What is Project Koru?
The “Project”
Healing during and/or after cancer is a journey that survivors shouldn’t have to face alone. Project Koru is a community of young adult cancer survivors that help each other on their toughest challenge yet: life beyond cancer.
The “Koru”
The “Koru” spiral is shaped like an unfurling silver fern frond. It symbolizes new life, growth, strength, and peace - the very channels of energy we aim to inspire for survivors.
Our Approach
Project Koru enriches lives through community and the outdoors as a way to move forward beyond cancer. Our goal is to help survivors reclaim and rediscover the best version of their life and themselves. Project Koru strives to be equitable and inclusive to all AYA cancer survivors.
How we started
At the age of 19, co-founder Tonia Farman's brother, Scott, was diagnosed with Leukemia. For 13 months, Scott braved chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical study tests before passing away in June 2007.
As a pediatric surgeon, co-founder Garret Zallen also saw the effects of cancer on a daily basis at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
In 2007, Tonia and Garret set out to convert their feelings of helplessness into passion, energy, and good, using a sport they loved: kiteboarding.
The result was Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, North America's largest amateur kiteboarding event, designed to fundraise for partner cancer charities.
Kiteboard 4 Cancer evolved into Project Koru as the co-founders explored how to support young adult cancer survivors by combining the healing power of community and the outdoors. Project Koru's first survivorship program began in 2011 with the goal of helping survivors get their lives back after cancer.
Scott Farman
