Navigating any health crisis can be daunting, and that’s especially true for those battling cancer. The physical and emotional strain put on patients and their families is heavy. In those moments, a resilient and supportive community can make all the difference.
That’s where groups like Move Beyond Surviving enter the picture. Dedicated to empowering breast cancer survivors by engaging in outdoor activities, it recognizes nature as a source of healing and strength.
Physical, emotional, and mental health are all impacted by cancer treatment, says Move Beyond Surviving Executive Director Tom Tressler. “There can be a loss of confidence, fear of recurrence, sense of loss, and lack of trust in their bodies,” he explains. “Restoring all of this is integral to regaining a thriving life.”
Jamie Hoffpauir, a breast cancer survivor and Move Beyond Surviving participant, attests to the power of its programming.
“When I first learned about Move Beyond Surviving, the physical component was the least of my concerns,” she says. “I knew that I could muscle my way through any obstacles. But I was surprised at the tidal wave of emotions that poured from my body during and following the events. I was also surprised at how good it felt to be in challenging situations with other survivors. The camaraderie and raw conversation inspired me to face the emotions I so carefully buried long ago.”
Heartfelt feedback from participants like Hoffpauir has helped raise awareness of the Cincinnati-based organization and helped it to achieve some national attention as well.
“There’s already interest in establishing chapters elsewhere, including Europe,” Tressler says. “Others have expressed interest in extending our program to those living with other forms of cancer.”
That’s a lot of activity for an organization that began just a few short years ago.
In 2017 and 2018, Dr. Kelly McLean, a breast surgical oncologist with The Christ Hospital, in partnership with the North Carolina Outward Bound School, hosted a group of breast cancer survivors on a backpacking and rock-climbing adventure in North Carolina. Inspired by the feedback of that group, Move Beyond Surviving was formally created to bring this opportunity to other breast cancer survivors.
“Several observations have pleasantly surprised me,” Tressler says. “Everyone’s breast cancer journey — while common themes exist — is unique and, thus, so are the challenges. What may be extremely challenging to one person may not be as challenging to another. Regardless, the more challenging something is for our survivors, the more determined they are to face it.”
Sometimes it means just showing up to an event. But for others, they challenge themselves to do things they’ve never done before. They might try kayaking on the open water or even scaling a 35-foot climbing wall.
“It’s so inspiring to see the determination and courage they exhibit!” Tressler says.
He also notes a strong, immediate sense of bonding and support that takes place. “It’s one of those ‘words-can’t-do-it-justice’ types of things,” he says.
That’s because, as Hoffpauier points out, Move Beyond Surviving fills a void in the breast cancer survivorship world.
“Just because treatment ends, that doesn’t mean the story is over.”
Do you know someone who could “Move Beyond Surviving?” Visit movebeyondsurviving.org to get involved or find support.