@first_descents
RSVP to The Life We Have 5k Run and Film Screening
RSVP to The Life We Have 5k Run and Film Screening
Run, connect, and be inspired. Join for a chill 5K, free brunch, and a powerful short film about resilience via movement.
Log In to the FD Portal
Log In to the FD Portal
Inquire About a 2026 Core Program
Inquire About a 2026 Core Program
We’ll meet you where you’re at. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Our goal is to get you on a free program that works for you.
Browse 2026 Core Programs
Browse 2026 Core Programs
First Descents provides free outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
Sign Up for a Community Adventure
Sign Up for a Community Adventure
Community Adventures are locally led meetups that merge the thrill of outdoor adventure with the power of human connection.
Core Program Zoom Q&A Recordings
Core Program Zoom Q&A Recordings
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
Tap Cancer Out Tournaments
Tap Cancer Out Tournaments
Sign Up for Our February LIVE Mindful Moments
Sign Up for Our February LIVE Mindful Moments
We'll be going live twice in February for a morning session AND an evening session! Check out the dates and descriptions below: February 2 at 11-11:30am MST: Self-Love Meditation. It may sound silly to love oneself but we can only fully share love with others to the extent that we love ourselves! When navigating a serious health condition, self love can feel even more challenging since sense of self has changed. Join us to connect as a community so we can mindfully love more freely together. February 9 at 5-5:45pm MST: This session will be a mindful transition into our evening time. Together we will practice and learn rituals that support a natural, intentional winding down that bring the nervous system into balance so we can sleep more restfully at night. Sign up below to join us! We’ll share the Zoom link via email on the Friday before each session, and again on the day of the event for easy access.
Inquire About 2026 Ragnar Relay
Inquire About 2026 Ragnar Relay
Thank you for your interest in joining Team First Descents for the 2026 Aspen Ragnar Relay race on June 5-6! One team is made up of 8 individuals with a collective fundraising goal of $5,000. Each runner will complete three loops for a total of 15 miles, running during the day, at night and into the following day as the team rotates through the course. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding way to get involved!
We're Hiring! Apply to be a Lead Staff or Chef
We're Hiring! Apply to be a Lead Staff or Chef
Creating a welcoming community and delivering life-changing outdoor adventures starts with our employees. Lead the Adventure: Apply to be Our CEO! Do you know a visionary, mission-driven leader ready to take First Descents into the future? Apply or share HERE. We pride ourselves on the people who help run our organization. We look for people […]
Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan x FD
Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan x FD
Shop the FD Store!
Shop the FD Store!
First Descents is a recognized leader in outdoor experiential programming. Through outdoor adventures, skills development, and local adventure communities FD improves the long-term survivorship of young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
Lead the Adventure: Apply to be Our CEO
Lead the Adventure: Apply to be Our CEO
Watch Brad Ludden on CNN
Watch Brad Ludden on CNN
Since 2001, First Descents has brought the healing power of outdoor adventures to young adults with cancer. Founded by 2016 CNN Hero, the nonprofit’s efforts have continued to evolve and help more people since his recognition.
Yoga and Mindfulness Series
Yoga and Mindfulness Series
Mindfulness plays an important role on all of our First Descents programs. We teamed up with LOV Yoga to create a variety of mindfulness resources for the FD...
Learn More About First Descents
Learn More About First Descents
First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
Donate
Donate
THE HEALING POWER OF ADVENTURE® More than 100,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer and MS each year. We’re on a mission to reach them all.
2026 Leadville 100 Trail MTB Inquiry Form
2026 Leadville 100 Trail MTB Inquiry Form
Thank you for your interest in joining Team First Descents for the 2026 Leadville Trail 100 MTB race on August 15, 2026. Please note that our minimum fundraising requirement is $4,000. All spots on our 2026 Leadville MTB team are currently full. To join the waitlist, please inquire below.
2026 Leadville Trail 100 Run Inquiry Form
2026 Leadville Trail 100 Run Inquiry Form
Thank you for your interest in joining Team First Descents for the 2026 Leadville Trail 100 Run on August 22, 2026. Please note that our minimum fundraising requirement is $4,000. All spots on our 2026 Leadville Run team are currently full. To join the waitlist, please inquire below.
Out Living It Project
Out Living It Project
Out Living It Project individual & team events are where community, creativity, and philanthropy collide! Get started by creating your own Out Living It Project to raise funds for First Descents or scroll down to check out our feature Team FD event offerings. Over 20% of our funding comes from people just like you stepping […]
Out Cooking It Cookbook
Out Cooking It Cookbook
Log in to the FD Portal
Log in to the FD Portal
Tribute to Ryan "Wolf" O'Donoghue | Read the Colorado Sun Article
Tribute to Ryan "Wolf" O'Donoghue | Read the Colorado Sun Article
Remembering Ryan "Wolf" O'Donoghue, Beloved FD Leader | Read the Statement
Remembering Ryan "Wolf" O'Donoghue, Beloved FD Leader | Read the Statement
Become an Alumni Ambassador
Become an Alumni Ambassador
Program Registration Login Portal
Program Registration Login Portal
Heli X FD: A Match Made in Adventure Heaven
Heli X FD: A Match Made in Adventure Heaven
Out Living It Blog
Out Living It Blog
Refer Your Patients!
Refer Your Patients!
Out Cooking It Video Series
Out Cooking It Video Series
Out Living It Impact on AYA Cancer
Out Living It Impact on AYA Cancer
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