17strong

Amanda, Hawaii

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:19:46 GMT

From Fairfax, Virginia, 32-year-old Amanda and her wife Emily took a trip to Hawaii after her battle with breast cancer. They went night diving with manta rays, snorkeling with turtles, hiking across a volcano, and relaxed enjoying time outdoors.

“This trip was amazing and coincided with our honeymoon, so that made it so much more special. I am beyond grateful for 17 Strong and the work they do!”

Jacqueline, Hawaii

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:14:29 GMT

41-year-old Jacqueline, her son and her sister celebrated in Maui after her battle with breast cancer for over a hear and a half. “It meant the world to me. My son accomplished his first year of college, and my sister graduated with her BA at Fresno State. As a mother and sister, I enjoyed seeing my loved ones happy and celebrating their accomplishments.”

“This trip also allowed me to slow down, count my blessing and take a calm perspective in life. Everyday was an adventure. The bamboo forest, snorkeling, and paddle boarding were breathtaking. The sunset on the beach with my loved ones was priceless.”

Christian, Snowboarding in Vail

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 00:01:18 GMT

Christian, 39, and his wife Christina from Denver, CO took a snowboarding trip to Vail after he battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They were the first trip to happen after the pandemic put Victory Trips on hold! Christian loved teaching his wife how to ski and being able to snowboard for the first time in 5 years with ideal powder conditions in the Rockies.

“Snowboarding has always been one of my favorite things to do. Throughout my chemotherapy I would often visualize snowboarding in order to take my mind off the pain or allow myself something to think about. To go snowboarding again marked a return to health, and a realization of the thing that helped keep me going through some of the darkest times of my life. Christina was the one that walked with me through cancer and in many ways, our memories together on the trip were a beautiful metaphor. On the last day, almost a foot of fresh snow had fallen on the mountain and I hiked out on a peak to ride down untouched faces and forests of powder.”

Daniel, Hawaii

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:58:20 GMT

Daniel, 38, and his girlfriend Jennifer took a trip to Maui after he battled stage 4 head and neck cancer. They got the full Maui experience with a luau, driving through Hana, going to the Maui Ocean Center, a Valentine’s dinner cruise and enjoying the beauty of Maui.

“It meant the world to me to have anyone do something like that for me was highly appreciated and good for my mind and body to feel alive again. The highlight for us was the whales splashing and waving to us while we were on our Valentine’s dinner cruise, and it was amazing.”

Whitney, Hawaii

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 23:55:45 GMT

Whitney, 33, and her daughter Lydia traveled to the big island of Hawaii after her fight with breast cancer. They went to the black sand beaches, saw giant sea turtles, and rang in the New Year together.

“As a single mom, being able to take my daughter who helped me through chemo and to close the door on cancer was so special. We celebrated the New Year in Hawaii, and when it turned midnight we had a moment of fresh start. It was an amazing thing to let go of all the weight and heartaches that came with cancer.”

Bradley, Maldives

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 23:52:39 GMT

Bradley and his wife Stefany from Modesto, CA honeymooned in the Maldives after his fight with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They did it all, from parasailing to seeing sharks up close!

“At a time when it felt like nothing was going right and the world was determined to beat me, 17 Strong gave me the opportunity to take the love of my life on a dream honeymoon, one that we would have never been able to take on our own, to paradise! Becoming part of the 17 Strong family has help me to find the strength on the days that try to test my resolve, and experience the trip of a lifetime with my WIFE (I love getting to finally call her that!).”

Andrew, Dallas Cowboys Game

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 23:43:15 GMT

From Omaha, Nebraska, Andrew wanted to go to a Dallas Cowboys football game. During his first semester at Kansas State, Andrew was diagnosed with leukemia and was forced to put his college career and life on hold. After fighting cancer, the 21-year-old leukemia survivor invited his dad on his dream vacation that included a tour of the Cowboys stadium and being on the field for pre-game warmups.

“This is something I have always wanted to do with my dad but never truly been able to. I certainly didn’t think was reasonable with given medical conditions for a long foreseeable future. It meant the world and more to me to be able to have the opportunity to go on a trip like this with my biggest supporter. The highlight of the trip was going down on the field during the pregame warm-ups and getting to see all the players up close.”

Zachary, Hawaii

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 23:42:09 GMT

19-year-old Zachary from Braceville, Illinois beat brain cancer and took a trip with his dad Mike to Maui. Their trip included riding around on motorcycles, zip-lining, a luau, attending the Pipe Masters surf competition, and soaking up the beauty of Maui.

“This was a perfect way to get my mind off what had happened but at the same time show me that I won my battle. The highlight of the trip was spending time with my dad and the nature around the island, so many things to see but the pictures don’t actually capture the experience.”

Julie, Barbados

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:37:44 GMT

Julie took her husband Chris with her to Barbados after battling stage 3 breast cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer a month after moving from Oklahoma to LA, where they moved 20 times with four kids while she endured chemotherapy. After this difficult year, Julie and Chris enjoyed the beautiful beaches and relaxing nature of the island.

“This trip was truly about celebrating a victory from a long journey of battling the ruthless disease called cancer. It wasn’t just a victory trip for me though, it was a discovery of how this beautiful organization came around me to truly show me family. This trip is a representation of how people can come around you and love you do you even if you just barely know them. It represents true rest and healing and reminding us of the best is yet to be.”

Kellen, Drifting School + Concert

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 23:32:53 GMT

20-year-old, Kellen Franzen from Yankton, South Dakota overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With a love for cars, Kellen and his friend came to California where he had an adrenaline-packed day with a private drifting lesson at Bay Area Drifting. The two also attended a Post Malone concert.

Jo’el, Mexico

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 22:00:12 GMT

Jo’el and his wife celebrated his victory in the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico after his fight with cancer. Wanting some adventure, Jo’el and his wife did a cenote tour with zip-lines, kayaking, and swimming.

“I was willing to fight cancer but was not ready to have my family, friends and community have sit ringside to the beating I was going to take. 17 Strong gave me a light that I could show my kids and all that helped me get through those dark times. To be able to share my Victory Trip with my wife after all that she helped me with was the perfect way to end our fight together!”

Brittany, Disney Cruise Canada

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:54:32 GMT

Brittany, a bubbly 27-year-old, was so excited to go with her parents on a Disney Cruise and get the luxury treatment. “They do a ‘sail away’ party on the deck, and at the end there is a countdown where they play ‘When You Wish Upon a Star” and blow the horn. As cheesy as it sounds, the second that horn blew I almost cried. It felt like everything I had wished for and dreamed of came true.”

“After years of treatments and surgeries this was the best week of my entire life. For an entire week I got to forget about the hospital and being sick. I felt normal. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in years. All year long knowing the trip was coming helped me get through some really tough stuff. Now that I am home I use all of the pictures, videos, and memories to remind me how good life is. This trip was everything and more.”

Leslie, Portugal

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:53:25 GMT

Leslie and her cousin/caregiver Lori took a trip to Portugal after her battle with breast cancer. They experienced the country through wine, food and sightseeing. “17 Strong booked a food crawl excursion. It was definitely the best night there! Almost 5 hours walking around the back alleys and residential roads to find these local hidden gems. Pete, our guide, gave us history lessons throughout the evening, which was filled with smiles and laughter. We met some great people from around the world, and the local foods blew me away.”

“This trip was more needed than I ever realized. I thought I was burnt out from work, but I wasn’t. My body, mind and spirit were exhausted from fighting for my life for the past two years.”

Aydde, Thailand

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:32:48 GMT

30-years-old from Santa Maria, Aydde is a lymphoma and thyroid cancer survivor. After a lot of thought, she chose Thailand for her trip and was joined by her fiancé Javier.

“My Victory Trip was an incredible experience leading to a new chapter in my life. For once, I forgot about everything, even that I had cancer. The beauty of Thailand kept my mind busy enough.”

Nancy, Italy

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:29:13 GMT

Nancy, 39, wanted to go on a spiritual journey through Rome with her mom Gloria. Working as a nurse at UCLA, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump while breastfeeding. Her baby was just 5 months old. Her mom helped take care of her and her baby girl during her treatments.

“This trip meant so much to me because I was able to enjoy and celebrate victory with my mom, who also was so deserving of this trip. The highlight of this trip was the spiritual experience in the Vatican and seeing the Pope with my mom. Just thinking about it gives me chills.”

Laura, Disney World

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 21:24:13 GMT

Laura, a 34-year-old breast cancer survivor and her husband are Disney fans and chose to get the full Disney World experience in Orlando, Florida.

“There was a long time where I couldn’t leave for that long or even be around many people, stand that long, let alone walk that much. We FINALLY got to go on our honeymoon, celebrate all of our accomplishments in our relationship and how much we love each other.”

Ryan, Bali

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:22:07 GMT

Bali was Ryan’s top choice for his Victory Trip. From Nipomo, Ryan and wife Jillian adapted to the Bali culture after his battle with sarcoma in his chest.

“With my new 17 Strong family I was able to reflect on yet another serious time in my life. I was able to look my wife in the face and really tell her thank you. Victories are hard and take lots of work. They are earned!”

Brooke, San Diego

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 21:16:47 GMT

19-year-old Brooke from Arizona wanted to spend a relaxing Victory Trip in San Diego on the beach with her family after battling leukemia.

“This trip made me feel like I was back to my normal life. I was extremely happy this whole trip especially because I was able to finally spend quality time with my family instead of talking to them on Facetime, or from a hospital bed.”

Maria, Disney Caribbean Cruise

Sat, 06 Jul 2019 21:12:33 GMT

Maria, 31 years old, and her son Christian went on a Disney Cruise in the Caribbean to celebrate her victory over ovarian cancer.

“My son and I were able to visit three different countries in 7 days which to me was a unique experience. This trip was blessing for us, we were able to spend quality time that was lost during this past year.”

Kim, Greece

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 21:11:07 GMT

Kim, 31 years old, and her husband Joseph took a trip to Santorini, Greece after her battle with breast cancer. Kim said one of the many trip highlights was traveling around the island on a quad buggy, immersing them in all of the amazing views and landmarks up close and all around us.

“This Victory Trip was such an empowering experience for me after what was the most challenging journey I’ve ever been through. It felt so amazing to be able to explore Santorini island with full energy after having gone through the past year of treatments/procedures that had left me with little energy. I was also so happy to be able to share this trip with my husband who was truly by my side through it all. Traveling to this spectacular place after beating cancer showed me who I have grown to be during this process and all the beauty that lies ahead. It was a trip I will hold in my heart forever!”

Gina, Bahamas

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 15:00:16 GMT

Gina, her husband and daughter visited Atlantis in the Bahamas after fighting breast cancer. After losing her mother to a 7-year battle with breast cancer, Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. After a year of treatment, Gina was declared cancer-free and celebrated with her family one year later on her Victory Trip! “A sense of calmness was over me during my entire trip. I had no care about anything else and completely forgot about what I went through to receive this trip.”

“This trip meant so much to me, finding words are difficult. I think of it as more than a trip, it is a reintroduction to life. It is wonderful motivation to put the worries and pain behind you and focus on a new positive adventure going forward. When it all finally came down to the trip, it all lived up to my expectations and then some!”

Adam, Italy

Tue, 28 May 2019 21:00:27 GMT

Adam’s life-long dream was to visit the Ferrari track and museum in Italy with his dad. After battling leukemia, he finally got the trip of his dreams. He was able to drive a Ferrari through Italy and then on a track, and watched the Italian Grand Prix race with his dad.

“This trip was like winning. It made an unrealistic dream possible. I was given the opportunity to experience something I have imagined so vividly and actually share it with my dad who has been with me since the start of this madness.”

Ramona, Hawaii

Tue, 14 May 2019 20:12:41 GMT

Ramona, 37 years old, traveled with her husband and two children to the Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii after battling cancer twice in her life, starting at the age of 17. She climbed to the top of Diamond Head Trail carrying her son!

“It was a bittersweet victory because I was unable to complete this journey when I was 17. A week later after my family trip to Oahu I was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood sarcoma that was similar to Ryan’s. I will always be grateful for 17 Strong! The Victory Trip completed my journey.”

Soncharay, Caribbean

Sat, 11 May 2019 19:38:34 GMT

Soncharay, 34 years old, and her husband Harold traveled to St. Lucia in the Caribbean after her fight with breast cancer. From Pennsylvania, Soncharay loved being able to travel abroad and explore another culture. Her advice to future recipients is to “just relax and enjoy the experience. Leave everything at home and live in the moment.This is a time to celebrate and be thankful and grateful for life.”

“This trip was an amazing experience that has opened up a new world for me. I will never forget this moment. My husband and I were able to rekindle some romance after being so busy battling cancer. This trip was so tranquil, the people on the island were so friendly, and the resort was perfect.”

Marcela, Honduras

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 19:29:03 GMT

Marcela, 31 years old, and her husband Sal traveled to Roatan, Honduras after her battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Marcela says the highlight of her trip was scuba diving where the “view and breathing underwater was mesmerizing!”

“As we prepared for this trip, for the first time we felt an old warm familiar feeling — what it feels like to be normal, Just a couple planning a beautiful vacation. We were being asking how we met, where are we from, instead of how did that last treatment go. It reminded us there is more to come in this Victory Year and more to come in my life!”

Miranda, Japan

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 19:28:08 GMT

22-year-old Miranda, her grandmother Hatsue, and her mother Naomi took a trip to Japan to celebrate her victory. While planning her Victory Trip after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Miranda was re-diagnosed and completed another round of treatment. When she beat cancer again, she was able to celebrate with her mom and grandmother a year later! She was able to finally see the cherry trees blossom that she’d been dreaming about, and visited her grandmother’s home for the first time.

“This trip was a reward for my bravery and patience dealing with cancer. My grandma was able to reconnect with her family after 30 years, and my mother and I were able to meet some of our family for the first time. I even visited the home that my grandma grew up in, and my grandma was able to visit her mother’s grave for the first time.”

Caleb, Ireland

Sat, 23 Mar 2019 19:25:51 GMT

Caleb and his girlfriend Destiny took a trip to Ireland to celebrate his victory over cancer. While on the trip, Caleb proposed to Destiny in front of a waterfall (her dream proposal)!

“Of course, my trip highlight came during our Ring of Kerry excursion. The day started with a jaunting carriage ride through the Killarney National Park with breathtaking views, and ended at the Torc Waterfall where I proposed to my fiancé. The tour group made the experience even more special – most of them were celebrating anniversaries of 30, 40 or 50 years, and each of them showered us with love, kind words, stories of their weddings, and words of advice for our future marriage.”

“This trip gave me the opportunity to take a breather — to reflect on all that I’ve been through, how I have been impacted, and how my life has changed since my diagnosis. Not only that, but I was able to spend this time with my best friend who was with me through each step of the journey.”

Miranda, Turks & Caicos

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 20:18:44 GMT

Miranda was accompanied by her friend and roommate Sabrina to Turks and Caicos. In March of 2018, Miranda was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and couldn’t wait for a trip to celebrate her recovery!

“My Victory Trip marks a new beginning. While this trauma will never escape me, I can use this new start to celebrate all I have accomplished, including my survival. This trip means I can start taking my life back and honor who I have become!”

Kay, Thailand

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:26:30 GMT

Kay, 21 years old, traveled to Thailand with her brother Fred after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while in college. The highlight of her trip was getting a kiss from an elephant! They spent a day at an elephant sanctuary where they fed the elephants their favorite treats, joined them in a mud spa, and helped them bathe in the river! The elephants were saved from circuses and trekking camps, so they were able to support their rehabilitation.

“My victory trip showed me how truly spectacular life can be. It reminded me how lucky I am to be here today and gave me a platform to celebrate my health and recovery!“

Alex, Washington D.C.

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 18:14:36 GMT

At 24 years old, Alex celebrated victory over lelomyosarcoma with his mom in Washington D.C. in 2018. From Dallas, Texas, Alex and his mom visited the countless museums and monuments throughout D.C.!

“I was a young adult when I was diagnosed with cancer. For many foundations and organizations, I was too old to be eligible for a trip. 17 Strong jumped in where others left off and granted me a trip to a destination that I have always wanted to visit. I look forward to supporting 17 Strong for years to come and passing forward this gift to others.”

Kaya, Thailand

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:35:05 GMT

Kaya, 24 years old, and her friend Amaya celebrated Kaya’s victory over osteosarcoma. From Los Osos, Kaya wanted to visit Thailand and go swimming with elephants, visit amazing beaches and explore Thailand!

“This trip was very humbling. Sometimes I forget all of the experiences I went through with chemo, and having a trip that’s based on giving me the journey to healing is pretty amazing. This gave me a chance to go somewhere beautiful and take in amazing experiences that I may not have otherwise had. It is such an amazing gift!”

Jenny, Hawaii

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:30:35 GMT

Jenny was accompanied by her boyfriend, Jonathan, to Honolulu, Hawaii. They celebrated her victory over stage 3 breast cancer. We were overjoyed when Jenny announced that Jonathan proposed on the trip, making them the first Victory Trip engagement! When he proposed, Jonathan planned for a ukulele player to sing and play their song at sunset on Waikiki Beach.

“This trip symbolizes my victory of overcoming breast cancer. For me, traveling teaches me about new ways of living that help enhance and inspire me to keep moving forward. Being in a new atmosphere with Jonathan always helps me learn and bring myself to a more relaxed state of mind.”

Matt, Hawaiian Cruise

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 14:26:38 GMT

Matt, 37 years old from Colorado, is a three-time brain cancer survivor. His cancer was so rare that doctors didn’t even have a name for it. Until this trip, Matt had never been in or even seen the ocean. In July of 2018, he and his brother Joshua celebrated victory with a Hawaiian Island Cruise where his dream of swimming in the ocean came true!

“Victory is something you obtain by accomplishing something very difficult. To be able to go on a trip from such loving people that recognize somebody that has been through such a battle is a huge blessing that was worth fighting for.”

John, Hawaii

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 14:21:48 GMT

26-year-old John from Santa Maria and his wife Alex returned traveled to Hawaii, staying at the Aulani Disney Resort on Oahu. After overcoming cancer, John was excited to celebrate his victory eating shaved ice and enjoying the sunshine.

“This trip felt like closing the door on a long and difficult fight. Our lives were put on hold, this trip was the end of that. It gave us a chance to finally take a breath and get back to normal.”

Jen, USA Women’s Soccer Game

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:02:48 GMT

After meeting up with a friend in Utah, Jen attended a USA Women’s Soccer game in Salt Lake City in June and received the VIP treatment including a full tour and on-field experience with the players! Jennifer is 35 years old and originally from Virginia, and relocated to California’s Central Coast. She received her Victory Trip after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“Surviving… it’s about not letting anything stop you from living life to the fullest you can.”

Tobias, European Tour

Fri, 25 May 2018 13:56:41 GMT

Tobias (32 years old) is from Grand Junction, Colorado, making him our first recipient from out of California! Tobias battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma and suffered from a work accident costing him his arm. After conquering setbacks, and he was able to tour Europe with his wife Michelle in May of 2018. They enjoyed the amazing castles and churches they visited through Spain.

“What 17 Strong did for me meant a lot, the timing couldn’t be better after battling cancer and losing my left arm, it felt really good to get away.”

Jimmy, Tokyo

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:50:35 GMT

Jimmy and his best friend Gil traveled to Tokyo, Japan. Jimmy, 28, is an Orcutt native. As an engineering student, he was intrigued by the unique architecture and had always wanted to visit the city. After recovering from colon cancer, he left for his first international trip. Jimmy and Gil got the chance to do a real life Mario Cart experience around the city!

“It was a great way for me to test myself after going through so much. It was confirmation that I was back to full health again. An incredible experience to celebrate a great victory!”

Melissa, Caribbean Cruise

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 03:44:29 GMT

Mellissa & her husband Ryan enjoyed a Victory Trip to St. Lucia in September of 2017. Mellissa, 31, beat breast cancer.

“I think everyone going through cancer should get an opportunity like this. This trip was in the top five best things I have experienced in my life!”

Ryan, Alaskan Cruise

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 03:42:52 GMT

Ryan, 36 years old from Santa Maria, and his new bride Jessie took a honeymoon trip after he battled cancer. They took a cruise through Alaska, seeing the breathtaking sights of glaciers and the Alaskan coastline with a balcony view. Ryan is now giving back in the medical field as a nurse.

“This trip gave my wife and I an incredible opportunity to travel to Alaska that we otherwise would not have been able to do. It gave us a chance to celebrate both our recent marriage and my recent recovery in the beauty of Alaska without any financial burden.”