About Me

I was first introduced to First Descents in the summer of 2007.  I was a safety kayaker at one of the summer camps in Vail, Colorado.  At the time my grandmother had just ended radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer and my mother had just been diagnosed.   I was hesitant to help out at the camp because I worried that the experience would be too emotional for me.  It turns out that my expectations were absolutely wrong, the camp was phenomenal!  The young cancer survivors that I met while working with first descents were amazing individuals.   Everyone on the river that week positively impacted each others lives.   Fellow campers were helping and inspiring other campers.  Counselors and kayak instructors were mentoring campers; everyone was having a great time!   It was unbelievable how empowered the campers became and how much self confidence they gained from the experience. After seeing how First Descent changed the lives of young adults with cancer, I was determined to help.  

My boyfriend, Ross Herr and I are graduating from Northern Michigan University in April 2011.  After graduation we are taking off for an adventure/challenge of a life time!  We are going to complete our very own 50/50 vertical challenge.   Ross and I have pledged to raise  as much money as we can for First Descents; and at the same time, Ross will kayak 50,000 vertical feet from April to November 2011. We are going to travel around the United States in a van and spread the positive word about First Descents.   Fundraising and volunteers are what makes First Descents possible.  One stop I’m looking forward to most during our challenge will be in Hood River, Oregon to volunteer as a counselor for a week at one of First Descents kayak camps.  

Ross and I are looking forward to our 50/50 vertical challenge.  We know that it won’t be easy, but we are ready for the adventure!  Please help us reach our goal by spreading the mission of our trip and giving a small donation!  Thank you for your support!

Brianne Horton

www.briannehorton.blogspot.com