Cancer Survivors Find Strength on the Trail

Six months after my son was born, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was 30 years old. That first year of motherhood was one of the hardest – he was colicky, I was exhausted... It was one of the most challenging years of my life.

Almost 18 years after my diagnosis, I came across a Facebook post from a fellow Mountaineers member sharing he had cancer. Every time I hear the word, it hits me personally. So, I reached out. We talked about how much we hate cancer. Now that we’re both recovered, we talk about how grateful we are to have survived.

Out of those conversations came an idea: organizing a scramble for cancer survivors.

Sharing the mountain with those who understand

I wasn’t sure how the trip would turn out. Sure enough, after posting the listing, we had enough interest to lead a full Mountaineers trip. I chose Tinkham Peak — a fun, mellow scramble with a stop at Mirror Lake. The hike is short, beautiful, and a great way to share time outdoors.

Four cancer survivors joined the trip. At first, I didn’t think too much about what we were doing. My diagnosis had been so long ago that I’d pushed those memories aside. Over time, I’d healed and moved forward. But being with people who were still in the middle of treatment, or just coming out the other side, stirred up deep emotions I didn’t expect.

The connection I felt with these hikers was powerful. I was brought back to those raw, difficult times, but also reminded of how strong I had been — and how strong these hikers are now. Survivors need space to process, and sharing the mountain with others who understand was healing for me, too.

The healing power of the outdoors

What struck me most during this experience was how much being outside amplified our healing. The mountains give you space to breathe — space that hospitals and waiting rooms never can. There’s something about moving your body on a trail, feeling the wind at the summit, or pausing beside a lake that helps release fear and replace it with peace.

For cancer survivors, the outdoors is more than just scenery — it’s freedom. It reminds us that our bodies, even after illness, are capable of carrying us to new heights. Being in nature brings joy back into a place that was once filled with pain.

One of the survivors surprised us all by carrying a full cake in his pack — yes, an actual cake — to celebrate at the summit. Sharing bites of sweetness after reaching the top was such a joyful, symbolic moment — proof that people who have faced cancer can do incredible things.

Nature's call to celebrate life

In the end, this trip meant so much more than I expected. It brought up some hard feelings from long ago, but it also gave me gratitude and perspective, reminding me that the outdoors has the power to heal, connect, and help us celebrate life. More than anything, the experience reminded me to live each day fully and cherish the strength and resilience of those who face cancer.