Descent of the Remote Owyhee River

A Young Adult Cancer Survivor Expedition and Documentary Film

Film Synopsis:

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Owyhee River Gorge deep in the SE Oregon desert, a group of ordinary Canadians embark on a journey of a lifetime down the one of the most remote rivers in the Lower 48. This incredible river journey is all the more remarkable as the core team members are all young adults and survivors of cancer.

In our modern age of technology, advanced medical care and support, many Canadians are surprised to learn that young adults with cancer face many unique challenges in their personal lives. They face not only the physical and mental challenges of the disease, but a far more subtle fight for acceptance and validation in their own society.

Led by Mike Lang, who just finished treatments a few months before the expedition, this inspirational group of young adult survivors share their personal stories and apply the lessons they learned from their cancer struggle as together they battle a completely new set challenges on the river. The result is an extraordinary journey of fear, uncertainty, and seemingly insurmountable challenges combined with strength, humour, beauty, and a rare insight into the lives of one of Canada’s most underserved and unrecognized populations.