Cancer sucks and this past year has been rough. I was diagnosed with stage 4a parotid (salivary gland) cancer in March 2024.

This August I have an opportunity to go on a backpacking adventure in Yellowstone National Park with a group of other cancer survivors, made possible by an organization called True North Treks. I am practically giddy about the chance to see Yellowstone, connect with other survivors, and get back to doing things that feel like me. 

Losing the ability to smile has been hard. So much of my identify and ability to communicate with others, especially new people. I recently underwent (another) major surgery to transfer muscle and nerve from my leg to my face and try to get some facial function back. The recovery has been harder than I expected, and I’m still not able to move or be active in the way that I want to. Having this trip on the horizon is motivating me to get through the recovery and focus on getting my strength back.  

Some more about True North: 

True North’s mission is to support young adults and caregivers affected by cancer to "find direction through connection." One of the  primary ways they do this is by taking groups of survivors like me on free backpacking and canoeing treks in beautiful and remote wilderness destinations where we can engage in three crucial connections that are often missing from conventional cancer care: 

1)connection with nature (after going through something as unnatural as cancer treatment), 

2) connection with peers who get it and have walked a similar path, and 

3) connection with oneself through mindful awareness practices, such as meditation and yoga. 

I am raising money for True North so that other survivors like me can have this type of experience. 

Thank you for your love and support.

Julie