First Descents, the outdoor adventure non-profit benefiting young adults with cancer, is announcing that Teva has stepped up as the sole financial sponsor of FD’s final program of 2012. Teva is paying for 15 participants to experience an unforgettable week of outdoor adventure September 23-28 in Santa Barbara, CA.

First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same. National and international programs range from one day to one week long. Any young adult with cancer is eligible regardless of physical challenges, diagnosis or prognosis.

First Descents added surfing to its program lineup in 2011 by offering one week-long surf camp in California. In 2012, the non-profit held 13 free surf programs serving nearly 200 young adults with cancer and going international by holding a camp in Costa Rica.

“Teva stepped up last year to support our very first surf program and has been an active and enthusiastic partner ever since,” says First Descents’ Program Director Whitney Lange. “Now, for them to fund an entire program again is huge. The folks at Teva know how the healing properties of the ocean can change lives.”

For each surf program, First Descents teams up with a local outfitter that provides expert instruction and safety personnel. Camps are designed differently for first time participants, returning participants or caregivers and supporters. Media personnel who would like to attend a portion of the First Descents surf program sponsored by Teva in Santa Barbara September 23-28 should email Hilary@outsidemedia.com.

Image courtesy First Decents