In the middle of my last year of medical school, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I put my education on hold for the first time since starting Pre-K in order to complete chemotherapy and radiation. While this allowed me to focus on treatment, it also left me feeling very stuck. And after multiple surgeries and chemo-induced menopause, my body no longer feels like my own. I am grateful to be on the other side and moving towards my goals once again. However, I still feel out of touch with my concept of self. 

A few years ago, I had the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It was the most physically demanding thing I've done, and I left the mountain with incredible appreciation for nature, my body, and human connection. When the opportunity to go on a trek arose, I knew it would help me rediscover who I am as a cancer survivor. 

True North Treks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that believes that connecting with the healing space found in nature, connecting with others who have hiked a similar path, and connecting with oneself through mindful awareness practices, can help young adults and caregivers knocked off course by cancer re-magnetize their compasses and forge new pathways beyond their disease. They've even collected the (peer-reviewed) data to back these claims up!

In order to help sustain the program, I am fundriaisng to pay it forward for a future participant. I know the psychological shift that comes when you push forward day after day, learning to appreciate your body for letting you experience the nature around you, and I hope other survivors will be able to continue benefiting from treks for many years to come.