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Partricipant Bio: Laurie
I was diagnosed with Stage Three Colon Cancer at the age of 28. My ordeal began in early March 2004 when I was misdiagnosed with mononucleosis. By month-end my symptoms had greatly worsened to the point of my collapse. I finally went to the hospital where I received some bad news. The doctors had found a sizeable tumour in my large intestine and I required immediate multiple blood transfusions and surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor was successful; however, the cancer had spread meaning that I would have to undergo six months of chemotherapy treatments. Very fortunately for me, I had a loving family and caring group of friends who helped me through the difficult treatments that caused sores in my mouth, raw feet, tiredness, reoccurring episodes of diarrhea and hair loss. Now, four years later I am happy to report that I am cancer free and enjoying the feeling of my hair blowing in the wind.
I feel I am part of a special and unique group of young adults with cancer. I enjoy when we share our experiences and talk about our unique challenges with each other. I believe this trip will help young adults with cancer make that all important connection with each other on a deeper, more spiritual level. We will help to create much needed awareness about young adults with cancer and thereby promote prevention, treatment and ultimately the finding of a cure.
I don?t like the word Cancer so I took each letter and created some very important words: Courage; Acceptance; Never give up; Cure; Effort; and, Recovery.
Our Mission
To help young adult survivors of severe illness or injury identify, process and apply life lessons through adventure activites.