Child to Mentor Program
As volunteers, we do our best to understand what families experience when a child is fighting cancer. We offer compassion, empathy, and support—but the truth is, we can never fully grasp the depth of their journey.
However, a child or sibling who has faced cancer firsthand can understand. Those who have walked this path and participated in our program are able to connect with other children on a level that is authentic, powerful, and uniquely their own.
With lived experience and a heart full of courage, they inspire others in ways words can hardly describe—sharing faith, hope, and love in the most genuine way.
Riley
Pictured are Riley, one of our Guides, and Ariana. Sometimes a single photo can speak volumes without ever saying a word. In 2018, Riley’s little brother, Braxton, received his angel wings after a courageous 16-month battle with DIPG. In this moment captured here, Riley is guiding Ariana—whose brother, LJ, was also fighting DIPG.
Ariana’s joy is unmistakable as she celebrates harvesting her very first deer, a milestone made even more meaningful by the shared understanding between two families walking a similar journey.
Megan
Pictured are Megan (Guide), Ariana, and Hunter. At just ten years old, Megan was diagnosed with leukemia. After a long and difficult three-year battle, she and her family finally heard the words they had prayed for: “You are in remission!” In 2014, Megan joined Hunting For The Cure and harvested her first deer. She went on to participate in multiple annual hunts, even traveling all the way to Texas for an unforgettable helicopter hog hunt. In 2016, during a routine scan, Megan and her parents heard the words every family fears—she had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Though she was asked to fight once again, Megan’s determination never wavered. She continued doing what she loved, and in 2019 she proudly transitioned from participant to guide, pouring her heart into helping other children experience the joy of the outdoors. In 2020, Megan was called home and received her angel wings. Megan was an inspiration to every child she met—lifting spirits, sharing hope, and living out her loves: God, Family, and the Great Outdoors.
Carson
Pictured are Carson (Guide) and Wyatt. Carson was diagnosed with Leukemia (B-Cell All) and battled for approximately 3.5 years before he and his family heard the words you are in remission. He stayed approximately eight months in the hospital with thirty days admitted to Intensive Care. Carson joined Hunting For The Cure in 2012 as a participant and now guides other children. Carson says, “I know how important it was for me to get outdoors, and I just want to give back to other children helping them.”
Cameron
Pictured are Cameron (Guide) and Dusty. Cameron witnessed brother Carson fight for his life as he fought cancer for three and half years. He and his brother loved everything outdoors and began hunting and fishing at an early age with their father. Today, Cameron volunteers giving back to other families on a similar journey he and his family traveled. Not only does he guide he is pretty talented with a camera lense as well, capturing those special moments of the children.
A Spider Web Effect
As children, Riley, Megan, Carson and Cameron, had joined Hunting For The Cure for an outdoor adventure participating as hunters seeking to harvest their game. In 2019, instead of being the “Hunter,” stalking their prey, they were the “Mentor” now guiding and assisting other young hunters. This profound moment and transformation, from child hunter to mentor, offered a unique perspective for other children and their families. Their mentorship not only offered guidance in the field, it provided hope and encouragement because they had walked the walk sort a speaking. Here at Hunting For The Cure we embrace this idea and are thankful for God’s guidance. As we grow, we look forward to other children becoming mentors following in the footsteps others have begun. It’s all about “Sharing Smiles and Serving Others!”
