Denver, CO, Oct. 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After 17 years of helping to improve the lives of young adults with cancer through activities like kayaking, rock climbing and surfing, non-profit First Descents is expanding to serve young adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Last month, First Descents organized a successful pilot program for young adults with MS, proving that its adventure-based programming is effective beyond oncology.
"Following CNN Heroes in 2016, our team received requests from various healthcare organizations to provide adventure programming to their young adult patients," said First Descents founder and professional kayaker, Brad Ludden. "Anxiety, isolation and depression are common side-effects for young adults impacted by serious illnesses and our programming works to address those psychosocial issues. We're excited to grow the First Descents family and bring the proven healing power of adventure to young adults with MS."
First Descents worked closely with healthcare professionals from the National MS Society and CanDo MS to organize the pilot program, which hosted 14 young adults living with MS for a week of whitewater kayaking and community-building in Tarkio, Montana. Velocity Global, the leading provider of global employment services, underwrote all costs associated with the planning and implementation of the pilot. Equally inspiring, members of their leadership team volunteered at the program.
"We're incredibly proud to have helped make the First Descents' MS pilot program a success," said Velocity Global CEO Ben Wright. "Our team has supported and volunteered with First Descents on numerous occasions, but it's especially rewarding to help the organization bring these transformative experiences to young adults coping with MS."On October 25, CNN will publish a short film about the First Descents MS programming, featuring stories from the pilot camp in Montana.
CNN has followed the progress of First Descents since 2016, when it awarded First Descents and Brad Ludden one of its Top 10 CNN Hero Awards. CNN Heroes celebrate everyday people helping to make a difference in the world. The film will be available at cnnheroes.com.
About First Descents
First Descents is a leader in outdoor adventure-based healing. Through outdoor adventures, community building, and ongoing skills development, FD improves survivorship for young adults impacted by cancer. Headquartered in Denver, CO, First Descents provides more than 1,200 unique experiences annually with an operating budget of $3.7 million.
About Velocity Global
Velocity Global is the leading provider of global employment solutions that has reinvented the way companies expand overseas. With unrivaled expertise in over 185 countries, Velocity Global delivers end-to-end services and best-in-class support to help companies confidently navigate the entire lifecycle of international business. To ensure a compliant, efficient, and flexible international expansion, Velocity Global provides a comprehensive suite of global services that includes International PEO, Global Talent Acquisition, Immigration, Payroll, and Consulting services.
Visit VelocityGlobal.com to learn more or follow us on Twitter @Velocity_Global.
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