RIVER DISCOVERY INC

The trip of a lifetime for 18 adult cancer survivors at any point in their cancer journey. This 6-day/5-night adventure provides the unique opportunity to meet and bond with other survivors while rafting and camping on the Main Salmon River in the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. Strangers quickly become friends as adventurers raft by day, share dutch oven meals on sandy beaches, chat by the campfire in the evening, and sleep under the stars along riverbanks that are only accessible by watercraft.

The 2021 lottery draw will be held on April 1st and the 1st round of selected participants will be notified and given the opportunity to hold their spot. All of the campsites have sand, uneven terrain, and some rocky areas where participants access the river. The ability to self-ambulate and maintain balance with minimal assistance is mandatory for this extended-day River Adventure.

“It was a fabulous confirmation that cancer has not taken away my ability to be out in the natural world, to enjoy the outdoors and so many activities that bring joy to my life. And that I am not too old a dog to learn a new trick or two.”

This river adventure allows families to participate in an exciting 1-day adventure out of Banks, Idaho that promotes healing and strengthens the mind, body and spirit.

A fun filled day on the Cabarton Run of the Payette River with Bear Valley Rafting is a perfect summer adventure for cancer survivors and their busy families. Enjoy the views and wildlife during the relaxing calm stretches, followed by some exciting whitewater. Hold onto your hat as you wrap up your trip at Howard’s Plunge!

“We had SO much fun – It was a day to be remembered!”

SUP/Kayak Summer Sessions. Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) is a great opportunity to learn a new outdoor sport that is tailored to your ability. Paddle boarding offers you a chance to experience a water activity working on your strength, flexibility, balance and paddling fun. Paddle Boarding can be customized to your abilities and is a great introduction to water activities.

This adventure is scheduled in partnership with our friends at Idaho River Sports throughout the summer. Participants will have two hours to paddle around the beautiful new ponds at Boise’s Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond. Cancer patients and survivors are free of charge.

A Partnership Program.

Mountain retreat focused on widows of cancer founded by Marni Henderson with Coalesce Discovery. The death of a spouse is a natural part of our human experiences. The challenge of living as widows or widowers and without the person we hoped to spend our future lives with is devastating. It is heartbreaking and life-altering. We find ourselves trying to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives. These pieces might include our identity, financial stability, future plans, human touch, emotional support, memories or a co-parent. Although the journey into grief for widows is a preciously intimate experience, something magical happens when we come together in our healing.

Sunrise Retreat for widows of cancer is a place for you to find connections, deep understandings, and guidance. But, most of all – hope. As we honor the past, we bring awareness to the present and begin to rediscover a new vision for a future.

A 3-day adventure designed to allow 14 Educators/Cancer Survivors to float 39 miles of the Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to Lucille with H20 Rafting. Led by experienced guides, this trip will give participants the opportunity to meet and bond with other adult survivors. All gear, meals and camping supplies provided. Perfect for newcomers and experienced rafters alike, the Salmon River drifts past miles of breathtaking mountains and craggy cliffs with world-famous rapids.

A lottery draw will take place on April 1st and the 1st round of selected participants will be notified and given the opportunity to hold their spot. The adventure program is free but does require a $30 registration fee. All selected participants require a medical release from their physician in order to complete the registration. All of the campsites have sand, uneven terrain, and some rocky areas where participants access the river. The ability to self-ambulate and maintain balance with minimal assistance is mandatory for this extended-day River Adventure.

“I got more out of this adventure than I could ever imagine. I have had serious medical issues and being with this group allowed me to open up and also absorb so much from others.”

Participants must pre-register for a lottery draw- pre-registrations are accepted through March 31, 2019. A lottery draw will take place on April 1st and the 1st round of select participants will be notified and given the opportunity to hold their spot. The river adventure programs are offered for free, although an application fee is required. All selected participants require a medical release from their physician in order to complete the registration.

Grab a friend or family member and join us for a fun day! Reserved for alumni who have participated in any of our events in the past and created to keep us connected out in nature. Snowshoes provided upon request.

“It was a great day. I appreciate the opportunity to gather with others who gave an understanding of what it means to be a survivor. Can’t wait for another adventure!”

- 2-hour snowshoe hike with wonderful views of Idaho Nature
- Enjoy a boxed dinner and Hot Chocolate at the end of the trail
- Head home happy and renewed

Mosaic art materials are provided to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital for all pediatric patients to create an expressive art project. Pieces designed either in the craft room or individually, working with child life specialists to help with a supportive environment to help kids cope with the stress associated with the hospital experience. Art work is then returned to the young creative artist as a keepsake.

When Joe Tonsmeire received his cancer treatment at St. Luke’s in downtown Boise, ID, he and his family spent a lot of time in the Pediatric wing. On an afternoon escape from the hospital, Joe found Reham Aarti’s nearby shop and worked with her to bring mosaic art projects to the children in the hospital. That partnership continues today through River Discovery.

“We are so grateful for the mosaic program in partnership with River Discovery! We’ve been able to provide countless therapeutic interventions with all ages of patients for many reasons - including inpatient oncology, new diagnosis’, trauma, and surgeries. Having a way to help our patients express their emotions and process their hospitalization has been a true gift and our patients love the beautiful product they are able to create.” - Miranda Laramie, Certified Child Life Specialist, St. Luke's Children's Hospital, Boise