It has been eight years since my moment of transition. My transition from being a patient to becoming a survivor. From having a surgery to remove any possible remaining cancerous tissue from my first surgery two weeks earlier.

When I look back at that moment and the eight years that have passed, it allows me to reflect on what changed my outlook and the process that I went through to become a survivor.

I had just come from the brain surgeon’s office to have the staples removed from my first surgery. The beginning of the visit brought news that was a bit of a shock. He told me that it was worse than we thought — that the pathology revealed a tumor with various levels of concern. Until this point I had somehow managed to stay confident that I would be alright.

He did rally my emotions by explaining how a second surgery would include the tissue removal and the placement of chemo-wafers that would deliver the drug directly to the area of concern.

By the time my sister, Kathleen, and I left his office I was torn between resignation and commitment to see this as a journey and not as a foregone conclusion. As we took the elevator down, I made a comment about not living another 30 years.

Kathleen didn’t polish her response with hope and enthusiasm as she was still reeling from the information that had been delivered to us during the past 20 minutes.

She said that if she could trade 30 “regular person years” for any 10 years that I have lived, she would sign on the dotted line.

Kathleen probably felt awkward as she heard those words hang in the air as it meant only 10 years to her. But as we walked to the car the thought of 10 sounded like a good place to start.

This is the moment in time that I decided to be a survivor.

That evening I talked with two friends that were doctors in oncology research and both considered this additional surgery as my best option.

The next day I received an email from a friend that helped me look at this process in an inspiring way. She made it clear that it would be a tougher mountain to climb than originally thought, but that I was surely strong enough to take on the challenge.

As an active outdoor enthusiast I was happy to see the metaphor that she presentedand took in to heart. It was time to make a plan to climb this mountain. A plan for my best outcome.

The plan began by making the appointment for the surgery date as soon as possible. This date was 2/18/04.

This was over a week away and I split my time between monitoring my medicine regimen during meals, walking every day, and researching the approach trail to the mountain.

There is so much information available through the internet that it is overwhelming. I’d spend about an hour a day looking to gain knowledge on the type of tumor I had and the best treatment actions involved.

Some web-sites talked about time-line of expected outcomes in terms of years and even months. It was time for the mental aspect of being a survivor. If 97% of people survived past 10 years, I’d be one of them. If the number was 3%, then I’d be one of them.

The operation went as planned and I was released from intensive care to live my life the next day. One week later I went to a Blues show. Three weeks later I went skiing. Both of these events meant so much to me. I was doing more than moving on. I was living the way I always had.

This was a major part on my recovery period. I was not living in denial. I was trying to manifest success by believing that I would do whatever it takes. Doing the little things like eating well and enjoying the things I’ve always taken pleasure in.

I was also doing the bigger things by default. I needed to make decisions about the next step or steps if necessary. These choices needed to be made. Who would be my neuro-oncologist? Should I do radiation? What about more chemo-therapy?

These were difficult decisions but they needed to be made with conviction. This is no time to second guess. The choices are few and they are significant. Make them and move on.

The sooner that you are able to make that choice to be a survivor, the better your chances. It may not be enough to change the eventual outcome. But it is enough to know that you’ve squeezed out all you could with what you were given.

I have had friends with the disease and have made friends because of the disease. Some have been taken by it and many, like myself, can honestly say that they have no answers for why they’ve made it this far.

I can remember these times as if they happened last week. Here I am eight years later and I still feel like a survivor. I will always have this part of my life to realize how precious life is and why we should remember to appreciate all the small and simple parts of life now as much as we did at that major turning point.

Becoming A Survivor Survivors Outdoor Experience -

These past few days (1/17-20/12) of falling snow and living the simple life of  ”shovel snow-carry firewood” gave me a chance to be a hero to the birds as they came by for hours to partake in the food that was offered.

This is not a call to make changes in your life, nor is it a message directed at Cancer Survivors. The quote  “live each day as is it were your first-live every day as if it were your last”  stands on it’s own, but is easily absorbed into the presentation as a whole.

I hope that you enjoy!

Watch Video

A video with a lesson…appreciating life. Survivors Outdoor Experience -

I hope this finds you in good health and spirits! It is also my hope that 2012 brings a great deal of joy your way.

In starting the New Year, I’d like to take a brief look at a few of Survivor’s Outdoor Experience highlights of 2011.

The biggest accomplishment for the past year was achieved during our “Healing Adventure Program.” The weekend long retreat that was held in April at Olympic Park Institute (OPI) provided affirmation to the ideas and goals of helping people to move forward after a cancer diagnosis.

For our first retreat, a group of 16 participated in activities including: journaling, wellness, nutrition, cooking and exercise sessions along with hiking and canoeing with OPI staff. Perhaps the results can best be described by the folks that attended -video and photos of the event are available here.

Stay tuned for news on our second retreat slated for spring of 2012.

Another highlight was “Running for a Reason,” a fund-raising tool I created along with two good friends, Annie Ferris and Jeason Murphy. Jeason ran Western States 100, raising money for SOE. Needless to say, while the gift of money is important, it was Annie and Jeason’s efforts that mattered the most.

Using “Running for a Reason” as a springboard, we hope to host other “For a Reason” events to raise more funding in the future.

We continue to receive monetary gifts from other supporters including one whose donation was matched by his employer. Moving into 2012, I look forward to your support and suggestions in other fund-raising endeavors.

In October, one of the retreat participants and friend of SOE, Sky Heatherton, hosted “Embracing Life through Art…the Journey Back,” an art show. Sky, a survivor of breast cancer, along with other cancer survivors, displayed their works of art – congratulations to Sky and the other artists for a very powerful and moving display.

In SOE programming, our next event is the Third Annual Snowshoe Clinic at Swain’s on Saturday, January 14 at 11 a.m. followed by a Snowshoe Nature Walk with park personnel at Hurricane Ridge on Sunday, January 15at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the lodge. I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to attend both events!

SOE looks forward to a productive 2012 with your help and support.

Jack Ganster
Executive Director

2011 Year In Review Survivors Outdoor Experience -

Snowshoe Clinic 2012

The Third Annual Intro to Snowshoeing Clinic is happening at Swain’s General Store on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11 a.m

Followed the next day, Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. by a Snowshoe Nature Walk with park personnel at Hurricane Ridge.

We will meet at the lodge.

Third Annual “Intro to Snowshoeing Clinic” Survivors Outdoor Experience -

Marie Marrs, Jack Ganster, Jenny Steelquist, Fran Streva, Sky Heatherton

I had the pleasure of meeting up with four of the women from the Inaugural SOE Healing Adventure Retreat at the Relay For Life that was held in Sequim on Friday evening. This was the first time that I had seen any of them and they all were so lively and happy to take part in the ‘Survivor’s Lap’ to start the event.

As we walked that one lap I felt the collective energy that the group provided. I saw these folks walk as survivors and not as victims. I went as a participant and in the role as a supporter. What I found was companionship and words of apreciation. It was nice to visit and it was great to see the spirit!

This small event is one of many that the American Cancer Society sponsors across the nation. This year the t-shirt for surviror’s read ‘Living Proof”. Let’s all raise our glass in support of these four women and all that have been touched by this disease.

Meeting up at Relay For Life Survivors Outdoor Experience -

Each program will bring ten to twenty participants together to share rewarding outdoor experiences. The educational aspect of the program will focus on the benefits of combining a healthy diet with physical activities to create a healthier personal environment. SOE has assembled a broad range of presenters and activities to provide participants with stimulating and memorable activities.

Our programs are based from our location in one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.

Adventure Program Video

Participants stay in cabins and eat healthy meals provided by Olympic Park Institute. The Institute campus sits within Olympic National Park among Old Growth Trees along the shore of beautiful Lake Crescent. Watch a slide show of the area by photographer Pat O’Hara.

The Ultimate Goal of our program is to provide cancer survivors with strength, hope, and a sense of the future.

SOE’s Healing Adventure Cancer Survivor Programs Survivors Outdoor Experience -

By participating in the RUNNING FOR A REASON program, they were able to collect $585 for SOE! Thanks to all that contributed!

Running for a Reason Fund-Raising Effort A Success! Survivors Outdoor Experience -

Retreat Montage

Please see the Review that ran in the Peninsula Daily News.
If you would like your own pdf copy, click Here.

For Photos of the event, click Here
Watch a Video with testimonials from some of the participants.

Outdoor Healing Adventure Retreat a Huge Success! Survivors Outdoor Experience -

You are invited to be our guest at the inaugural SOE Healing Adventure Retreat

Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) presents our inaugural “Healing Adventure” at the Olympic Park Institute April 15-17.  We would like you to be our guest for this retreat created as a Family & Friends program! Participants will include individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer and the person of their choice.

This program is about bringing participants together in a remarkable setting to enjoy a weekend that will be one to remember. The retreat will feature some fascinating presentations, indoor and outdoor activities, good food and most of all, good times and memories.

Activities include: Journal the Journey with author, Bob Steelquist; Blue Collar Breathing by Bill Berger, Exercise is Good Medicine by Barb Paschal, Healing into Wholeness with Pat Flood of Olympic Acupuncture, You Are What You Eat, Healthy Cooking with Local Foods with chef from Ovenspoonful Dave Long and hiking and canoeing with OPI staff.

“I am pleased and honored to have such a great list of presenters for our inaugural program. We have planned an informative and relaxing weekend for survivors and their loved ones,” said Jack Ganster, Executive Director of SOE, “This should be a meaningful weekend for everyone.”

The Healing Adventure will be held at the beautiful Olympic Park Institute located in the Olympic National Park. This setting allows survivors to relax in this natural location while enjoying and learning from the speakers. The retreat is designed to be a healing experience for all participants.

Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) is a non-profit educational and recreational organization that has created a program to provide cancer survivors of all ages an opportunity to learn about the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle. The program provides a curriculum of informative presentations balanced with recreational activities to assist participants in gaining strength, confidence, and a sense of the future.

SOE’s Inaugural Healing Adventure Retreat Survivors Outdoor Experience -

Interpretive Hike

Join SOE as we explore the natural world of the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge

When: December 11th, 8:30 to 11:30

Suggested Donation $5.00

Dungeness Spit Interpretive Hike Survivors Outdoor Experience -