Meet Debby BC, our 2024 Volunteer of the Year! She embodies resilience and dedication through her journey with Live By Living.
Debby BC from Colorado Springs is an active, healthy woman who has always sought thrilling adventure trips. After her kids were grown, Debby’s love for outdoors and newfound passion for running led her to many breathtaking adventures. She has hiked the Grand Canyon, climbed at Yosemite, and summited many of Colorado’s 14ers. Debby’s zest for life was unstoppable until an unexpected turn came her way.
The Diagnosis
At age 56, Debby received the shocking news of her breast cancer diagnosis: Stage 3C triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). With no genetic risk factors, her diagnosis was a bolt from the blue.
Having just moved to Colorado, she found herself isolated and overwhelmed. The initial month after learning about her condition was a whirlwind of shock, sleepless nights, and immense stress. The Internet’s outdated information didn’t help and only added to her fears.
Debby’s treatment, a regimen called Keynote 522, was grueling: Taxol/Carboplatin chemo for 12 consecutive weeks with Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, every 3rd week, followed by 4 doses of “Red Devil”/AC chemo. She then underwent a double mastectomy, followed by radiation. The Keytruda continued after chemo until 17 treatments were completed.
Throughout her treatment, Debby was determined to stay active and walked nearly every day to support her mental health.
A Strong Support System
Debby’s journey became easier as her support system grew. Friends and family flew in from various places to be her chemo buddies, providing much-needed companionship and help during her treatments. She also created a private Facebook group to share her daily experiences and emotions, which served as a therapeutic outlet and a way to keep her loved ones informed without overwhelming them.
Discovering Live By Living
While undergoing chemotherapy, a social worker introduced Debby to Live By Living (LBL). In February 2023, she connected with Dan Miller from LBL and started working on setting up the “Walk into Wellness program in Colorado Springs. Their initial hikes attracted small groups, but as the year progressed and they began offering more challenging hikes, more participants joined and a thriving community began to emerge.
First Cancer to 14k Experience
Debby’s first experience with LBL’s Cancer to 14k program was transformative. She led nine hikes and was deeply moved by the resilience of her fellow hikers, many of whom had recently completed their cancer treatments. In particular, Debby was blown away by the strength and determination of two women who had finished their treatments the previous fall and were now summiting a 14er. The success of these training hikes was bolstered by dedicated repeat leaders and volunteers like Debby who provided alternative paths for those not ready to tackle the full 14k.
Embracing New Challenges and Finding Redemption
After her recovery, Debby didn’t just return to her previous level of activity—she surpassed it. Through her cancer journey, the seed of an idea had been growing inside her: to return to Kilimanjaro. In 2013, her first attempt ended in altitude sickness at 15,000 feet. This time, she was determined to reach the summit and trained by hiking Colorado’s 14ers. The physical and mental challenges of these hikes helped Debby regain her confidence and strength. But it was the camaraderie and shared goals of LBL members that made the journey even more meaningful.
In July of 2024, Debby summited Kilimanjaro. The grueling eight-day trip tested all of her limits, but the companionship of two new friends, met on the hike, helped her persevere. She reached Stella Point, the edge of the crater and, after another 45 minutes, reached the summit at 6:40 a.m. Bringing her Live by Living community along in spirit, she proudly displayed a sign that had been autographed by her LBL friends.
Reflecting on the experience, Debby felt a profound sense of personal achievement. She hardly felt its shadow of her battle with cancer on this trip, instead, reconnecting with her true self.
Debby told us, “When I got down one of the first texts I sent was to my (LBL) group. And I said, honestly, the hiking I did with you guys is what prepped me to do this. And they were just all so supportive and so happy for me. And so it was knowing that I was reaching that dream that I had, but also kind of taking them with me. That was huge to me, too.”
Debby’s Advice for Others Facing Cancer
Debby’s journey has imbued her with priceless insight. She encourages others experiencing cancer to:
- First and foremost: Join a support group.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Let your emotions out when they arise.
- Trust your medical professionals, do personal research, and feel comfortable with the treatment plan.
- Build a support network and ask for help.
- Stay engaged in the world and set mini goals.
- Look forward to future events.
For caregivers, Debby highlights the importance of allowing space for emotions and finding personal outlets. While she was undergoing treatment, she had encouraged her husband to maintain his weekly golf routine, recognizing the value of taking time for oneself amidst the challenges of caregiving.
Living Life Fully
About a year after her diagnosis, Debby’s oncologist shared a profound piece of advice: “Go live your life.” This became Debby’s mantra, and she focused on the present rather than the uncertainties of the future. With the support of LBL and her indomitable spirit, Debby has embraced life with renewed vigor, showing that even after cancer, one can find joy, adventure, and community in the great outdoors.
Now 58 years old, Debby continues to inspire others with her story and her commitment to staying active in nature. She plans to keep leading hikes and participating in LBL events, helping other cancer survivors and caregivers find healing and joy in the great outdoors.
In her own words, Debby emphasizes, “Last year, the first year after treatment, it was more difficult to feel back to myself, despite hiking. Hardly ever on this [Kilimanjaro] trip did I feel like I’d had cancer, I felt more like myself.” This sense of personal achievement and connection with others has become a cornerstone of her post-cancer life, embodying the mission and values of Live By Living.
Let’s create more inspiring journeys together. By contributing to Live By Living, you empower cancer survivors and caregivers to reclaim their strength and find healing in the great outdoors. Donate now.
