About Me

People ask me all the time why I run. I tell them I run to clear my head. I confess I train because it keeps my inner control freak in order. What I don’t tell them is the real reason—because it is just too personal: I torture myself for at least 600 miles each year because I miss my little rock star so much every day I sometimes find it hard to breathe.

On March 27, 2007 at the age of three, my niece, Josie Greenwood, was diagnosed with cancer. Even with a 95 percent chance of survival, we were given only 13 more days with her.

What would you do if you only had a little over two weeks left with your loved one? I didn’t do enough and it breaks my heart.

After losing Josie, I promised myself I would do anything in my power to make an impact on those affected by cancer.  Fundraising is not easy for me, nor is putting my personal endeavors out in public. For me to do either, please know it needs to be a cause I truly believe in. I truly believe in the work of First Descents.

A year ago when I was introduced to Ryan Sutter, I was inspired by his passion and dedication to take on 10 endurance events to raise funds and awareness for First Descents. Through Ryan’s efforts, I was able to learn firsthand how this incredible organization provides an outdoor adventure for young adult cancer patients. After laughing at how crazy Ryan’s commitment to 10 events seemed to me, I realized that you never hear much about anything being done for young adults with cancer. Much less any organization dedicated to helping those with cancer find themselves by getting lost in the outdoors.

Through losing Josie, I‘ve learned that children with cancer benefit from camps and vacations that allow them to just be a kid and not a kid with cancer. I’ve also read studies that show teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer are some of the most depressed and suicidal because they do not receive the support small children with cancer do.

First Descents addresses all of this and more. As its mission, First Descents is committed to curing young adults between the ages of 18-40 of the emotional effects of cancer and empowering them to regain control of their lives by experiencing outdoor therapy through kayaking, rock climbing and other adventure sports. Through the work of founder Brad Ludden, First Descents provides an adventure for cancer survivors so that they too will be able to experience life at its fullest after battling a harrowing diagnosis and treatment regimen.

This organization offers hope. It is all about giving life back to those who have been told that adventure and excitement in life is most certainly over. The connections each First Descent camper makes with one another during their time together, coupled with the renewed belief in themselves, continues to carry them through their darkest days for years to come.

While I have decided to pursue my own personal challenge of the New York City Marathon, this effort isn’t about me. This is about enabling cancer survivors to connect with one another all the while pushing their mental and physical limits through First Descents.

It costs approximately $1,000 per camper for a week of camp. I would be honored if you would join me in raising the funds necessary to give at least five people who have been impacted by cancer the gift of camp this year.

To learn more about my journey to raise funds for First Descents, visit my website at http://teamfd.firstdescents.org/2011/fd/NYCMarathon/kjleinberger. To learn more about Josie, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/josiegreenwood.

Thank you for your support!

Best,
Karen Jayne