Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer

Epic Experience director Colin Ferro was a special guest on Travel...Adventure...Wellness on WTBQ Radio to discuss how travel and adventure can benefit cancer patients/survivors physically and emotionally.   Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

When Sara Marian Lucking was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2022, she was on maternity leave from her career as a dermatologist. She shares that being a healthcare professional going through cancer had its pros and cons. While her background knowledge helped her get to a diagnosis faster, it was scary to know so much about the uphill battle she would face with her specific diagnosis and the side effects of her treatments—knowledge she told herself to “unlearn.” As a doctor, she was very familiar with the burnout that many healthcare professionals experience as a result of not putting themselves first. After going through cancer treatment, Sara Marian says that changed. "I'm now prioritizing my health and being present for my family. I’m taking all the information I learned and trying to help other people.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Brad Glassel, a stage three prostate cancer survivor, returns to the Campfires of Hope podcast for an episode of Keepin’ It Real. He discusses life following completion of cancer treatment and the difficulty of figuring out how to move on. After attending supportive communities like Epic Experience and local story slams, he discovered the importance of moving forward by embracing new challenges. Brad explains that while challenges may seem daunting at first, they can be overcome by taking small steps. He used that mentality to compile a series of short stories about his life into a book he recently published titled Those Days. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

In the inaugural Keepin’ It Real episode on the Campfires of Hope podcast, we dig deeper into the mental and emotional side of a cancer diagnosis with Dana Shelton Lee, who is living with stage 4 colon cancer. Dana discusses the impact that multiple recurrences, surgeries, and over 40 rounds of chemotherapy has had on her psyche. She keeps it real by sharing her rock-bottom moments and how she finds strength in self-care, living with intention, and helping others. Dana’s advice is to “find your tribe and learn to live a meaningful life with cancer,” and hopes her story will inspire others to thrive. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Nils Palsson is a father, author, educator, and testicular cancer survivor. Nils was diagnosed in 2021 and by 2023 was declared to have no evidence of disease. He describes his cancer journey as dance, not a battle. Fittingly, the memoir he is currently writing is titled Cancer Dancer. For Nils, the hardest part about cancer survivorship was thinking about the “what if…” part of his future, something he calls “future tripping.” He’s saved from these thoughts by his daughter’s requests to go play, where he is reminded to be present in the moment. Nils gives us his own reminder to be alive, compassionate, and aware of the preciousness of life, and to “do it right now!” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Stephanie Luning was just 24 years old when she was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005. Following surgery and treatment, she was in the clear for six years. Then, in 2011, her doctor noticed a suspicious spot on her regular scan. Stephanie details how she navigated getting several second opinions, all of which provided different options. With so much information to process and a very important decision to make, Stephanie relied on her own intuition, research, and trust in her doctors. After deliberating, she opted not to pursue treatment, which she learned was the correct decision when a subsequent scan revealed the spot was gone. Stephanie advises getting a second, and sometimes third, opinion when considering a cancer diagnosis and treatment. “The first time you go through it, you go with your doctors because you assume they are telling you the best. But it’s always helpful to get someone else’s view on it to make sure they are on the same track, or if there’s something new. The more information the better.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Manny De La Cruz was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 2022. After several surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy, he showed no evidence of disease in March 2023.  Manny describes his cancer journey as “riding a wave”: every time something good happened, it was shortly followed by something bad. Through this wave-riding, Manny has gotten better at asking for help and leaning on others. “I had no idea how much I needed other people. But I had no choice, so I allowed myself to open up to others, which was probably one of the most difficult things to do.” In September 2023, Manny had the opportunity to join 10 other TC survivors at an Epic Experience camp. Before that week, he had never met so many other TC survivors and was surprised at how quickly he connected with a group of men who truly understood what he had experienced. Manny intends to keep riding his wave and continue supporting his community through survivorship. Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Gretchen Simpson was shocked when she was diagnosed with stage 2 triple positive breast cancer in early 2021. She ate healthy, exercised regularly, and had no family history of cancer. She was subsequently surprised by how much love and support she received from her friends and community throughout her cancer journey. Friends picked her up at 5 a.m. for the two-hour drive for treatment and doctor’s appointments, spent the day with her, cooked her meals, and supported her in the form of visits, texts, and cards.  In the summer of 2022, Gretchen attended summer camp with Epic Experience and had a transformative moment in her life. She had been having doubts about her ability to participate in an activity, when she had a conversation that taught her that “it’s okay to try and fail.” That mindset changed her week and helped her embrace every activity. She also took that mindset home: “the permission to fail allows me to try new things. That opened up my life, my world, when I came back.” Gretchen shared these words of wisdom for cancer survivors: “Cancer is life-changing but be open to the transformative process. There’s still much joy along the way. You heard about some of my hardships but there are so many majestic moments that happen with loved ones in the messy middle of cancer. You may have to find them, but they are there."  Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Lena Rutherford was just 24 years old when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in the prime of her social life. After receiving the news, she left Chicago with a moment’s notice and headed back home to her family in Colorado, leaving behind her apartment and friends. There, she started six months of chemotherapy. During that time, she often felt lonely and isolated, partly because she was stuck in the house dealing with side effects and partly because she didn't have many friends in Colorado. With the help of her family, Lena found ways to rebuild her social life during this time. Together, they put together a Team Lena email newsletter, created a blog site to share updates and express herself, and circulated T-shirts for loved ones to wear in support. Lena connected with friends through Facetime hangouts, participated in sports and recreational activities once healthy, and spent quality time at home with her pets. Perhaps most significantly, she became closer with her family and shared more emotions and experiences with them than ever before. “When you go through something like cancer, you realize the small things are the big things. For me, knowing that people just cared about me and how I was doing made a huge difference. It can be isolating going through something that so few people have experienced themselves.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Emma Reese was two weeks from her 28th birthday when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2016. She had just been married the year prior and her daughter was six months old. At first, she was numb to the news, but she pushed through and went into “go mode” because she had treatment to start and a baby to care for. After completing chemo and beating cancer for five years, Emma had a recurrence in 2021. Fortunately, she fought through it and has been in remission since 2022.  The biggest challenge for Emma has been post-treatment survivorship, particularly the feelings of anxiety and of having no control over cancer. She started joining support groups and eventually found Epic Experience, whose mission is to empower survivors to live beyond cancer through outdoor adventure. She attended their weeklong camp in the Rocky Mountains this past summer where she learned that “Life can be unfair. You can let it keep you down or you can learn from it. This is out of my control, so I put one foot in front of the other and just kept pushing forward. You can do hard things. Reach out, you are not alone. There are people that love and support you that you don’t even know yet.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Lana Boes, a.k.a Donut, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 and beat it. After six years of being cancer-free, however, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. As chemotherapy treatment eventually stopped being effective, Lana began to lose hope--until she qualified for a clinical trial and miraculously went into complete remission.  Despite having no evidence of disease, Lana didn't feel like the person she was before cancer. She decided it was time to get her life back. She sought counseling, found support groups, and attended an adventure camp with Epic Experience. She found validation in her feelings and comfort in being able to speak with people who understood being diagnosed with cancer. She learned to give herself grace, take care of herself first, and become more spontaneous. Lana’s advice on the first steps to getting your life back: “It’s ok to show your emotion and not be afraid to get the help you need. If it helps you, that’s what matters.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

When Mike Scherer was 26, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After beating cancer, Mike and his wife, Megan, hoped to start their family. They went through infertility treatments during what became a difficult, isolating, and emotional journey. After two and a half years, they were happy to learn they’d be having a son! The Scherers’ experience led them to found Worth the Wait, a nonprofit that assists cancer survivors facing fertility challenges and the expenses that come with them. Since 2021, they have provided financial support to over 40 survivors, enabling them to become parents. They detail some of their success stories and give guidance on navigating the fertility process both logistically and personally. Mike and Megan have this advice for survivors facing fertility challenges: “It feels isolating but you’re not alone. It’s helpful when you’re ready to talk about it with other folks that have been through something similar. There is amazing power in community. Reach out, don’t do it alone.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Ronald Bye, a.k.a. Big Hoss, was 20 years old when he discovered that what he thought was a hernia was actually testicular cancer. Being that it was the 1970s, diseases with a “sexual” connotation weren’t openly discussed, particularly by a young male. As a result, Ron didn’t tell anyone other than his family and boss about his cancer. He kept this secret for 30 years and shut down all emotion. He finally broke his silence on his 50th birthday and discovered how healing and powerful it was to finally talk about his diagnosis. When he went through his cancer journey, Ron found there were often no answers to his questions due to a lack of research. As a result, in early 2023, he decided to donate his body to science upon his passing. He hopes to provide insight by allowing researchers to learn from his long-term cancer survivorship.  In Ron’s words, “The more you share, the more you will gain.” Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Nicole Gleason and Jared Scorsone are both part of the training team at BFitBWell, a cancer exercise program offered by the University of Colorado Cancer Center. They detail how the program works and how it improves strength, stamina, and quality of life for cancer patients during and shortly after treatment. In addition, they describe the mental and emotional benefits that exercise can have, including having a sense of control over one’s own health. When asked where someone newer to exercise should start, Nicole and Jared advise, “Start small. Something is better than nothing, even if it’s just walking for a couple of minutes. Find something you enjoy. Consistency is key.” Learn more about the BFitBWell program:  https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/colorado-cancer-center/for-patients-families/supportive-care/bfitbwell-cancer-exercise-program Epic Experience offers free access to virtual Low Impact Training to the cancer community: www.epicexperience.org/exercise-programs

When Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a breast and #ovariancancer survivor, finished #chemotherapy in 2015, she pledged to do a sprint triathlon with her entire family just six months later. To this day, she still completes at least one each year. She focuses on regular exercise, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, working on her “head game," and being outdoors, enjoying nature as much as possible. Her advice to a #cancersurvivor trying to incorporate such approaches into their lifestyle: “Change is possible and even small incremental changes matter. You don’t have to go and make 100 percent transition related to diet, exercise, or taking supplements. You can go little bit by little bit. Even small changes can offer positive results." Available where you listen to podcasts.

Asa Newell was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020 when he was 17 years old. In response, he thought, “I can either curl up in a corner or I can be the most positive person I can be.” He chose the latter. Asa details the challenges of being in high school as a young adult cancer survivor, primarily how others his age didn’t always know how to react when they found out about his cancer. Staying true to his mantra of being positive, Asa now sees how being diagnosed so young helped him grow up faster than most since he had to grapple with questions like "Are you okay with dying?"--something kids his age typically don’t think about. In 2022, Asa found Epic Experience through the Testicular Cancer Society. After meeting other TC survivors with successful lives and stories of perseverance, Asa understood the true potential of living beyond cancer. He left camp with the realization that “to be the person you want to become, you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.” Asa’s advice to cancer survivors is “No matter how hard it gets, never give up. Get up out of bed and take your first steps of the day. Those are the most important steps of the day. Don’t be afraid to fail in anything. That’s your first step towards success everyday.”

Nancy Ferro, a.k.a. Mama Lou, founded Epic Experience after her son Michael was diagnosed with testicular cancer. She joins the Campfires of Hope podcast to share her experience as a caregiver and mother of a adult child with cancer. Mama Lou details how she coped and provided support despite being told by Michael, “I have cancer and we’re not going to cry about it.” Cancer affects the entire family, and Mama Lou describes how each family member handled the experience and the sacrifices they made to support one another. Mama Lou’s advice to other caregivers is to “be present as best you can.”

Missy Burgess was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic. As a result, she spent many months physically isolated from others and had to get creative about finding support in her medical team, online cancer survivorship meetups like Epic Experience’s Campfire Chats, and Facetiming with her friends. Missy details how she was able to take advantage of her extra independent time to keep a positive mindset despite dealing with a cancer diagnosis during a time of isolation.

Just as Edie “Blaze” Harrison was feeling as fit and healthy as ever, she tested positive on her Cologuard at-home colorectal cancer screening. In March of 2021, she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Blaze went through chemo, radiation, and surgery before she was declared NED in January 2022.  Despite a clean bill of health and a positive outlook on life, she was still new to the process of being a survivor. After finding Epic Experience via a Google search, she attended a regional meetup in Pennsylvania. A year later, she attended Epic’s weeklong winter camp in the Rocky Mountains. It was there that she truly found community, understanding, and validation among other cancer survivors. She also rediscovered her physical strength, after being unsure if she could keep up with the demands of camp activities like snowshoeing.  Asked what advice she would give to others, Blaze emphatically says, “Get your scopes, people! Screens are a bother but not as bad as going through cancer treatment. Catch it early!”

At first, Denny “Stretch” Williams chalked up his abdomen pain to a muscle strain. But the pain worsened over the next few months, and in January of 2022, Stretch was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Though difficult, Stretch and his wife were up front with their two teenagers and kept them in the loop each step of the way. After five rounds of chemo and 28 radiation treatments, Stretch was declared NED, no evidence of disease, in the summer of 2022. Despite being free of cancer, however, his survivorship was just beginning. Scanxiety, survivor’s guilt, and even anger filled his thoughts. In March 2023, Stretch attended an Epic Experience winter camp and learned to take things less seriously, be free, and “just show up and live.” His advice, especially to male cancer survivors, is that it’s okay to reach out for help and to prioritize your mental health during the cancer journey.