BeLeaf NZ 17

Hi! I am currently visiting New Zealand on a Victory Trip (You can read more about this in the Description if you would like, Trigger Warning: Cancer).

My husband and I have placed 17 trackables along our trip route and would love to see these trackables go as far as they can around the world.

Please take this trackable to one of your favorite spots (as New Zealand was #1 on our Adventure List)

Feel free to share a happy memory when you log and/or explain why you chose your location.

Happy Caching 

Hello fellow Cachers   I am placing 17 trackables along our trip route on the North Island of New Zealand to commemorate my Victory Trip that I was lucky enough to be given by a US-based non-profit organization called 17 Strong. 17 Strong is dedicated to organizing trips to individuals (aged 18-40) after they have battled a life-threatening illness. 

"Battling a disease like cancer is emotionally and physically draining. A ‘Victory Trip®’ is a vacation or experience allowing the recovering patient and a companion time to recuperate and reset while fulfilling a lifelong dream. It’s an opportunity to inspire hope, celebrate their victory over cancer or illness, and begin a new chapter after fighting for their life. Since many wish-fulfillment organizations stop at the age of 18, we aim to fill the gap of young adults that are often forgotten." 

                              -17 Strong

I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in 2021 and went through a hysterectomy, Chemotherapy & Radiation. I was then diagnosed with a recurrence in one of my surgical sites in 2023 and went through another surgery and Radiation treatments. I was 35 when I received my first diagnosis and it felt as though my entire world was obliterated.  I have personally dealt with so many struggles, bad days, side effects, and emotional and mental trauma. However, it has also made me appreciate all of those that have been my support through this diagnosis and has allowed me to have a completely different perspective on life.

I was told about 17 Strong in a Cancer Support Group and my first though was "My cancer diagnosis isn't bad enough and I won't apply because I don't deserve it." A few months later, my counselor said that I should just apply and pick anywhere in the world that I have always wanted to go. I have always wanted to visit New Zealand but I honestly never thought I would be able to go. I cannot put into words how much this trip means to me. It offered me something to look forward to while going through my recurrence & treatments, it was something to think about and keep my mind busy, and it is a way to put an end to my diagnosis and start a new section of my life. 

If you have gone through something similar, know how incredibly strong you are and that you are not alone. As a fellow cancer survivor once told me "I am sorry that you are part of this club, but know that we all support you  and are here for you." You are a warrior.

If you would like to learn more about 17 Strong or would like to donate, their website is:

https://www.17strong.org

Thank you for reading my story