By Ella Northcutt, June 2025 Climb & Pedal Alumni
I discovered the Send It website one night while browsing through resources for young adult cancer patients. I was lying in bed after completing my 12th chemotherapy cycle out of 14 when I saw videos and pictures of people enjoying their Send It adventures. I thought to myself, “That looks like so much fun.” I decided to apply without consulting my doctors, as I didn’t believe anything would come of it. That night, I fell asleep dreaming of being outdoors and playing—something I hadn’t been able to do for almost a year due to my treatment.
A few days later, to my surprise, I received an email about a Send It adventure I would be joining in about four months. Two months after that, I completed my 14th cycle of treatment and transferred to maintenance chemotherapy. I then began preparing for my adventure, which included rock climbing and mountain biking. This experience motivated me to start moving and exercising. Admittedly, the recovery process was much more difficult than I had anticipated. My body would often feel exhausted and sore. I desperately wanted to participate in all the activities, so I went for walks, attended physical therapy, and practiced strength-building exercises.
All of my efforts paid off in a few months when I found myself hanging off the side of a mountain with a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe.
