Cheryl Roby

Age: 36
Diagnosis: Cervical Cancer
Age at Diagnosis: 30
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2005, just a few days before my 30th birthday. My treatment went by in a flash, having 2 surgeries in less than a month. I was immediately filled with a fear of dying, of not living to see my 5 month old daughter grow up. I felt helpless and out of control.

I signed up for the trip because it sounded like an adventure, an opportunity to push myself beyond my boundaries and feel fully alive. I had no expectations for the trip other than that it would be challenging, exciting and rewarding – physically and emotionally. I wasn’t disappointed.

My journey down the Owyhee River served as an excellent metaphor for my life and my cancer journey. It taught me that, in my path through life, I may not always be able to see what danger may lurk around the corner; but I am strong, capable, and surrounded by good friends who will pull me to shore when the river of life threatens to overwhelm me. The experience taught me to trust in life, to trust in others and most importantly to trust in my own ability to cope with whatever may come my way.

My favourite memory from the trip was how I felt after finally jumping off the cliff into the river below after what seemed like hours standing on the verge, struggling between my fear and my desire to not let that fear stop me from living fully. I can’t control what happens to me, and that can be terrifying, but I know that I can, that I must, live my life beyond fear.