Our Approach

At Project Koru, our leadership team and Board of Directors are not just individuals with professional expertise; they include cancer survivors and Project Koru alumni. By having survivors in leadership positions, we ensure that the voices and perspectives of those directly impacted by cancer remain central to everything we do.

Our signature program, Camp Koru, is supported by diverse roles, ensuring comprehensive support for our participants.

Camp Managers / Alumni -  they are not just previous participants in our program; they are leaders within our community. Having to navigate the challenges of cancer themselves, they possess a unique understanding and empathy that allows them to effectively support and guide others on similar paths.

Wellness Guides (Therapists) - provide essential mental health support, helping survivors navigate the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. 

Medical staff - ensure the safety and well-being of participants, offering medical expertise and support as needed. Many of our medical staff come to us with a background in the oncology world and/or are survivors themselves. 

Yoga teachers - guide survivors through gentle movements and mindfulness practices, promoting physical and emotional healing while reconnecting with their bodies.

Chefs -  craft culinary experiences that go beyond nourishment, providing survivors with opportunities for enjoyment and healthy new nutrition opportunities.  

Collectively, our diverse staff members create a holistic environment where survivors can find support, healing, and empowerment on their journey beyond cancer. Our survivor-led leadership is not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a driving force behind the authenticity and effectiveness of Project Koru's mission to support and empower young adult cancer survivors.

Cancer Takes.

Young adults diagnosed with cancer face a unique set of challenges:

1, fear of reoccurrence: ongoing anxiety that cancer will return. 2, medical debt: most young people are underinsured with fewer resources when diagnosed. 3, social challenges: many young adult survivors lose friends during cancer. 4, body insecurit…

We Give Back.

With the right support, the weight of these challenges can be mitigated.

That’s why we exist - to give survivors the tools they need to move forward with their lives. Here’s what we give:

 

Social Support

Build a community where survivors can talk openly about cancer without feeling stigmatized.

Body Confidence

Help survivors embrace their bodies by trying and succeeding at a new sport or movement.

Connection

Provide genuine opportunities for survivors to connect with other survivors.
 

Inspiration

Support survivors in exploring new, meaningful personal ventures and intentions throughout their survivorship.

Vulnerability

Help survivors process their cancer experience by creating safe spaces where they can talk to other survivors.

Personal Growth

Provide opportunities for survivors to find strength in their survivorship by becoming community leaders.

Our System - The Koru Continuum

The Koru Continuum is the foundation for all our programs and a self-sustaining, cyclical healing process.

Here’s how it works:

Roo sitting on a rock and smiling.

“My Camp Koru experience was life-changing to the point where I've continued to be involved with the organization.

So when the opportunity to run programs for survivors arose, it was a no-brainer. I run the fitness classes, and there's also something really empowering about doing that in a community. It's really special.

-Roo, Camp 39 and Virtual Fitness Program Leader