At Social Cannabis, we believe in more than just providing premium products and excellent service—we believe in building a stronger, healthier, and more supportive community. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with First Descents as our Q4 featured charity through our Be.Social Community program. This incredible nonprofit organization offers life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS), along with their caregivers and healthcare workers.
The Mission of First Descents: Healing Through Adventure
Founded in 2001 by professional kayaker Brad Ludden, First Descents provides free outdoor programs designed to help young adults explore their limits, reconnect with nature, and find joy beyond their medical diagnoses. Inspired by the limited emotional support his aunt received during her battle with breast cancer, Brad sought to create a space where people facing similar challenges could experience adventure, community, and healing.
Over the past two decades, First Descents has impacted nearly 11,000 participants, offering transformative experiences like kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing. These activities take place in some of the most beautiful wilderness settings across the U.S., providing participants with both physical challenges and emotional renewal. Guided by professional adventure guides, and supported by a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner to ensure nourishing meals, participants are given everything they need to thrive.
Outdoor Adventure Meets Emotional Healing
The power of First Descents lies in its unique combination of physical activity and emotional healing. Many participants have described these outdoor adventures as pivotal moments in their recovery, offering them a renewed sense of hope, strength, and connection. These programs aren’t just about learning new sports—they’re about learning to live fully again, despite the challenges of a life-changing diagnosis.
What makes First Descents even more remarkable is their inclusivity. Programs are not only open to young adults between the ages of 18-45 who have been diagnosed with cancer or MS, but also to their caregivers and healthcare workers. This approach recognizes the profound impact these diagnoses have on the entire support network, creating a space where everyone can come together to heal.
The Social Cannabis Connection: Be.Social Community Giving
As part of our Be.Social Community program, we’re proud to support First Descents in their mission to help young adults thrive beyond cancer and MS. At Social Cannabis, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience life to its fullest, and First Descents embodies that belief through their work. Whether you’re conquering a rapid on a kayak, reaching new heights while rock climbing, or riding the waves during a surf session, First Descents offers participants the chance to push their boundaries and rediscover joy.
Throughout Q4, we’ll be spotlighting the incredible work that First Descents does, and we encourage our community to get involved. Whether it’s by learning more about their programs, joining one of their fundraising events, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to support this amazing organization. Together, we can help ensure that First Descents continues to provide these life-changing experiences to those who need them most.
How You Can Get Involved
First Descents relies on the support of individuals, businesses, and communities like ours to continue offering their programs free of charge. You can help make a difference by exploring the many ways to get involved:
- Donate: Contributions of any size help fund First Descents’ programming, allowing more young adults to experience the power of outdoor adventure.
- Participate in Fundraising Events: From established races like the TCS New York City Marathon to community-driven efforts, First Descents offers numerous ways to get involved in their “Out Living It” events.
- Volunteer: First Descents also welcomes volunteers to support their programs and events, whether through direct participation or behind-the-scenes assistance.
To learn more about First Descents and how you can support their work, visit their website at FirstDescents.org.
Join Us in Supporting First Descents
As we embark on this partnership, we invite you—our Social Cannabis family—to join us in supporting First Descents. Let’s work together to empower young adults facing cancer and MS to not just survive, but to truly live and thrive through the healing power of outdoor adventure. Keep an eye on our channels for updates, stories from participants, and ways to get involved throughout Q4. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Let’s be social, be adventurous, and be there for each other.