True North Treks


Background History for the Medical Professional
True North Treks (TNT) courses are either based in backcountry wilderness destinations or at a nature-based retreat center. Expeditions for young adult cancer survivors and their caregivers can last from a long weekend to one week. TNT backcountry courses are usually only offered during summer and fall months; however, participants could still be faced with challenging weather conditions including storms, high winds, intense sunlight and insects. Physical demands on the applicant may include carrying a backpack weighing upwards of 40 pounds over uneven terrain, ascending and descending steep surfaces, and/or canoeing in rivers with strong currents. Elevations for some courses range from sea level to 10,000 feet. Participants will sleep outdoors in tents and protected shelters and will spend the majority of days hiking, backpacking and/or canoeing. They will set up their own camp and prepare their own meals. Because some TNT participants may be immunocompromised, appropriate water purification methods (e.g., boiling, filters) will be used to prevent cryptosporidium.
The current medical status and health history of our applicants can add to the potential for adverse health reactions. Although trek leaders are trained as wilderness first responders, have established contacts with local medical personnel and utilize satellite phones for medical evacuation purposes, because TNT operates in remote areas, such evacuation to modern medical facilities could potentially be delayed depending on the circumstances. That said, participant safety is our first priority, and everything will be done to assure the safety, health and well-being of TNT participants. Members of our medical team represent disciplines of medical oncology, nursing, integrative medicine, emergency medicine, social work and clinical psychology. All healthcare provider completed medical forms and applications are reviewed by our Medical Director, who makes the final decision regarding a participant's approval.
TNT is not a correctional, behavioral or rehabilitation program and is not a place to quit smoking, drinking or drugs or to work through behavioral or psychological problems. We ask that participants refrain from tobacco use, substance use or unsafe behaviors or they will risk expulsion from the trek at their own expense. Prior physical conditioning and an enthusiastic mental attitude are prerequisites. Each participant is expected to take good care of him or herself.
In the interest of the personal safety of both the applicant and the other trek members, please consider the questions carefully when completing the heath form. If we have any question on the applicant’s capacity to successfully complete the course we well call him or her to discuss it.

Timeout Warning

Background History for the Medical Professional