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Send It - Arrival Day

2/27/2018

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The first day: each time I head off to a young adult cancer adventure I'm looking forward to what I'm going to take away from the camp that is different from what I've taken away from previous camps. I don't think it's fair to judge camps, as they all have varied experience, facilities, etc. I just really go into the week thinking "how is this week going to impact me in a unique way?"  I can already tell this week is going to be special.

This adventure is happening in Squaw Valley and it is going to be amazing!


I can say, arrival day, day one, did not disappoint. We were picked up by Katie and once the three of us she was picking up were packed up and ready one of us mentioned being hungry. Since we were heading into California it was determined we needed to stop at In and out burger, a place not available at home. Julia lives in California, but is from Organ, so she'd had it before. Janice is from Kentucky but now from Florida and we hadn't ever had it before. So, Katie made it happen. The burger was tasty but the fries I could've done without.

Next we heading off to get outfitted. Ski boots, skis, poles, and helmets for all. There was about ten inches of snow yesterday so everyone at the shop was abuzz about their time on the slopes early Monday morning. It just added to the energy and excitement.

On our ride to the amazing cabin I asked Katie how her and her sisters got involved in this space (two sisters run the foundation). I wasn't expecting the answer I got. Her family grew up spending weekends on the slopes. At the age of 32 their brother, Jamie, was diagnosed with cancer. He had been living in Truckee spending days on the slopes and working at the outfitter shop.

One of the key terms used in skiing is "Send It" it can mean: go big, do it, you've got this, etc. Through much name bouncing Send It Project was born. Jamie lived for the mountains, lived to Send It.

It was Jamie who started the foundation, yet, at the age of 35 he passed away and didn't get to see the first camp in action.

Once we all arrived it was great.  There are seven participants and we are all females.  Our ages and cancer experiences vary.  The cabin that we are staying at is amazing with great snowy views.  We all did a little sit down and meet each other and then we dug into an amazing meal made by chef Tommy.  He made rice, chicken curry, potatoes, salad, and bread (I LOVE to eat bread).

After dinner we all just hung around together and chatted.  This morning I woke up early and came down to start on some blogging.  I think this is lining up to be an amazing week.

I am so thankful to know the connection of all the staff members to this young adult cancer space and I can't get ready to get out and Send It on the slopes today!

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    Author

    Erica is a 32 year old cervical cancer advocate who is out living cancer for the third time. When she isn’t advocating for cervical cancer and HPV awareness as a Cervivor Ambassador, she previously oversaw the STEM program at the school where she was an educator; she now helps coordinate the robotics program. Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and son in their Indianapolis neighborhood, as well as pursuing new and adventurous hobbies. She can most recently be found fawning over kayaks and daydreaming of returning to whitewater kayaking with First Descents, an organization for young adults impacted by cancer. 

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