Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

In April 2004 I was diagnosed with metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. I had celebrated my 24th birthday three days prior, and was preparing to leave for an internship in Vermont. Then came my diagnosis, and everything changed. I've undergone  three surgeries, two rounds of radiation, and countless doctor's appointments, scans, and bloodtests. Unfortunately, my situation is not unique.

In the United States, 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer every year. The young adult age group (18-39 yrs old) is the only age group whose survival rates have not improved since the 1970's.

Fortunately, I am back on my feet and embracing life. In fact, my passion has turned towards supporting other young adults like me on their long road of survivorship.

True North Treks, NFP serves young adult cancer survivors by providing wilderness treks in beautiful places around the U.S., and teaching "survivor skills for survivors." These skills include meditation and mindful awareness practices, as well as wilderness skills. True North Treks gives young adult survivors the opportunity to connect with their peers, challenge themselves physically on a wilderness trek, and re-connect with themselves away from the rigors and obligations of life at home.

In support of young adult survivors who often have medical bills, insurance payments, loss of pay due to medical treatment, and the challenge of being in the early stages of a career, the treks are offered to participants regardless of their ability to pay. As alumni, we ask participants to "pay it forward" by raising money for another young adult survivor to have the same opportunity they had.

DONATE NOW AND SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMMING FOR THE SUMMER OF 2011! Make it possible for a young adult survivor to attend a trek without worrying about a financial burden. All donations are tax-exempt and can be made right through this webpage.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
 

EVERY donation helps. Thank you so much in advance for supporting True North Treks and young adult cancer survivors. Further, donating $500 will cover the transportation for a participant to/ from the trek and associated costs, and a $1,500 donation sponsors a particpant entirely. What an amazing gift to give a young adult cancer survivor who has already been through so much at a young age. $10,000 sponsors an entire trek and gives an incredible opportunity to a group of young adult cancer survivors and to True North Treks as well.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!