30 years of horizon

Hello!

My name is Jessica, I am 33 years old, and I am an elementary school teacher. The On the Tip of the Toes Foundation came into my life at the end of my active cancer treatments. I had just completed 15 radiation therapy sessions, and three weeks later, I found myself in a rabaska canoe with wonderful people.

This experience was a turning point in my healing journey. After all those months of difficult treatments, I realized that I was still capable of paddling, setting up a tent, climbing hills, and so much more. The kindness, attentiveness, and energy of the facilitators and volunteers made me feel comfortable and truly at my place. They are caring, passionate people who are deeply committed to this mission.

The participants—these incredible women with whom I was able to share my experience of treatment and of life in general, all while being immersed in nature—were profoundly transformative. I no longer felt alone. I had a bilingual group, coming from all across the country, with whom I could talk about the illness, but also about who I am as a person, and reconnect with myself. Even months later, I am still in touch with these extraordinary women, with whom a powerful bond was created.

As someone who loves the outdoors—nature, camping, and canoeing—I was so happy to reconnect with these activities that had been put on hold during my treatments. After this expedition, I reconnected with nature through weekly hikes and even a trip to Banff!

I want to get involved in the fundraising campaign because this experience truly changed my healing journey. I hope that other young people living with cancer can experience something as powerful as what I lived, through the group and through nature. Today, I can say that during my expedition, I was truly standing on tiptoe, looking toward what comes next—and now, I have reached the other side, filled with gratitude for this experience. This expedition was made possible thanks to donations that helped me reconnect with myself, with nature, and with others.

Thank you!

Jessica