Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for excursion is to raise awareness for the lack of support and the special challenges young adults face with a cancer diagnosis. 

What am I talk about?  Read The Stupid Truth of the matter.

We want to get the word out that young adults need additional support, research and resources to help them beat cancer.  We’re out to debunk the myth that being young means you’ll breeze through cancer.  Young adult cancer diagnoses make up only 10% of all cancer diagnoses in North America, and we’re being left out.

But that's not all.

Let’s talk about healing after cancer.  But not just healing our bodies, but healing our beings.  It’s our belief (and experience) that’s there a whole lotta healing that goes on after treatments are over.  Emotional healing, social healing, spiritual healing, etc.  The immense inner healing that inevitably arises after the physical trial is always underrated and overlooked. 

We’re here to help and guide these important healing processes.  Here’s how.

1. By helping to turn cancer tragedy into Triumph!  Taking on this inspiring physical challenge is symbolic of reclaiming your power, reclaiming your life after cancer and recognizing the immense power you have as a survivor.  Every step taken in Peru is oozing with LIFE!  The life you fought for.
2. By building a supportive community of survivors - sharing this challenge together and supporting each other along the way.

The trip is 9 days in duration.  Only 4 of those days will be on the Inca Trail.  The remaining days we will be traveling, and aclimitizing to the high altitudes of the Andes.  Ok, there's a bit of sightseeing too!

Check out the brief but informative itinerary.

We are aiming for October 2009.  However the exact dates are still being worked out.  Check back soon.

As this expedition is a Peer Support event for young adult cancer survivors, anyone who is a cancer survivor and is between the ages of 18-39 yrs old, is eligible to participate. 

Are you from the USA or outside of Canada?  You can participate too!

Ok, one of the most important questions.

If you were to catch a big 'ole airplane and head to Peru to hike the Inca Trail and visit one of the Wonders of the World that is Machu Picchu, your pricetag would be about $3000.  Most people plan that trip well in advance and save their pennies to go.

We're adamant that we can take you there for less and have a ton a fun doing so!

That's why we're fundraising.

Here's how it works:

• Every participant on the trek is responsible to fundraise a minimum of $1500 in order to participate.  All proceeds fundraised go toward the costs of the trip.
• Fundraising dollar go toward: 8 nights acoomodations, trail fees, guides, porters (yes, they'll help carry your schtuff), a short return flight from Lima to Cuzco, meals while hiking, and other fees.
• We offer each participant a challenge goal of raising $5000.  If we raise a substantial amount beyond the costs of the excursion, we'll make a donation on behalf of the expedition to an organization that is supporting young adult cancer.
• To meet your minimum fundraising goal, participants can make a $1500 donation to the expedition themselves if they wish.  ie: if you want to pay the $1500 out-of-pocket rather than fundraise, you certainly can.

Out of Pocket costs

• Participants will be responsible to cover the costs of airfare to and from Peru (estimated at $800 roundtrip).  If you've got airmiles, use 'em.
• To guarantee your spot on the trek, you must pay a deposit of $250 CDN upon registering - this goes directly to the tour company and earns you a spot. 
• Some meals may also be your responsibility while in Peru - estimated at $125 CDN.

Summary

We're doing our darndest to make this trip accessible financially to young adults.  We know many of you may be burdened with medical expenses or student debt or other debt.  The only way to make it accessible is through fundraising.  Fundraising also gets the word out about what we're doing and why.  It builds a community to support your journey as well.

Out of pocket costs : approx $375 + airfare

Fundraising goal : $1500

FYI: we'll also be looking for corporate sponsorships which may also reduce every participants out-of-pocket costs.

Yes. We are limited to a maximum of 16 participants.  This limit is the most hikers we can have in a group on the Trail as set by our guide company.
So if you’re interested, register now! We’ll be using the first come, first served model.  And once we’ve got 16 participants, we won’t be able to accept any more.

Yes.  Although Defy Adventures is organizing and coordinating this expedition for young adult cancer survivors,  Gap Adventures is our tour operator and they will be guiding us once we arrive in Peru.  Gap Adventures is a highly-reputable and very popular, Canadian-based adventure travel tour operator.  Their tours are second to none!

Check out www.gapadventures.com for more information.

No.  The Inca Trail is a very popular hike and many hundreds, if not thousands, of people of all ages and from all walks of life hike the trail every year.  Like any outdoors adventure, it’s safe and enjoyable as long as you follow the guidelines for safety.  The hike will be lead by very experienced local guides who will provide safety information and reminders along the way.

Once you are registered as a participant, a preparation guide will be provided to you.

Ok, here’s the truth.  The Inca Trail is a physically demanding hike.  Because the trail is high in the mountains, at altitudes of 9000 ft. and greater, it can seem even more demanding for some.  However, many hundreds, if not thousands, of people of all ages and from all walks of life hike the trail to completion every year. If you have concerns regarding your health, please talk to your doctor before registering.
If you simply feel you are out of shape, then better sign up right away (and welcome to the club!)!  Most of us will require some pre-trip training to get ourselves in shape for the trip. This may likely involve some weekend hiking prior.  Don’t worry.  We will be making recommendations as to how you can best get prepared physically and mentally.
Remember, if it was a walk in the park, it wouldn’t be worth doing.  It’s time to surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

We recommend you speak to you doctor or oncologist if you are unsure.  Let them be part of the decision to participate.

Great! For starters, click on the Register button to let us know you’re interested!  A deposit of $250 is required to guarantee your spot on the expedition.  Spots are filled on a first paid, first served basis.

Right now, we're working on automating the collection of payments.  Once we receive your registration, we'll contact you about making your deposit.
 

Please email us at michael@defyadventures.org.  We'll do our best to answer your question promptly.