First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (age 18-39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. 

Our participants experience free outdoor adventure programs that empower them to climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, reclaim their lives, and connect with others doing the same.

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.




Health & Wellness

Health Care

Travel & Leisure

First Descents

Ryan O'Donoghue

Anna Wallace

Sara Connell, MA, CRC

Ray Shedd

Mackenzie McGrath

Lauren Wood, RDN

Emilio Semas

Elizabeth Tobey

Deanna N. Cor

Gabrielle Kennedy

Adam Schuster

Program Management Team

Leadership Team

Teams at First Descents

Program Management Team

Leadership Team