The William H. Donner Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to River Discovery. The funds will be used for all aspects of operations.
Born in 1864, William Donner was successful in milling, real estate and manufacturing. He established the International Cancer Research Foundation in 1932 after the death of his son, Joseph to lung cancer. In 1961, the original endowment was used to create the William H. Donner Foundation.
The Foundation’s trustees and officers award grants to advance thoughtful, creative projects – one of the key philanthropic principles of its founder.
“We were so excited when a Foundation representative contacted us and requested a meeting. They travelled to Salmon and spent a day on the river learning more about our organization,” said Mary Wright, Executive Director.
River Discovery is a non-profit organization based in Salmon and dedicated to strengthening cancer survivors through Salmon River adventures. Two programs are planned for this year, one for teenagers July 7-13 and the second for adults September 1-3.
Six teenagers with cancer travelled down the Salmon River in July on a journey that offered more than the typical river trip.
“It’s about allowing kids who have faced down one of the most chilling diseases on earth to experience real community. After six days of playing in rapids, basking in the sun, eating fabulous food, and laughing over the silliest games, these kids are bonded in a way that transcends trouble and fear,” said Autumn Stevick, a middle school teacher from Seattle who served as program director.
Three boys and three girls ranging in age from 13 to 16 attended the seven day program. They hailed from Boise, Twin Falls, Rigby, Idaho Falls and American Fork, Utah. Each attends without a parent giving them opportunity to grow and learn among peers.
The first night was spent at Morgan Bar where Dewayne Deaver and Dagny Deutchman taught the teens how to pitch their tents and pack their waterproof bags. Sally Gregory brought her reptile collection and gave an interpretive program on snakes, lizards and other wildlife encountered on the river.
Volunteers from Sophie’s Quilts made ‘comfort cases’ for each of the teens, pillowcases designed to comfort those who use them.
The teenagers had ample time to try new things on the six day river trip: kayaking, rappelling, paddle rafting and cooking outdoors. Each left with the confidence that comes from tackling new challenges.
"The river trip has been one of my favorite things of my cancer experience, it has been great. I meet new people. I get to try new things like rappelling," said Steven, a 14 year old participant. “I learned to face my fears and to take life head on.”
Sixteen year old Alan learned new skills on the river. “Being in this program has really been a blast. I learned how to scale the mountains. I had a lot of fun rafting in the fun yaks.”
Barbara’s 13 year old daughter overcame her initial fears and tried every activity offered throughout the program. “Watching Janae walk out of this experience with a little more confidence in herself and a whole bunch of self-esteem is…huge,” she said.
Destiny, a sixteen year old from Boise area summed up her experience this way, "man alive, this week was amazing, I love this program!"
Two grants awarded by the R. E. McConnell Foundation and the Southwestern Region Greatest Need Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation, helped fund scholarships for the program.
River Discovery is a non-profit organization based in Salmon and dedicated to strengthening cancer survivors through Salmon River adventures. Programs are free to participants. A second adventure is scheduled for adults on September 1-7. For more information visit www.riverdiscovery.org or call (208) 303-0040.
Terri Lanni moved to North Fork 25 years ago and has dreamed of rafting the Salmon River ever since. Bobbi Meadville lives on Indian Creek and never thought she would float for a week down the river. Cancer changed that for both ladies.
The two joined 11 other cancer survivors, ages 21 to 69, on a River Discovery journey that offered more than the average river trip. Not only did they learn new skills: kayaking, rappelling, paddle rafting and cooking outdoors; they shared a week with other survivors - a powerful healing experience.
“The first day on the river I was consumed with all the things to see on the river,” said Meadville. “After the first night, it was all about everyone on the trip. They were incredible people, all fighters. It was really neat that no matter what age you were we all could relate to one another.”
“I made friendships that will last as long as I live,” said Lanni. “It was just hard to see the young people on the trip with cancer, in their twenties. One even had two small children.”
Lanni was disappointed that a shoulder injury prior to the trip prevented her from paddling and rappelling although she was thankful that it did not keep her from attending.
Meadville met her match on a steep route to the hot spring. Lack of confidence and slippery rock made her turn back.
She decided after that disappointment that nothing would stop her from rappelling down a 40 foot rock face. As she climbed up to the staging area she did not feel any fear and was totally surprised by it.
“I got off that rock and have felt more confident now in a lot of the things I am doing,” said Meadville. “I believe God had me on that trip for a reason – I feel that at this point everything in my life has a reason behind it.”
Lanni gets emotional when she talks about how she felt after the week on the river. “I discovered on this trip why I am still alive. God has shown me to work with River Discovery to spread the word on how wonderful this trip is and what a blessing, the peacefulness it brings to you.”
The program was funded in part by grants awarded by the R. E. McConnell Foundation and the Idaho Wild Rivers License Plate Fund.
River Discovery is a non-profit organization based in Salmon and dedicated to strengthening cancer survivors through Salmon River adventures. Programs are free to participants. For more information visit www.riverdiscovery.org or call (208) 303-0040.