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First Descents

@firstdescents.bsky.social
69 followers 58 following 62 posts

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

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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Swipe through for a taste of sweet Rogue River life! We wrapped up seven weeks of Rogue River Core Programs last week serving 86 participants. Thank you @sundancekayak for your incredible instruction and friendship on the water! #RogueRiver #OutLivingIt #freeadventure
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We're so honored to be featured in Conde Nast Traveler! The article spotlights organizations creating community for people living with serious health conditions through wellness retreats, and we're so proud to be one of them. Read the full article at bit.ly/44FboIy!
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Our founder, Brad Ludden, sat down with Jadey to reflect on 25 years of First Descents: how outdoor adventures change lives, why it was time to bring caregivers into the fold, and what first moved him to start FD. Read the Q&A here: bit.ly/3T8F667 #FirstDescents #OutLivingIt #25Years
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Join us Saturday, July 25 as our incredible community hosts #CommunityAdventures nationwide, celebrating 25 years of the healing power of adventure. Visit bit.ly/3T8srA3 for the full list of OLI Day celebrations! #OutLivingIt #adventure #25YearsFD
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Today, we honor Juneteenth. A celebration of freedom and a pivotal moment in our nation's history. We celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans while reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of equity and belonging for all. #OutLivingIt #Juneteenth
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Last week, we wrapped up four epic weeks of surfing in the Outer Banks with our longtime friends at Farmdog Beach Services. 🌊 Here are a few of our favorite moments:
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
We’re so grateful for Otter, who joins our Core Programs as a medical volunteer AND helps bring the Northern California community together as an Alumni Ambassador! Swipe for a quick Q&A to learn more about her! 🦦 #OutLivingIt #volunteer #CommunityAdventures
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
It's National Volunteer Week and we 💙 our FD volunteers! Thank you for all that you do to bring the #HealingPowerofAdventure to our participants. We couldn't do it without you! #NationalVolunteerWeek #ServeTogether #Volunteer #OutLivingIt
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Happy #EarthDay! 🌏 At First Descents, we are grateful for over 25 years of adventures in wild places all over our beautiful planet. From the rivers we kayak to the rock walls we scale, we're dedicated to preserving these wild places for future FD participants.
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
🚨NEW CORE PROGRAM 🚨 We just added a new Core Program to our summer lineup: whitewater kayaking the Clark Fork River in Tarkio, Montana. If you’ve already submitted an inquiry, just log in to your FD portal and select your top three programs. If not, start with an inquiry to join our community!
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Today is National Caregivers Day! 💙 Thank you to the caregivers who are such an essential part of our community. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re so grateful for all that you do! #NationalCaregiversDay #OutLivingIt #FreeProgram #CaregiverSupport
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
We’re hiring our next Vice President of Advancement! 🌟 Do you know a strategic fundraising architect who can provide an inspiring vision, strengthen and expand donor engagement, and foster a culture of philanthropy for First Descents? Apply or share at bit.ly/4cHidOG.
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
We're SO EXCITED to introduce you to our new CEO, Alex "Slippers" Accetta! Slippers' background has been all about bringing community together around health and wellness. Learn more about Alex at bit.ly/4apuHcw.
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
We're hiring a Program Coordinator! 🏄 If you're passionate about helping us serve young adults impacted by cancer and MS in the years to come, we want to hear from you! Learn more and apply at bit.ly/4c14GBA. #OutLivingIt #hiring #jobs #nonprofitjobs
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Since 2001, FD has been honored to support 14,000+ healing adventures, and today, on World Cancer Day, we’re sending a big virtual hug to everyone navigating a cancer journey. 💙 #cancer #ayacancer #OutLivingIt
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
35 adventures are ready for you to choose from RIGHT NOW! If you've already inquired, pick your top program choices by logging into your FD portal. Haven't inquired yet? Start there! You can find the inquiry form at bit.ly/4gj4Nrh and portal login at bit.ly/3Oi6Mms! #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
The countdown is ON! On Monday at 11am MST, you'll be able to choose a FREE life-changing adventure that’s right for you! Not in the system yet? Fill out an inquiry so you’re ready to go on Monday – programs fill up fast, so we recommend being ready! Start at bit.ly/4gj4Nrh. #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Here's your #MindfulnessMonday reminder! 🌊 #bemindful #OutLivingIt #mindfulness #breathe
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
WE'RE HIRING LEAD STAFF AND CHEFS! Check out our needs for Field Staff or Chef, seasonal positions that we're hiring for RIGHT NOW — and, we're a past repeat recipient of Outside's Best Places to Work, btw! Apply at firstdescents.org/who-we-are/careers. #chefjobs #outdoorjobs #hiring
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Curious about joining one of our FREE Core Programs in 2026 but not sure what to expect? Come hang with us on Zoom! 🗓 Jan. 19–22 ⏰ 5:30–6:00 PM MST Sign up to get the Zoom link for your session at bit.ly/4psDjTG! #OutLivingIt #healthcareworkers #caregivers #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Because of your generosity, we raised $170,000+ to help young adults dealing with cancer and MS feel empowered through our life-changing outdoor adventures! We're heading into our 25th year ready to serve and grow our amazing community! #OutLivingIt #ayacancer #thisisms #caregiver
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
⏰ We're closing 2025 with gratitude & opening 2026 with hope! Donate before midnight tonight to help fund transformative experiences for young adults impacted by cancer and MS in the New Year! Visit bit.ly/48xtJsv to donate. Thank you for your generosity! #cancer #MS #adventure #newyear
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
There are just two days left to give to our year-end campaign to raise $50,000 to provide life-changing adventures to young adults in need of hope and healing. Give the Gift of Adventure at bit.ly/48xtJsv today! #nonprofit #GiveBack #adventure #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Cozy up with Chef Disco Panther's Roasted Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries and Caramelized Onions — a festive dish that's perfect for hosting over the holidays. Swipe for the recipe! ❄️ #OutLivingIt #holidays #OutCookingIt #dessert #nutrition #food #recipe #winter #treat
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
We’re wishing you and yours a New Year filled with joy, and we’re so grateful for the generosity of supporters like YOU who make our mission possible! #OutLivingIt #happyholidays #healingpowerofadventure #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thank you to everyone who supported us on #ColoradoGivesDay! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised over $13,500 toward our $50K goal to support healing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and MS. Your donations make our mission possible! 💙
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
There’s still time to make a difference for this Colorado-based nonprofit on #ColoradoGivesDay! ⏰ Your gift helps young adults impacted by cancer and MS find healing, community, and confidence in the outdoors. Donate at bit.ly/48xtJsv. THANK YOU! #OutLivingIt #ColoradoGivesDay
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Did you know FD has called Colorado home since day one? This #ColoradoGivesDay, please help us reach our $50K goal to fuel healing adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and MS. Donate at bit.ly/4oUeOyQ. Thank you for your support! #OutLivingIt #Colorado #WaveOfGenerosity
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
When it comes to the First Descents community, your generosity doesn’t end with funding one healing adventure — it echoes through friendships, families, and futures. Clip in. Keep our support system strong on this #GivingTuesday, by Giving the Gift of Adventure at bit.ly/48xtJsv. THANK YOU!
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Tomorrow, we turn gratitude into action for #GivingTuesday! We’re asking you to be a link in the chain of care that carries our participants from uncertainty to confidence, from isolation to belonging, from surviving to truly #OutLivingIt. Please donate at bit.ly/48xtJsv. Thank you!
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
In honor of Native American Heritage Day, we want to express our gratitude for the leadership and resilience of indigenous peoples in protecting the lands we love. On every FD program, we acknowledge the lands we are recreating on and reflect on the privilege we have to adventure in these places.
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
We're thankful for the #HealingPowerofAdventure and the generous support of our growing community. Tomorrow, we hope you enjoy a joy-filled, restorative day with your loved ones. 🦃🍂 #OutLivingIt #thankful #Thanksgiving #gratitude #givethanks #HappyThanksgiving
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Here’s what a few of our participants shared that they are grateful for as they reflect on their time with First Descents in 2025. #OutLivingIt #GiveAdventure #give #givingseason #donate #donor #supportnonprofits #cancer #MS
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Yesterday, 17 determined runners took on the NYC Marathon in support of First Descents — racing through all five boroughs and raising over $55,000 to fuel the healing power of adventure. Thank you, Team FD! 🏃 🏙️ #OutLivingIt #NYCMarathon #NewYorkCity #marathon #TCSNYCMarathon #NYCRuns
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
🚀 We’re hiring our next CEO! 🌟 Do you know a visionary, mission-driven leader ready to take First Descents into the future? Apply or share at t.co/ndiDxCHPmj. #HealingAdventure #NonprofitLeadership #OutLivingIt #MissionDriven t.co/vAEZIfKqeP
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
We 💙 building community! Ready to inquire about a 2026 Core Program and start the process toward a FREE healing adventure? Head to bit.ly/4gj4Nrh! #testimonial #OutLivingIt #cancer #ms #AYAcancer #testimonial #free #program #cancersupport #healthroughadventure
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Happy #MindfulnessMonday! Here’s your reminder to slow down and take a moment to practice the pause. #Mindfulness #MindfulnessMonday #OutLivingIt #meditation
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
We cheered on our incredible team of 19 runners at the legendary Leadville Trail 100 Run this past weekend! #OutLivingIt #Leadville #LeadvilleRun #LT100RUN #RaceAcrossTheSky #EnduranceRunning #HighAltitudeRunning #TrailRunning #UltraMarathon
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Happy Monday! Here's a gentle reminder of your courage as we kick off the week. #MindfulnessMonday #OutLivingIt #breathe #adventure #outdoors #healingjourney #mindfulness #meditation
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
We 💙 hearing about the impact of our caregiver Core Programs. #caregivers #OutLivingIt #cancer #ms #adventure #outdoorprograms #testimonial
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
With profound heartbreak, we share that our beloved CEO and friend Ryan O’Donoghue took his own life on May 9, 2025, after battling a long and serious mental health illness. For more information, please read the statement at bit.ly/4klQaVO.
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. 💙 #MindfulnessMonday #OutLivingIt #breathe #adventure #outdoors #healingjourney #mindfulness #meditation
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Missed our LIVE Mindful Moment last week? No worries! Catch up with Sprinkles, founder of @lov_yoga_, as she guides us through a calming belly breathing session. Watch the recording at youtu.be/k_rmkZlgKyM! #MindfulMoment #BellyBreathing #StressRelief #MindfulnessMonday #mindfulness #OutLivingIt
youtu.be
Mindfulness Monday | Belly Breathing
YouTube video by First Descents
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Take a moment to take a deep breath and clear your mind. 💫 #mindfulnessmonday #mindful #meditation #breathing #mindful #OutLivingIt
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Today is National Caregivers Day! A big thank you to all the dedicated and selfless caregivers in our community. 💙 We encourage you to take a moment for yourselves today—you deserve it! #Caregivers #NationalCaregiversDay #Cancer #MS #MultipleSclerosis #OutLivingIt #FreeProgram
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Take a moment today to practice #mindfulness with a deep breath. 🏔️❄️ #mindfulnessmonday #breathe #bemindful #mountains #winter #colorado
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
We're SO EXCITED to offer 36 FREE weeklong adventures for you to choose from, starting RIGHT NOW! Pick your program: firstdescents.org/programs/
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Interested in creating your own #CommunityAdventure? You decide What, Where and When, and we’ll take care of the Who by handling all of the promotion to help make it happen. Head to bit.ly/4fVICqq to learn more! #testimonial #cancer #ms #community #support #OutLivingIt
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
It's almost time! We're just ONE WEEK away from 2025 Core Program registration. Not in the system yet? Get started by filling out the inquiry form at bit.ly/4ho9SPU so you're ready to go next Monday! #cancer #MS #healingpowerofadventure #AYAcancer #freeadventure
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First Descents @firstdescents.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
The countdown is ON! Follow these steps to get ready for program registration on Feb. 3 so you can join a FREE life-changing weeklong program and start #OutLivingIt as soon as possible. #cancer #MS #multiplesclerosis #healingpowerofadventure #AYA #freeadventure #kayaking #rockclimbing #surfing
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