.  Follow me here on my journey as I continue on my Tour of Hope.

For more information on the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events please visit www.relayforlife.org

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My First Descents Story

 

FD Montana Family

First Descents is a Colorado based nonprofit organization that provides free week long camps in whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure experiences to provide various forms of healing to young adult cancer survivors.  Brad Ludden, professional kayaker and founder of First Descents had envisioned his organization after teaching his aunt who was diagnosed with cancer about kayaking and seeing the healing affects it had on her. 

I heard about First Descents via Twitter after reading a “tweet” from an intern of Imerman Angels about how she was excited to be attending a First Descents camp.  I followed the link provided on the posting and after reading about the whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure experiences decided that it was not for me.  This city girl/suburbanite was allergic to all things outdoors.  I appreciated what the organization was doing for young adult cancer survivors, but decided to keep my adventures within my comfort zone.  In May of 2010 while attending a Survivors Celebration hosted by Imerman Angels in Chicago I was introduced to Brad Ludden.  It was there he convinced me to apply for camp and give it a try.  In July, I was notified of a last minute opening to a whitewater kayaking camp in Montana.  The camp fell on the week of the anniversary of my first diagnosis with cancer which was July 24th.  After rearranging my schedule I excitedly yet reluctantly took the open spot at the camp.  Leaving behind your comfort zone, experiencing something you had never done before with people you have never met, but had shared one thing in common with you…cancer… was a week I would have never imaged ever experiencing!  It was a week that has changed my life so profoundly FOREVER!!  Since camp I have been blessed to be a part of a family that only one could wish for.  The relationships and connections I have made with Brad, his staff, board members, volunteers, and fellow campers is one I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.  My experience with First Descents took this busy city girl and opened her eyes to see beyond the tall buildings that there is something beautiful out there to be seen if you stop long enough to look around and appreciate it.  I may not be able to take every part of that special week with me, but I do apply what I have learned and gained from the experience each and every day of my “post camp” life.

In October I joined in the fundraising and awareness efforts for First Descents by joining Team FD in the Denver Rock and Roll Marathon.  I completed my first ever Half Marathon in 3 hours 30 minutes and 21 seconds even after experiencing a pinched nerve at mile 9 on the course.  For me, First Descents which is often referred to as “FD” means “Fearless Determination.”  Cancer survivors are fearlessly determined to see and live out each day of our lives.  It is with that fearless determination that we charge through each wave or rapid thrown at us.  It is also with that same attitude that we ride out the currents presented in our lives and learn to just go with the flow…  This is just a sample of what one could learn out on the river when they leave behind their comfort zone…

Team FD Denver with Team Captain, Ryan Sutter

For more information on First Descents please visit www.firstdescents.org

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