The Turning Point

Being on a canoe expedition allows us to experience the impact of nature on us and to connect with the truest and most beautiful version of ourselves. It’s an experience that, once you’re in it, makes you believe nothing else exists.

Ain’t life good!
We wake up thinking of Mario (one of the co-founders of the Foundation)! Ain’t life good! Sunlight pierces through the forest, the air is fresh, and a delicious breakfast inspired by traditional Huevos Rancheros awaits us by the fire. We’re so excited about the meal that we decide to take a picture of it.

Everyone enjoys a gentle morning. Isabelle entertains us with a comedy act and teaches us how to use sarcasm and laughter to lighten up the difficult moments of our lives. Monica meditates, Leah reads, and Amy takes a moment to breathe in front of the colorful and grandiose landscape.

On my way to the beach, I meet Jessica. Her eyes are sparkling, she’s glowing. It’s time to get back on the water. Today, we’ll paddle 13 km in rabaska canoes. We rejoin the group—Colleen and Liz will be the stern paddlers of the day. The lake is like a mirror, the perfect moment to paddle.

The Patience of Lichen
After a few kilometers, we stop on Rock Island (unofficial name). We take a moment to open our circle and our hearts again. The participants share, with Katherine starting. They speak about what helped them in their cancer journey and what they’d like to put in place for the next steps. The discussion is inspiring and moving. They talk about the power of gratitude, the 5 Cs, the importance of focusing on what remains, patience (like lichen), and also the right to be angry. They say how this expedition is a turning point for them. I feel privileged to be here, to listen, to witness the resilience that carries them. I’m also touched by how they are strong, yes, but above all vulnerable and real.

Los Palmos
The circle ends with book exchanges, tips, and above all, words of hope. Next destination: Los Palmos (unofficial name), the big beach with fake palm trees where we’ll have lunch. We’re lucky—the logistics team is testing new meals and everything is EXCELLENT! We eat on the beach, we chat, we take a break, and we wrap it all up with a five-minute nap. The intention: to find the courage to get back on the water. For the rest of the journey, we’ll have to paddle straight into the wind.

Headwind
We still have 5 km of rabaska left. The wind is strong and fatigue is setting in. Everyone works as a team. We take turns resting, we follow the shoreline as best we can. Emotions and feelings intensify. We support each other, we collaborate, and finally, we arrive at our second campsite.

Victory!
Someone once told me: “You don’t really know someone until you’ve both cried and paddled together.” Today, we learned to truly know each other! We laughed, we cried, we paddled, we helped each other, we lifted each other up—and above all, we did it together.

I watch the group as I write this. Amy and Liz are learning how to make nets and prepare bass given to us by some fishermen.

Meanwhile, Leah is writing in our group journal, Myriam, Isabelle, and Monica are swimming, and the others are finishing setting up their tents.

I feel all the love that exists within the group. It’s our last night, and I know that every victory, big or small, will be celebrated!

See you tomorrow for the next chapter!

Geneviève Locas