OutGrown

How nature can help in the battle against cancer

  2. Share
OutGrown Admin OutGrown Admin
0 0
Editor’s Note: This article discusses childhood cancer and may be triggering for some readers.How nature can help battle cancer by Sachi Thornley for Hike it Baby There is a memory I cherish of my family that I keep for myself. No photo can touch that moment. It’s a crisp August morning in Utah’s High Uintas. Actually its the weekend before school starts for my oldest. It was our final big escape into the wild before we kissed the beautiful summer goodbye. The sun had barely begun to light the sky and my husband, Chad, was getting his boots on to start a fire. It was so tempting to stay tucked in between my babies. My Penny was on the verge of 4, and Maddox was just about 9. No matter how big they get, there is something about seeing them warm and cozy in their sleeping bags. They both backpacked into this spot and deserved this sleep; they both carried decent weight for how old they were. While they were adorable, I couldn’t resist the sunrise that was looming. I got my socks and boots on, holding my breath and hoping they would sleep through my rummaging. I ran into the forest and found a rock wall easy enough to scale. Making my way to the top, I inched myself to the edge where, the day prior, the kids saw someone cliff diving. I sat in the stillness that comes the moment before the sunrise. Watching the mist creep across the lake and into the forest, I sat and silently laughed to myself, “It’s freezing up here! Who does this?!” Well, my family does. This wasn’t the way I was raised, but it was for Chad and this is what we want for our children. The comfort and familiarity of nature and its surroundings are moments that cannot be bought or duplicated.

The wild was our home and where we belong

I sat there and reflected over all the things we had accomplished over the last few months. Maddox never understood or enjoyed competing against other kids, but had learned to push himself to go just a little bit further or climb just a bit higher. And Penny was my little mountain babe who was fearless. She protected us from the bears and howled like a wolf down 100-foot rappels. These two had logged in more miles on the trails than most adults I knew and they weren’t even close to being teenagers. Sure, we did it at a pace of a 3-year-old, but allowing them to grow into hiking gave them a confidence few people know. Maddox begged to bag some of those big peaks and Penny had managed five miles on her own with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain! Nature taught my kids how to rely on each other while being able to rely on themselves. I watched the sun rise over the mountains and over the lake; I was truly happy. And so very proud. This was never where I imagined my life to be – sitting on a cliff and stripping off my layers because, damn, it was getting warm fast. I heard my wildlings laughing with Chad as I sat up there, debating how long I could keep that moment. I had decided right then and there that life wasn’t going to just happen to us; this lifestyle of dusty boots and chasing sunrises is where we fit best.

The outdoors was a way of life for us

Autumn and winter went by in a flash with weekends of camping in the snow, date nights on top of frozen mountains, trips to the desert and all the snowshoeing we could do! As the new year rolled around, we made ridiculous goals of new places and all the hikes we were going to get in. Adventure through the Ozarks, backpack in the Tetons, an epic Pacific Northwest trip was a must. And, of course, Penny always demanded Goblin Valley. By the end of February, we had already managed a crowdless Arches, the beautiful views of Canyonlands, bouldering in Joshua Tree, moonlit hikes and we even saw the Hoover Dam. Maddox and Penny thrived in a way we never thought possible. It took a lot of scheduling but every moment was worth it. Our family had found that coveted sweet spot. Then Penny got cancer and all those beautiful moments that once seemed so easy are now riddled with red flags. But kids stumble on hikes, and kids puke on road trips and kids sleep for hours on end. Not our adventure babe – she gets to have cancer. I raged, raged against it all. I wouldn't let it define us; cancer wouldn't take away everything we have worked so hard for!

We refused to be defined by cancer

Sometimes I wonder ... maybe if they would have gotten the tumor with the first surgery, or the surgery the next day. Or maybe if Penny could have walked and spoken when she woke up, or maybe after the third surgery that month and all the radiation. Then maybe it wouldn’t have defined us. But still we fought. Even when there was nothing left and my child was a shell of the girl she was, we laid in the rain. When our family was separated for months, Chad and Maddox bagged their first peak together. When Penny's hair was falling out, I carried her into the forest. And when she was bald and left the hospital after another round of chemo and asked to go backpacking, I carried her on my back so we could watch the sunset over a lake. Nature is no longer an easy thing for us to escape to – it’s hard. Nature reminds my family of everything that was taken from us. Everything we loved as a family as well as individuals. My mountain goat of a daughter now has to be carried everywhere and she hates it. She’s embarrassed and I’m angry. Maddox is lonely and Chad is a father trying to do what he can. But once we move past the hard things and the scary things and the things we don’t want to do, nature also reminds us who we are. It picks us up and reminds us how one foot in front of the other will get us to the top. How nature can help battle cancer by Sachi Thornley for Hike it Baby

Getting outside helps us move forward each day

Right now, everything is much harder, so when we do get out into nature, everything is also sweeter. Penny will beg to pick the wildflowers just to put them in my hair. Maddox will hide in a tree or on a boulder to read in peace in a place that gives him comfort. Chad picks the right spot for the night and can’t wait to bust out his water filter or stove, reaffirming he can take care of us. And I still sneak away and find moments to reflect and remember. When things get too hard and we can’t keep up with the horrors of childhood cancer, we get outside. We take full breaths again and revel in the small things. While nature has become so hard for us, it is still where our hearts find joy. It is where we find peace and grounding, and where we recharge and get ready to move forward every day. Sachi Honjo Thornley is an ambassador for Adventure Mamas and member of Hike it Baby. She lives in Salt Lake City with her family. Her daughter, Penny, is battling Medulloblastoma, which is more commonly known as a pediatric brain tumor.

Read More:

Photos courtesy of Sachi Honjo Thornley.

Comments

To view comments or leave a comment, login or sign up.

Related Content

0
What Is the 10 Minute Walk & Why Your City Needs It
Have You Heard About the 10-Minute Walk Initiative? Suppose you believe that access to parks and green spaces improves physical and mental health, especially during times of crisis, or that life simply feels better when nature is close by. In that case, you are already aligned with the vision behind the 10 Minute Walk Initiative. Photo by Monique Vargas What Is the 10 Minute Walk Initiative? The 10-Minute Walk Initiative is a nationwide effort to ensure that everyone in the United States has safe, easy access to a quality park within a ten-minute walk of home by the year 2050. This is not just a goal for green-friendly states like California or Colorado. It is a promise for every city, every neighborhood, and every family. Want to know if your city is part of it? Visit the 10 Minute Walk website to see if your mayor has signed on. If you do not see your city listed, you can do what some of our community members have done: sign up for updates and learn how to get involved. You may even be able to encourage your local leaders to take part. If you are part of the OutGrown community, you already know our roots go back to the Hike it Baby movement and its guiding value: Leave No Family Behind. That means no matter your pace, parenting moment, or personal identity, you belong here. Whether you are changing a diaper, feeding your baby, managing a meltdown (yours or theirs), or just starting, we will not leave you behind. But here is the hard truth: Some families are being left behind simply because they do not have access. Parks are too far, sidewalks are unsafe, and transit is unreliable.  That is why OutGrown supports the 10-Minute Walk Initiative. Ensuring every family has access to nature is the first step in building an inclusive and equitable future outdoors. OutGrown exists to be a hub of tools, stories, and support for families with babies and young children who want to grow up outside, together. Learn more about our mission and how you can be part of it at WeAreOutGrown.org. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together
0
5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety
Trail cleanups can be a powerful way for families to give back and connect with nature at the same time. With little ones in tow, safety and simplicity are key. Whether joining a group event or picking up trash on your usual stroll, this guide offers practical tips to help make your next cleanup effort safe, age-appropriate, and meaningful for everyone involved. Winters can be hard on trails. Many will need both cleanup and maintenance come springtime. You can contact your local or state park system to see if they have anything planned, or you can plan your own trail cleanup hike with your Hike it Baby branch! Hike it Baby offers lots of information on organizing a trail cleanup, and safety is a consideration when participating in a trail cleanup. Some of these things may seem like common sense, but it’s always nice to double check your preparedness whenever you try something new (or for the first time in a while). 5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety 1. Bring proper cleanup supplies Certain supplies will come in handy during a trail cleanup. This would include gloves, trash grabbers and bags. It’s a good idea to have the littles carry the trash bag instead of picking up trash. They may not know what they should and shouldn’t touch. 2. Work in pairs or groups Sticking together and staying in communication with the organizer are very important. Make sure you have a charged cell phone or walkie-talkie with you. A compass could also come in handy if you're off the beaten path. Make sure someone knows exactly what area your group will be working in. Check in often with the organizer and stay close to your partner or group. Or, if you're hosting the hike, help the group stay together and communicate the meet up locations and times. 3. Bring your normal safety supplies All normal hiking injuries can occur on a trail cleanup. In fact, after winter, the trail will likely be in worse shape than usual, so be prepared. Make sure you pack your typical first aid kit, plus plenty of water and snacks. 4. Give the kiddos simple tasks The concept of trail cleanup is super important to share with our kids beginning at a young age as it teaches them to be stewards for our trails and parks. It’s even better to reinforce as they get older. That being said, not every trail cleanup is organized with young children in mind. If attending a hike organized by another group or parks department, speak to the cleanup organizer before deciding whether or not you will bring young children. Make sure there will be tasks suitable for their age and ability. With supervision and proper gloves and grabbers, tiny people are great at holding trash bags, spying trash, and they love to use trash grabbers! Older kids can also be great to pair with younger kids. If hosting your own hike, make sure you communicate what supplies to bring and provide safety tips during Welcome Circle. 5. Use caution Don't ever touch anything sharp or lift anything too heavy. While you will typically feel totally awesome after participating in a trail cleanup, you might not if you cut yourself and get an infection. After winter, there could be trees or large branches across the trail. Don’t try to be the hero and lift something too heavy on your own. Even professional bodybuilders use a spotter to lift. Bring a notepad with you and document anything you can’t handle. Then give this list to the trail cleanup organizer so that the proper crew can address it. (Or, if you're hosting, contact the parks department with the information.) For toddlers and little kids, have them spot the trash ("I spy!") instead of picking it up. This will ensure they aren't picking up anything dangerous or unsanitary. What are your safety tips for trail cleanup? Have a question about safety while participating in a trail cleanup? Leave a comment or a question below! Read More: 11 Tips for Safety on Trail 3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know Photos by Vong Hamilton. Hike it Baby hikes are hosted by volunteers who have no professional training and are not experts to guide families on hikes. They are people who want to raise a generation to love the outdoors and they accomplish this by facilitating outings for all to join. Our tips are gathered from collective experience. As with any physical activity, please be sure to check with your healthcare provider and other experts when hiking with your children. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together.
OutGrown
Powered by Cause Machine. All rights reserved.