Free fitness and outdoor adventures available for young people living with cancer, MS
First Descents is piloting in 2020 a monthly meetups program in northern Nevada. The program will provide 11 life-changing outdoor and outdoor-related adventures this year free of cost to local young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
These adventures will empower people to climb, paddle, surf and more beyond their diagnosis; reclaim their lives; connect with others doing the same; and improve their long-term survivorship.
“Doctors and medicine kept me alive,” First Descents program participant Nate Post said. “But it was FD that really showed me how to live again. They helped me find that person I knew before getting sick, and for that I am forever grateful.”
The local pilot program begins Jan. 18 with indoor rock climbing 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Mesa Rim Climbing Center, 970 Harvard Way, in Reno.
“It’s an all-abilities, equipment-provided adaptive rock climbing experience,” Ashley Andrews, one of the volunteer leaders of the Reno Meetups, said. “The goal isn’t to reach the top or even to climb at all. The goal is to try something fun and new with people who get you.”
Space in this month’s Meetup is limited and preregistration is required. Those interested in attending can register online at bit.ly/2MSJlOg. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should include that information when registering.
First Descents, a Colorado-based non-profit and leader in outdoor medical specialty programming, provides life-changing outdoor adventures that empower young adults with cancer and other serious health conditions to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis; reclaim their lives; connect with others doing the same; and improve their long-term survivorship. To learn more, visit firstdescents.org or follow the organization on social media.