Epic Experience

10/16/2026

Cancer can take a toll on so much more than the body. That’s why we host survivorship programs where cancer thrivers can step outside their diagnosis, connect with people who understand, and be empowered to live beyond cancer. 🏔️🛶🔥

10/15/2026

🔥 New Campfires of Hope Podcast Episode!

🌟 Finding Light in the Darkness: The Power of Community 🫶

In this episode, we’re joined by Joanie Ryan, a Stage 4 lung and neck cancer survivor, and Nicholas Fioretto, a mediastinal cancer survivor who was diagnosed as a young adult. Both Joanie and Nicholas have experienced profound adversity—not only through their cancer diagnoses, but through other difficult and life-changing experiences along the way.

Despite the darkness they’ve faced, both found a source of light through Epic Experience. At camp, they discovered something powerful: a community of people who didn’t need an explanation. They were surrounded by others who understood the uncertainty, challenges, emotions, and realities of life with and beyond cancer.

In this conversation, Joanie and Nicholas share how finding their people helped them move through some of life’s darkest moments, rediscover connection, and find hope on the other side.

📺 Full video episode available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRMtK2YI_GQ

🎧 Audio at www.epicexperience.org/campfires-of-hope and wherever you listen to podcasts.

10/14/2026

🍎 New Jersey Trail Day 🍎

Yoga on the Farm (and Apple Picking)

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM–1:30 PM (you're welcome to stay on the farm until 4 PM)
📍 Riamede Farm
Chester, NJ

Join fellow cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers for a restorative autumn day at Riamede Farm, a historic apple orchard in Morris County dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage and the charm of its vintage trees.

The day will begin with introductions and a short history of the farm, followed by a gentle yoga session in the orchard (or in the barn if the weather is too wet). Afterward, enjoy fresh apple c***r and donuts, then take time to pick your own apples—small bag included—or choose a pumpkin, if available. 🍎🎃

We’ll close the afternoon by gathering for open conversation about life, healing, and the cancer survivorship journey. Whether you’re coming for the peaceful fall atmosphere, the yoga experience, or the chance to connect with others, this Trail Day offers a welcoming space to reconnect with yourself and your community.

Following the Epic Experience program, you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the many other activities Riamede Farm offers, including live music, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. Please note that some activities may have additional fees. While this event is for adults only, you’re invited to have your family join you at the farm around 1:30 pm.

REGISTER: www.epicexperience.org/traildays

10/13/2026

We’re proud to partner with GI Cancers Alliance for an upcoming live webinar focused on the power of reflection and the importance of processing emotions while facing cancer. 💙

Join us October 20 at 12 PM ET for a thoughtful conversation about making space for reflection and navigating the emotions that can come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4jgFPgL

We hope you’ll join us!

10/12/2026

New York Trail Day! 🗽
Walking Central Park Loop

📅 Saturday, November 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
📍 Central Park — meet at Engineer’s Gate

Join fellow cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers for a Trail Day through the heart of Manhattan as we take on the famous Central Park Loop!

This mostly flat route winds through one of New York City’s most iconic parks, offering a chance to enjoy green wooded paths, rolling meadows, and peaceful views of the lake—all surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Along the way, we’ll experience the natural beauty of Central Park and stop to chat about life and cancer survivorship. 💙

It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the energy of the city, connect with nature, and enjoy some adventure and community with fellow cancer thrivers and caregivers. Lace up your shoes and come experience Central Park with us! 🥾✨

👉Register: www.epicexperience.org/traildays

10/08/2026

Today is DAF Day! 💙

If you have a donor-advised fund, consider supporting Epic Experience and helping adults impacted by cancer find adventure, connection, and community.

Your gift helps create opportunities for survivors and caregivers to live beyond cancer.

Recommend a grant to Epic Experience today! 🏔️

https://www.every.org/epic-experience?code=bd7194ed #/donate/daf

10/08/2026

Last weekend, we brought the cancer community together for Trail Day meetups in Aurora, CO, and San Diego! 🧡

Our Aurora group spent the day dragon boat paddling, while our San Diego crew enjoyed some sound healing. Both events had a great turnout and were full of opportunities to meet other local cancer survivors, thrivers, and caregivers.

Our dragon boaters also got an extra-special treat with Epic founder Nancy “Mama Lou” Ferro joining them for the day! 🛶

We love seeing these connections happen in communities across the country.

Thanks to our hosts Mama Lou, Traintracks, Scott Dawson and Rocky Mountain Dragon Boat in Aurora, Joy in SD, and everyone who came out and spent part of their weekend with us! 💙

10/07/2026

Last week, we wrapped up our 4th and final Thriving Together camp of the year in Kentucky!

Led by Stretch and Semi, this amazing group of cancer thrivers spent the weekend kayaking 🛶, hiking 🥾, and zip lining 🌲 through the beautiful Red River Gorge.

It was an Epic few days filled with adventure, laughter, new friendships, and building community with people who truly understand what it means to live beyond cancer. 💙

A huge amount of gratefulness to Eisai US and Shirley's Way for supporting this special experience.

We’re incredibly proud of how the first year of our newest survivorship program turned out. From our first camp in Southern California, to summer adventures in Colorado and Maine, and finally this incredible Kentucky camp, Thriving Together has brought so many amazing people together. 🙌

We can’t wait to see where this program takes us next and for more Thriving Together adventures in 2027! 🎉

10/06/2026

A reminder that Epic Exchange will be the THIRD Tuesday in October.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 8:30 AM
Jack’s Bar and Grill / Steamers Coffee
Arvada, CO

Join Epic Exchange, a welcoming community of adult cancer thrivers who understand what it’s like to hear the words “You have cancer.” Together, we create a supportive space to share—whether it’s victories, challenges, or anything in between.

Share as much or as little as you’d like. Whether your diagnosis was last month or 30 years ago, you are welcome here.

Your host, Mama Lou, will warmly welcome everyone, help guide conversation, and foster meaningful connection.

☕ Grab a coffee, tea, or bite downstairs, then join us upstairs for conversation and community.

REGISTER: www.epicexperience.org/traildays

10/05/2026

💙 Standing with the Testicular Cancer Community

We’re sending our support to Will Reeve, anchor on ABC's Good Morning America following his recent diagnosis of testicular cancer, and to everyone out there who has heard the words, “You have cancer.”

Will’s story hits especially close to home for Epic Experience.

In 2012, Epic Experience was founded by Nancy Ferro, aka Mama Lou, whose oldest son, Michael, had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007. What started with one family’s cancer journey sparked something much bigger: an empowered community built around adventure, the outdoors, and the power of connecting with people who truly understand.

To Will, Michael, and everyone navigating : we’re rooting for you. You’re not alone. 💙

GMA’s Will Reeve, 34, reveals testicular cancer diagnosis and tells PEOPLE ‘I’m going to be fine but this was one heck of a chapter.’ Inspired by his parents, Christopher and Dana Reeve, he’s sharing his own story with the hope he can help others.