experience Team
Board of Directors
- David Thomas"Mr. Giddyup"Board ChairDavid Thomas"Mr. Giddyup"
David Thomas learned about Epic Experience through his wife, Rebecca “Giddy Up” Thomas, who is a Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer survivor. She was a camper at one of the week-long Epic Experience camps and now volunteers regularly for the organization. In 2022, David attended the Epic Experience Hearts and Hope Gala and a regional meet up in the state of Maine, and quickly realized why Rebecca found the Epic Experience community extraordinary. He is excited to help Epic Experience with its mission and positively influence the lives of cancer survivors.
David has been with Consigli Construction Co., Inc. since 2004 and currently helps lead their Portland, Maine office. Consigli is one of the largest employee-owned construction managers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with offices dotting the east coast from Maine to Washington DC. Consigli has been recognized in each of their regional offices as a Best Place to Work and nationally as a Best Employer by Forbes.
David and Rebecca enjoy the outdoors, travel, running, fishing, and spending time with their four-legged children.
- Sabine Schwab"Bee"SecretarySabine Schwab"Bee"
Sabine Schwab, a primary brain cancer survivor, attended an Epic Experience summer camp in May 2016. Since then, she has been a strong believer in the healing power of nature and togetherness.
Sabine aims to connect other cancer survivors to live up to the quote: “When “I” is replaced by “We”, Illness becomes Wellness!” (Malcolm X).
Sabine has a PhD in Economics and Social Sciences, and has worked in nonprofit and corporate companies, in the USA and her home country, Germany. She is a very active advocate in the brain tumor space and acts as patient advisor and speaker for multiple organizations and health care institutions across the nation.
In her free time, the avid yogi and rock climber loves to travel and read, as well as spending time with her daughter and family.
- Julie Uspal“Dr. CheezIt”Julie Uspal“Dr. CheezIt”
Julie Uspal is an Emergency Medicine physician in Philadelphia and is honored to be part of the Epic Experience family.
She is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies and the Penn State College of Medicine for medical school. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and then joined the faculty at Penn Medicine in 2016. She currently works as an Emergency Medicine Attending and serves as the Director of Quality and Safety in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Department.
Julie is a breast cancer survivor who attended a winter camp with Epic Experience in 2018. She is grateful for the healing power of the Colorado mountains and the lifelong friendships she made through Epic Experience. Her experience at camp was so inspiring that she felt called to give back to the cancer community as a volunteer with Epic Experience. She has volunteered at multiple camps, is a member of the Medical Advisory Team, and now serves on the Board of Directors. She is honored to give back to an organization that does so much for the adult cancer community.
Julie enjoys travel, cooking, and adventures with her family. She lives in South Jersey with her wonderful husband, two amazing sons, and beloved pug.
- Amanda Blackburn"Semi"Amanda Blackburn"Semi"Amanda "Semi" Blackburn comes to you from Louisville Kentucky! She is a Stage III Colorectal Cancer Survivor....camp name “Semi” due to her semicolon. She is a mother of two beautiful girls, a 23 year Active Duty Air Force Veteran, Restaurant Owner, and lover of all things outdoors. She especially loves to play sports, fish, hike, travel, and do anything that involves the company of her family and friends.She attended a winter camp in 2019 seeking to face the emotional detriment that comes with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer. Epic was healing for Semi through a small group, a family atmosphere, and outdoor adventure. She was amazed at the transformation her and her fellow campers experienced mind, body, and spirit.Semi likes to live by the expression “Have stories to tell not stuff to show!”
- Cory Sly""Cory Sly""
Cory Sly was introduced to Epic Experience by his good friend and McKesson mentor, the late Louis Chinn, aka “Stud”. Cory and a group of friends and co-workers came together to run a half marathon in San Leandro, CA and raise funds for Epic Experience in honor of Louis’ battle with cancer. The group pivoted once COVID-19 lingered and ended up running the half marathon virtually and raising over $10,000.
Cory is a midwesterner at heart, born and raised in the St. Louis/Southern Illinois area before spending 10 years in the suburbs of Chicago all while maintaining his love for the better of the baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals. Cory attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Sports Administration and Marketing. A couple years after college, Cory had the opportunity to join McKesson and over the past 12 years has spent his time with the company working with Oncology Clinics and Manufacturers to ensure oncology practices and patients have the drugs they need, when they need it. Louis’ mentorship instilled a true patient first approach into Cory’s philosophy. That approach tied with the ‘get the job done attitude’ he inherited from his parents have led to many successful problem solving drills in order to get the patient what they needed, when they needed it.
Cory and his family call Indianapolis home, enjoying the full four seasons the Midwest offers. Cory is a dedicated father, husband and son with an incredible support system. When Cory is not spending time with his two daughters, wife, family or friends he enjoys running, golfing, traveling, catching up with friends and a glass of bourbon! When around the house his four legged best friend, Yadi, is not too far away.
A multitude of family members and friends within Cory’s life have been impacted by cancer. The opportunity to join the Epic Board of Directors was welcomed with open hands and excitement. Cory looks forward to continuing to support and assist the amazing work and growth of Epic Experience.
- Michael Ferro"Train Tracks"Michael Ferro"Train Tracks"
Michael was born in Sacramento and lived there until he went off to attend Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He is a survivor of testicular cancer and a macro prolactinoma pituitary brain tumor, both of which were diagnosed in 2007. Michael has worked at Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller real estate SaaS start-ups. When Michael isn’t working, you can find him on the golf course, hanging with his dogs, and getting cocktails in Old Town Arvada with his fiancé.
Michael is excited to be a part of Epic Experience and looks forward to Epic’s future growth and continuing its mission of empowering cancer thrivers and survivors. - Ronald K Bye"Big Hoss"Ronald K Bye"Big Hoss"
Ron Bye is a 49 year survivor of testicular cancer having been diagnosed in 1975 at the ripe old age of 20. At the time, such a diagnosis was a virtual death sentence with a mortality rate of 95%. He beat incredible odds against him!
Ron attended the Epic camp in the summer of 2022 for TC survivors and was so impressed he simply had to get more involved. Ron serves on the Finance Committee, bringing his extensive business experience to help further the mission of Epic.
Ron has done public speaking on his cancer experience and survival as well as being a published author.
Ron has nearly 50 years business experience and more than a dozen BOD positions for various non-profits including numerous cancer advocacy organizations. He has held global leadership positions for both private and public companies and led a staff of over 400 professionals.
- Cam Kiosoglous"Coach"Cam Kiosoglous"Coach"Cam Kiosoglous, a testicular and thyroid cancer survivor, is passionate about empowering others to live life to the fullest after a cancer diagnosis. Inspired by a fellow survivor's experience, Cam joined the summer camp program in August 2023. Cam's involvement with Epic Experience ignited a commitment to sharing cancer stories and fostering connections with like-minded individuals. He believes these connections are crucial for helping survivors navigate life beyond cancer. Born in Sydney, Australia, Cam moved to the US in 2000. His passion for rowing led him to become a national team coach for the US at four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Cam holds a PhD in Adult Learning and Human Development from Virginia Tech and currently thrives as a remote assistant professor and program director in the School of Education at Drexel University. Cam and his wife Justine have their menagerie of pets (including dogs, cats, horses, a goat, and chickens!), and enjoy the California sunshine at their home in San Diego.
- Janna Jones"Starshine"Janna Jones"Starshine"Janna“ Starshine“ Jones resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, Doug and three grown children Devon, Alex, and Brooke. She is busy being the CFO for their family owned auto repair shop for the past 30 years, managing their commercial property and volunteering on the outreach committee for Be Well Therapy – yoga for thrivers, as well as on the planning committee for Steps Against Melanoma for AIM.Janna is a Survivor of stage IIB melanoma skin cancer. Diagnosed in 2022, she had surgery then one year of immunotherapy and is currently thriving. Needing a community to connect with on a cancer level she sought out Epic Experience . First joining a regional meet up in Dana Point California, then attending a winter camp in February 2024. After meeting the Ferro’s then joining the Epic family of campers, she found herself giving back any chance she could and when asked to join the Board of Directors it was an opportunity she was honored to accept.In her leisure, Janna enjoys making wine from their family vineyard, crocheting and donating her fiber arts to various organizations, philanthropy of any kind but mostly cancer focused, Yoga in a chair or on the mat, and especially loves adventure trips with her family.
Board Emeritus
- Louis Chinn"Stud"Louis Chinn"Stud"
Louis is a native Northern Californian and the lucky "winner" of one of the rarest cancers in the world, thymic carcinoma - an aggressive cancer of the thymus gland. Ironically, most of his professional career has been in the business of oncology, partnering with cancer clinics around the country for over 20 years. Indeed, cancer does not discriminate.
He enjoys photography, golf, cycling, working out and traveling around the world.
Finding Epic Experience was truly a blessing for Louis! Spending an active week in the beautiful Colorado mountains with other cancer thrivers, and soon-to-be lifelong friends, while learning how not to be defined by our cancers, has allowed him to lead a positive and active lifestyle.
Louis passed away in 2021. We continue to empower adult cancer survivors and thrivers in his honor.
- Paul Maroni"Doogie"Paul Maroni"Doogie"
Board Member Emeritus
Dr Paul Maroni was unanimously elected to the Board of Director Emeritus for his founding support of Epic Experience. He has been an urologic and surgical oncologist at the University of Colorado Hospital since 2007. He tries to spend as much time as possible with his wife Nikki and children Samantha and AJ. He is an avid runner, occasional biker, and poor fisherman that believes family and relationships make life worthwhile. He is interested in helping survivors/caregivers overcome the frightening experience of “having cancer” and emerge as stronger, healthier individuals – a core goal of the EPIC experience. He brings organizational, educational, and medical experience to the board of directors.
- Ginny Cutright"Hula Girl"Ginny Cutright"Hula Girl"
Board Member Emeritus
Ginny Cutright is a native of Hawaii where she was born and raised. After attending college in Denver she traded the beaches, oceans and palm trees of the islands for the mountains, snow and pine trees of the Rockies. She settled in Colorado to raise her family. She was a teacher in Jefferson County for many years until adventure called. She spent eight years in NW Montana where she taught school on the Flathead Indian Reservation and owned a pet store with her family. When Montana winters became too long she moved to Northern Arizona where she worked with special needs children and eventually became the director of a school on the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation. She loves the Native American culture and its similarities to that of her Hawaiian family. Ginny has been an avid volunteer throughout her life focusing on animal rescue and children’s charities. She was part of the first crew to man the Adopt-a-Pet program at a Petsmart in Littleton.
In 2011, Ginny retired and returned to Denver to care for her ailing mother. It was “just by chance” that in 2012 she met the Ferro family. An afternoon of volunteering in a small ticket booth with Michael and Mark Ferro turned into something much greater. Ginny contributes to Epic Experience in memory of loved ones who lost their fight against Cancer but also in support of the many courageous fighters who work so hard to move BEYOND Cancer.
- Amy Wilhelm"Tex"Amy Wilhelm"Tex"
Amy talked her husband Mark into purchasing the 7W Guest Ranch and lodge back in 2002. This purchase allowed her to continue her service work by donating this property to many charities helping them achieve their mission. Epic has been the main beneficiary as being the home from the start to the cancer camps. Her continuous drive to make the world a better place takes most of her time along with her dedication to her family. Amy is mother to her three step children, wife to her husband Mark and has a love for animals. Along with her philanthropic activities, she stays very busy donating her time and money. While spending the winters in South Florida, you will find her most days volunteering at Hospice by the Sea.
Amy’s love to travel keeps her busy and never long in one place. She spends her summers in the Vail Valley. Her winters in South Florida along with visiting family and friends across the country. Amy and Mark can be found most days either hiking, biking, running or doing something active outdoors.Amy Wilhelm was born and raised in Texas. Amy’s ambition was to become a nurse and she worked many different jobs in the Hospital following her desire. Her career as a nurse was derailed when she met Mark her husband and they started working together creating and growing their Logistics business. Amy held many and all jobs at Amware along with starting and running a Trucking company in Dallas servicing a national retailer as their dedicated private fleet.
- Karl White"Moose"Karl White"Moose"
Karl initially found Epic as a Lymphoma survivor when he was looking for ways to give back to the cancer community. After attending a camp in Summer 2016, Karl believed so strongly in the support he received there and Epic’s mission that he jumped at the opportunity to join the board. Karl is very excited about Epic’s future.
Karl has 10 years of Analytic experience and a BA in Math and a MBA in Finance, both from the University of Colorado. Currently he is a Senior Data Analyst at Kaiser Permanente. Karl also has 15 years of board member and Treasure experience at a Denver based Credit Union that specializes in serving the financially under served. In addition, Karl has 15 years of Sales and Management experience.
Karl is a Colorado native, but is well traveled. He has been to all 50 states and all 7 continents. He enjoys golf, dinning out, live music and gardening. He and his wife Jolene also love hanging out with and walking their dog Turk.
- David Cohen"Striker"David Cohen"Striker"
David is from New England, growing up in Connecticut and living in Massachusetts for over two decades. He is a survivor of testicular cancer and was introduced to Epic Experience as a winter camper in 2017, where he has said his experience “changed his life.” He has since volunteered at the 7W ranch during the winter of 2019.
David is the CEO of Doc Wayne Youth Services, which is a Boston based award winning non-profit focused on working with youth with mental health challenges and victims of complex trauma through the power of sport. He is a former college soccer player and has been involved in the sport for social change space since 2008 as he is also the founder of Playing It Forward, a non-profit which provides sports equipment to thousands of underserved youth around the world.
David earned his B.S. from Babson College and his MBA from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University.
He and his wife, Lauren, have two daughters and two Doodles. He enjoys coaching, traveling and honing his Rummikub skills when he can. His goal is to help the organization grow so that more adult survivors are able to attend camp and experience how “game-changing” Epic Experience can be.
Team Epic
- Colin Ferro"Wingman"Colin Ferro"Wingman"Colin arrived in Denver, CO in 2004 to attend Regis University for college. During his time at Regis Colin was very involved with a retreat called Kairos. Kairos was very impactful in his life and he wanted to continue to share that with his peers throughout his collegiate experience. During college Colin’s brother was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After being the emotional support and caregiver for Michael during the last two years at Regis University Colin gained more and more affection for the cancer community and wanting to support all survivors however he could.Working at the corporate office for the Red Robin Restaurant Group Colin was in search to find a career full of passion and purpose much like his time in college with Kairos. In 2013 Colin came to work for Epic Experience part time, 6 months later he was full time. Since that time his passion for the organization and the entire cancer community has grown year after year. Colin is passionate about the outdoors and the cancer community, Epic Experience has helped him embrace both of them. He is always excited to share his enthusiasm of Epic Experience with whoever will take the time to listen.
- Mark Ferro"Fuzzy"Mark Ferro"Fuzzy"Mark is most proud of his 38-year marriage to Nancy “Mama Lou” Ferro and their close-knit family, including their three children, Michael, Colin, and Kerry. He has been involved with Epic Experience since its beginning and has worn the nickname “Fuzzy” for nine years. He volunteers whenever and wherever he can, and enjoys seeing the impact the Epic Experience programs have on cancer survivors and thrivers.Mark had a 40-year career in sales and channel management in the medical and tech industries and worked with executives across multiple industries. In his new role in business development, Mark will merge his passion for Epic Experience with his sales background to look for donations so he can continue to cook breakfast for campers.
- Chris Chinn"Burpee"Chris Chinn"Burpee"
Chris grew up in Northern California before relocating to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. He decided to stick around LA, where he owns a fitness training center, Sweat City Fitness. His father Louis, aka "Stud," was a very beloved Epic Experience camper and Board member. Louis' tremendous passion for Epic Experience led Chris to seek out ways he could provide value as well. After Covid forced Sweat City to transition online to Zoom training classes, Chris realized there was finally an opportunity to offer his programs directly to Epic Experience. And thus, Chris, aka "Burpee," became part of the Epic Experience family by way of health and fitness.
Louis was such a special, inspirational, and influential member of Epic Experience that it was decided that his legacy must live on. And what better way to continue his legacy than through his family.Shortly after joining the Epic Board of Directors, Chris took on the role of Social Media Manager. As Chris' passion for the Epic Experience family grew, he eventually decided to join the staff and continue to inspire the adult cancer survivor community to live beyond cancer.Chris' 10+ years of experience as a small-business owner has sharpened his abilities in strategic thinking, marketing, and branding. As part of Sweat City, Chris has created 3 separate businesses: Adult Fitness Classes, Youth Speed & Agility, and Online Virtual Training. He continues to find ways to create, innovate, and evolve as a business.In his free time, Chris loves watching sports, exercising, and being a cat-dad. - Denny Williams"Stretch"Denny Williams"Stretch"
Denny “Stretch” Williams is from Louisville, KY. He was diagnosed in January 2022 with esophageal
cancer. After treatments and surgery, he is living life beyond cancer. Denny attended Epic Experience in
March 2023. After camp, he realized the need to pay it forward and became a camp volunteer to help
other cancers survivors. Stretch is an advocate for the mental health side of cancer and willing to share
his story to bring hope for others fighting this disease.Denny is married with two boys. An avid sports fan, he cheers on the Cincinnati Reds and anything
University of Louisville athletics. He was a college baseball player at UofL and stands 6’8” tall. Hince the
nickname “Stretch”. Denny works as a high school athletic director. - Jay Carter"Edge"Jay Carter"Edge"
Jay joined Team Epic as the resident Tech Specialist after attending an Epic Experience winter camp in 2015. Diagnosed with Philadelphia Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2011, Jay saw firsthand how outdoor adventure camps can positively affect the lives of cancer survivors, and he wanted to give back.
Jay gained a newfound passion for the outdoors, and loves volunteering at the Epic Experience camps. In his free time, Jay enjoys staying active in nature, learning about blockchain and Ethereum, and connecting with other cancer survivors at conferences and meet-ups.
"For me, cancer has been a blessing in disguise. It has opened my eyes to a world I did not know existed, and has set me on a path of self discovery to find my true passion in life. "
- Gail Fay"Sunshine"Gail Fay"Sunshine"
Gail hosts the Epic Experience Campfires of Hope podcast. She is a uterine and ovarian cancer survivor who didn’t do support groups—until she attended a winter camp in 2016 and discovered the healing power of community, laughter, and the great outdoors. Soon after, she joined Team Epic and started volunteering at camps so other survivors could gain hope to live beyond cancer.
A California girl who spent twelve years in the Sunshine State, Gail is now thoroughly enjoying her new home in Colorado, mountain gazing and hiking as often as possible.
- Nancy "Mama Lou "FerroFounderNancy "Mama Lou "FerroFounder
Since starting Epic Experience in 2012, Nancy loves each and every camp watching cancer survivors stretch beyond their usual comfort zone. Her main role at camp is cooking and working with Wingman and the volunteers.
Nancy love watching the impact of what a week of an Epic Experience has done for all of the cancer survivors that have attended from the first day they arrive to when they go home.
Medical Advisory Team
- Dr. Mike Glode"Doc"Dr. Mike Glode"Doc"
MD
Medical Oncologist
University of Colorado Cancer CenterI became involved because I have taken care of many cancer patients and found the idea of the EPIC Experience a way to give back for all they have taught me over the years. As a cancer survivor myself, I hope to be able to empathize and empower participants in our camps.
- Hazel Senz“Hazel Nutt”Hazel Senz“Hazel Nutt”
Retired Nurse
Epic Experience Cancer ThriverI have been a pediatric nurse for over 30 years. Most of my experience was at The Children’s Hospital on a general medical/surgical unit and coordinating pediatric clinical trials, but I did dabble in biotech and adult oncology clinical trials for the last few years.
On March 5, 2014, my life changed forever; I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Being a non-smoker all my life, this came at quite a shock. I sought care for my cancer at the Anschutz Cancer Center at University of Colorado Hospital. I was introduced to Epic Experience through the social worker and the rest is history.
I became an Epic camper in June 2014. The experience was life changing and it will forever remind me that there is, indeed, life after you have been told, “You have cancer”. Epic allowed me to push past those scary limits I set for myself and let me have fun doing it. On the days when I begin to feel sorry for myself, I think of all the brave cancer fighters and survivors from camp who are either walking a much more challenging journey than I can ever imagine or have walked the walk before me and have come out the other side stronger and more hopeful than ever.
Although I have Stage IV lung cancer, my treatment has allowed me to continue doing the things in my life I truly enjoy like running, skiing, hiking and being with my friends and family. Because of today’s cutting edge research and current treatment options, I plan on being around for a long time!
Everyone is so busy with life, but when the majority of the Epic Experience camp volunteers are previous campers themselves, it says a lot about the program. The urge to “pay it forward” is strong and this is why I want to volunteer my time and experience for such a great organization
- Emily Piper"Bear"Emily Piper"Bear"
RN, BSN, OCN
Calloway Young Cancer CenterI’ve been an Oncology nurse for 8 years. I work at the Calaway Young Cancer Center in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I’m passionate about helping my oncology patients. I joined The EPIC Experience family because I wanted to continue to give back. I’ve spent much of my nursing career focused on oncology treatment. I’ve come to learn the Survivorship is where the continued healing happens!
Since moving to CO in 2010, the mountains of Colorado have been my playground. I love trail running, rafting, and my Berner pup Finnley. - Laura Woodward"LaLa"Laura Woodward"LaLa"
University of Colorado Health RN, BSN, OCN
I grew up in Vicksburg, MS, with a two year stint in South Korea courtesy of being an army brat. I went straight to nursing school after high school and started my nursing career in Rochester, MN. After a winter or two in the great cold, my love of travel and my love for my work combined and I started travel nursing. I was able to see the country and meet wonderful people from coast to coast. I decided to grow some roots and make my home in Denver in 2012.
I love the mountains, the sunny winters, and good times spent with friends and family. I am a nurse at University of Colorado Health in the Blood Disorders Clinic, working with blood cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. I love working with our patients, and when I was lucky enough to volunteer as a medic for camp I was hooked! Such a fantastic experience and a renewal of energy as much for me as for the campers! I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful group of special people!
- Cindy Mantey"Cupcake"Cindy Mantey"Cupcake"
Cyndi currently lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her husband and therapy dog, Jax. She works full-time as a nurse practitioner. She was diagnosed at the age of 26 with Ewing Sarcoma and Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016.
Cyndi found Epic Experience while looking for ways to help her get back to a normal life after her cancer treatment. She attended summer camp in June of 2018. Cyndi’s experience at camp was truely life changing. She felt she was stuck in a world where she wasn’t able to see past her cancer diagnosis and Epic Experience provided her the opportunity to see that it was okay to plan a life after cancer. She found a whole new support sytem and family that helped her thrive.
Cyndi returned to the 7W Ranch in October 2023, with Epic’s first ever alumni week fundraiser. She brought her husband, Brian with so he could see the place that impacted her life so much.
Cyndi continues to pay if forward by helping with the Epic Alumni & Epic Medical teams. She also gives back by volunteering as the medical personnel at weekly camps.
- Suzanne Kuhn"Nitro"Suzanne Kuhn"Nitro"I live in Pennsylvania and have been a nurse educator for over 30 years. I am married and have two adult children and one grandchild. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love swimming. We have three dogs, including a chocolate lab and two Shetland sheepdogs (shelties). One of our shelties has completed therapy dog training and visits schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. Since my initial treatment, I have been cancer-free for six years. In 2022, I attended a camp through Epic, and the experience was life-changing. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my fears and learn from others with similar experiences. I discovered that many people are eager to offer support and accompany me on this uncertain journey. I met incredible campers and volunteers who understand the mental and physical challenges cancer patients face, all while enjoying the summer camp activities.I have thoroughly enjoyed giving back to Epic as a volunteer on the medical review team, helping to support the amazing opportunities available for cancer survivors.
Alumni Team
- Sabine Schwab"Bee"Sabine Schwab"Bee"
Jill of all Trades
New JerseyBee (Sabine Schwab as she is known in the real world) attended an Epic Experience camp in May 2016. It was her first time in the beautiful state of Colorado – and she "absolutely fell in love”. Right after camp, Bee joined the Alumni team, and has been back to the ranch as a volunteer every year since.
Sabine is a primary brain tumor survivor, Ph.D., German emigrant to the U.S., mom to a little girl, avid yogi and rock climber. She loves traveling and photography as much as volunteering for Epic. Being a a strong believer in the healing power of nature and togetherness, Bee aims is to to connect other cancer survivors to live up to the quote:
“When “I” is replaced by “We”, Illness becomes Wellness!” (Malcolm X).
- Jordan Adams"Specs"Jordan Adams"Specs"
Jordan Adams, aka “Specs”, is an outdoorsman, partner dancer, eyewear enthusiast, cat whisperer, board game maestro and ultimate frisbee player from Sacramento, CA. He was diagnosed with Uveal Melanoma, a rare eye cancer that forced the removal of his right eye in September 2016. He now wears a prosthetic eye, which he considers a monument to his cancers demise.
Jordan attended camp in the summer of 2017, during a low point in his post-cancer life. Being a part of EPIC was instrumental in giving him an opportunity to relive all the outdoorsy fun he loved so much prior to his diagnosis, and prove to himself that he didn’t have to stop doing what brings him joy because of cancer! It also demonstrated to him the value of empathy and community among survivors, and he hopes to bring that sense of community and support to others through the alumni team.
- Carly Weingart"Tater Tot"Carly Weingart"Tater Tot"
Carly (Tater Tot) Weingart lives in Minneapolis, MN. She is a senior at the University of Minnesota where she is majoring in Sociology of Law, Criminology and Deviance and minoring in Psychology. With her degree, she wants to work in the criminal justice field and hopes to help people in the system, and bridge the gap of inequality when it comes to criminal justice issues. She enjoys being outside, hanging with friends and family and loves to watch crime shows. She is a devoted cat mom. Right before her sophomore year of college, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma of the spine. Carly says she learned a lot about herself and her strength throughout her journey with cancer. As of May 2020, she is 2 years cancer free!!
Tater Tot attended camp in July of 2019 and her experience at camp taught her that she can push her body to its limits and still enjoy every minute of every day. She really enjoyed meeting new people and being able to discuss her journey with other cancer survivors.
- Rebecca Thomas“Giddy Up”Rebecca Thomas“Giddy Up”
Rebecca “Giddy Up” Thomas attended an Epic Experience camp in August of 2019. Her love of Colorado started many years prior when she went to a dude ranch and fell in love with horses which is where the name Giddy Up came from. She has two beautiful horses, three dogs, and two cats. She returned as a volunteer in February of 2020 and joined the Alumni team in 2021. She works as a medical assistant and offers therapeutic horse back riding lessons. She lives on Little Sebago Lake in Maine, where she and her husband enjoy fishing, various outdoor activities, and travel.
Rebecca is a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer. Camp allowed her to connect with other survivors in a way that was truly healing. Cancer brings an array of emotions both during and after treatment. Being able to embrace the beauty of camp, participate in amazing activities, and have true and honest discussions with others was eye opening and needed. She felt like she gained a whole new family and looks forward to others with to survive and thrive beyond cancer.
- Jason Gallman""Jason Gallman""
Jason Gallman is honored to be a part of the Epic Experience Alumni team! In May of 2022, Jason attended the first men's camp at the 7W Ranch. In 2018, he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer and genetic testing revealed he had Lynch Syndrome. Through the goodness of God and an amazing team of doctors, Jason had his first clear scan in May of 2019!
Any cancer survivor knows that even a good scan doesn’t erase cancer from your life as follow up monitoring never ends. So Jason was thankful that along the way, he was introduced to Epic Experience and attended the week-long camp in Colorado. Jason was inspired to see men of all ages and fitness levels, in different stages of their cancer journey come together for a week of adventure.
Jason lives close to Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, two daughters, and three dogs. Jason is an active person who prioritizes fitness. He has served as an Indiana Gaming Agent for over 15 years and is active in his church, Eastside Christian.
- Jordan Vanzandt"Ginger"Jordan Vanzandt"Ginger"Jordan currently lives in Tipton, Michigan with her husband and two teenage children. She was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroendocrine cancer at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.Jordan found Epic Experience while researching opportunities for cancer patients and survivors. She attended winter camp in February 2023. Jordan found her experience at camp with Epic to be extremely fulfilling; offering her the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors and thrivers! She found the emotional support she was looking for, along with many new found friendships.Jordan returned to the 7W ranch in October 2023 through Epic’s first ever alumni week fundraiser and brought her husband, Mike along with her to share in the experience and meet some of her Epic family. She, along with her husband, are now volunteers at upcoming camps.Jordan looks forward to continuing to give back to Epic Experience and helping other cancer survivors navigate the emotional toll a cancer diagnosis can bring.
- Cindy Mantey"Cupcake"Cindy Mantey"Cupcake"
Cyndi currently lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her husband and therapy dog, Jax. She works full-time as a nurse practitioner. She was diagnosed at the age of 26 with Ewing Sarcoma and Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016.
Cyndi found Epic Experience while looking for ways to help her get back to a normal life after her cancer treatment. She attended summer camp in June of 2018. Cyndi’s experience at camp was truely life changing. She felt she was stuck in a world where she wasn’t able to see past her cancer diagnosis and Epic Experience provided her the opportunity to see that it was okay to plan a life after cancer. She found a whole new support sytem and family that helped her thrive.
Cyndi returned to the 7W Ranch in October 2023, with Epic’s first ever alumni week fundraiser. She brought her husband, Brian with so he could see the place that impacted her life so much.
Cyndi continues to pay if forward by helping with the Epic Alumni & Epic Medical teams. She also gives back by volunteering as the medical personnel at weekly camps.
- Heather Finlay“Birdie”Heather Finlay“Birdie”
Heather “Birdie” Finlay, of Point Pleasant Borough, NJ, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2019. After undergoing several surgeries and treatments, she began living beyond cancer in 2021—with a renewed strength and vibrant spirit.
Epic Experience reignited Heather’s confidence in her resilience and reminded her how much she loves being physically challenged. She attended winter camp in March 2023, followed by a return to 7W Ranch in October for Epic’s first-ever Alumni Week fundraiser. She's participated in multiple regional events and cohosted a Pilates-based gathering in Spring 2025.
Heather found the volunteers and participants at Epic to be incredible individuals—people she's proud to now call her friends. She’s especially honored and overjoyed to have been asked to join the Epic alumni team, continuing the mission that helped her reclaim her strength.
Heather works in a legislative office and teaches Pilates. At home, she’s surrounded by her two Labradors and three birds—living each day with joy, purpose, and resilience.
- Missy Burgess“Plato”Missy Burgess“Plato”Missy “Plato” Burgess, of Stevens Point, WI, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2019. After experiencing multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation all during the COVID-19 pandemic, she sought out Epic as a way to live life again after so many things in her world had been on pause.Epic Experience provided a community of other survivors and thrivers and the opportunity to say "yes" to life beyond cancer. She attended winter camp in January 2023, followed by a return as a volunteer. Plato has also helped to facilitate several Wisconsin regional days.Within Epic, Missy found a community and a place where people understood the realities of life after active treatment. Her original camp group still connects and has gathered for meet-ups around the US since they attended camp. Missy is super excited to serve on the Alumni team to help give back to an organization that offered so much to her.Missy works in student affairs in higher education, encouraging students to experience life both inside and outside the classroom. Missy brings her unique talents and skills and a bit of snarky humor to several volunteer organizations and challenges herself to continue to "say yes" to new opportunities that come up.