Move Beyond Surviving

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Move Beyond Surviving women posed in front of a giant, curving rock formation

This article is written by Jen Siliko, the Outdoor Pursuit Center Director at Miami University.

“These trips feed my soul!” That quote, taken from a participant’s evaluation, resonated deeply with me as I’ve had the privilege of leading outdoor adventures for the women of Move Beyond Surviving (MBS). MBS, a nonprofit, empowers breast cancer survivors to overcome the emotional, physical and mental impacts of their disease by challenging themselves in nature, fostering a life of thriving. 

 In July 2022 the Outdoor Pursuit Center partnered with MBS, and together we’ve rock climbed, alpine skied, kayaked, sailed, stand-up paddle boarded, biked and hiked throughout the Tri-State Area.  I’ve met women from all walks of life united by the desire to figure out life after breast cancer. They shared stories of navigating physical changes and seeking emotional healing. Through shared experiences, both new and old, they found community in this group. 

The interior of a cave with twisty rock formations, the background lit by daylight and getting darker towards the foreground. Move Beyond Surviving (MBS) women are eclipsed by the daylight, delving deeper into the cave with a flashlight.
A selfie of Move Beyond Surviving (MBS) women walking in a line along an outdoor trail, With green trees in the background.
A woman from the Move beyond Surviving (MBS) group posing playfully behind a tree, with more MBS women smiling in the background. Behind them is a wooded area with green trees.

I’m consistently inspired by these women.  One story, in particular, stays with me. When I met Liz at our inaugural program in 2022, she was quiet yet determined to conquer the high challenge course. Despite the physical challenges and the lasting effects of surgery and chemotherapy, she persevered and accomplished her goal that day. She shared in our closing circle that her focus had been solely on her children during treatment.  That day, she realized it was time to prioritize her own well-being.  I later found out, devastatingly, that she had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 and had only been given 6 months to live. 

Fast forward to March 2025: I was leading a hiking trip with MBS to Hocking Hills State Park, and Liz was among the participants. This time, her energy was different, radiating joy and vitality. She shared stories and pictures from her family’s adventures to numerous National Parks, and her contagious laughter filled the trail. At one point I said, “Wow you really get around.”  Her response, “Cancer was one of the worst and best things that has ever happened to me. It really puts things into perspective.” Following her diagnosis, her family purchased a camper, and have been spending quality time exploring and adventuring in nature together.  

I’d like to think that Liz’s experience on the challenge course was a catalyst for where she is today.  Regardless, I’m deeply grateful to have been a part of her journey.

To learn more about Move Beyond Surviving and upcoming trips check out their website, https://movebeyondsurviving.org.

Move Beyond Surviving (MBS) women posed in a circle, smiling down at a camera that captures them from a worms eye view. Daylight and branches are seen overhead in the background.

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