First Descents
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First Descents (FD) is a charitable non-profit organization headquartered in
Denver, Colorado Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...
.
Brad Ludden Brad Ludden is a professional kayaker born in Sheridan, Wyoming on May 8, 1981. He started kayaking internationally at the age of twelve. His career has taken him to more than forty countries. Ludden is the founder of a charity called First De ...
, a professional
kayaker ] A kayak is a small, narrow human-powered watercraft typically propelled by means of a long, double-bladed paddle. The word ''kayak'' originates from the Inuktitut word ''qajaq'' (). In British English, the kayak is also considered to be a ...
, founded First Descents in 2001. First Descents has served around 10,000 young adult survivors at over 1,000 programs nationwide. First Descents has been recognized by
CNN Heroes ''CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute'' is a television special created by CNN to honor individuals who make extraordinary contributions to humanitarian aid and make a difference in their communities. The program was started in 2007. Since 2016, the ...
and ''
Outside Outside or Outsides may refer to: * Wilderness Books and magazines * ''Outside'', a book by Marguerite Duras * ''Outside'' (magazine), an outdoors magazine Film, theatre and TV * Outside TV (formerly RSN Television), a television network * '' ...
'' magazine's Best Places to Work.


History

When
Brad Ludden Brad Ludden is a professional kayaker born in Sheridan, Wyoming on May 8, 1981. He started kayaking internationally at the age of twelve. His career has taken him to more than forty countries. Ludden is the founder of a charity called First De ...
was 12, and his 38-year-old aunt was diagnosed with
breast cancer Breast cancer is a cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a Breast lump, lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, Milk-rejection sign, milk rejection, fluid coming from the nipp ...
, he decided to volunteer at a local pediatric oncology program and teach kayaking. In 2001, he started First Descents. In 2016, Ludden won the CNN Hero Award for his work with First Descents. In 2020, First Descents expanded programming to serve healthcare professionals on the frontlines of
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In January 2020, the disease spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. The symptoms of COVID‑19 can vary but often include fever ...
.


Programs

First Descents provides week-long and multi-day programs nationwide. The programs offer climbing, paddling, and surfing. In 2011, First Descents offered 27 outdoor programs, and 283 people participated. In 2012, the number of outdoor programs grew to 45, and the number of participants was 515. In 2013, First Descents ran programs in 12 states and three countries.


''Out Living It'' documentary

First Descents founder Brad Ludden approached filmmaker Michael Brown, a three-time
Emmy Award The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the year, each with their own set of rules and award categor ...
winner, about directing a documentary about Ludden's adventures with cancer survivors. First Descents launched a
Kickstarter Kickstarter, PBC is an American Benefit corporation, public benefit corporation based in Brooklyn, New York City, that maintains a global crowdfunding platform focused on creativity. The company's stated mission is to "help bring creative project ...
campaign to fund the documentary and raised $21,507. Ludden and 14 other young adult cancer survivors spent a week together in the outdoors. Brown filmed the adventures and interviewed the participants. The film was released on April 14, 2012.


References


External links


"First Descents: Cancer Camp For Young Adults"
by Kurt Badenhausen, ''Forbes'', October 19, 2011
"First Descents: Free Outdoor Adventure Therapy for Young Adults Fighting, Living With, and Surviving Cancer"
by Whitney Lange,
American Society of Clinical Oncology The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a professional organization representing physicians of all oncology sub-specialties who care for people with cancer. Founded in 1964 by Fred Ansfield, Harry Bisel, Herman Freckman, Arnoldus G ...
(ASCO) website, January 27, 2011
"First Descents program raises hope for cancer patients"
by Sal Ruibal, ''
USA Today ''USA Today'' (often stylized in all caps) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth in 1980 and launched on September 14, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headq ...
'', March 17, 2009 {{Authority control Organizations based in Denver Charities based in Colorado Cancer charities in the United States Medical and health organizations based in Colorado