( CNN ) -- Brad Ludden is a world-class whitewater kayaker . Throughout his professional career , the 31-year-old has braved treacherous rapids in more than 40 countries and racked up over 100 first descents â€ ” successfully paddling a river 's uncharted territory . Despite his success and the boyish good looks that landed him in Cosmopolitan magazine as `` Bachelor of the Year '' in 2008 , the down-to-earth Montana native has always had a greater purpose : To use his passion for the sport to help young adults with cancer . In the prime of his career in 2001 , Ludden founded First Descents , a nonprofit that provides free outdoor adventures for adults ages 18 to 39 battling the disease . It all started when Ludden 's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was 12 years old . `` That was the first time cancer had become very personal to our family . Seeing someone you love go through this disease really changes the way you view it , '' he said . `` Seeing how few resources were available to her as a young adult made me realize that there was a tremendous need there . '' So he turned to what he loves most â€ ” kayaking . In 2001 he took 10 people on a weeklong kayaking adventure to prove to them that they could be stronger than their cancer . Since then , the organization has expanded to 13 employees and now includes rock climbing , mountaineering and surfing . It has grown from one program in Colorado to 50 programs throughout North America , Central America and South America . `` Cancer , especially as a young adult , can really send someone into isolation , '' Ludden said . `` They come to these programs and often for the first time since their diagnosis they meet someone else their age with cancer . They can have conversations about cancer that they could n't have before . They start to regain a lot of trust in themselves and a lot of confidence in their bodies . '' At a surfing event in Nags Head , North Carolina , 15 young adults came together to tackle the waves . All the participants got nicknames so they could assume a new identity for the week â€ ” one that separates them from their cancer . Joey Reed , a mother of four nicknamed `` Hot Mama , '' showed no fear on the water . But two years ago , things were much different . `` In 2010 , I was diagnosed with breast cancer . ... I had just had a baby , and I was diagnosed when he was 10 months old , '' she said . `` So there 's a lot of fear that was there . '' Now in remission , Reed , 39 , says the program has helped her gain a new perspective on life . `` Getting to be here was one of the dreams I 've had , '' she said . `` I can conquer the waves . I can go after dreams still . I can be strong . '' Beth Pointer , nicknamed `` Ripple , '' was diagnosed last year with stage 4 molecular lymphoma . She is still undergoing chemotherapy treatments and said it was a gift to have the camp to look forward to . Even though she has a strong support system at home , the 36-year-old is grateful for the new friends she made . `` You just laugh at all the crazy experiences that everybody who does n't have cancer would think , 'Oh how terrible ' and give you this look . And they feel sorry for you , '' she said . `` Here there 's no pity . There 's just laughter . That 's been really good for me . '' Another camper , Kai Lam , named `` Barbershop , '' is undergoing treatment for stage 3 brain cancer . The 34-year-old was eager to meet other young adults facing similar challenges . `` When I found out about First Descents , it seemed like a great opportunity to meet other people in my position and just get outside and enjoy something . It 's been amazing , '' he said . On his first day on the water he set a goal to stand up on the surfboard three times . `` The first and second , I was on my knees . And the third time , I finally got up , '' he said . `` They all said I came back with a huge smile on my face . It felt really good . '' Ludden , who was also at the beach , said his biggest reward is getting to spend time with the people he wants to serve . `` The participants every day inspire me . Every day I live differently because I 've met them , '' he said . `` You only live once , and you do n't live for long . These guys remind you to get after it . ''
Brad Ludden founded First Descents to provide adventures for young adults with cancer . The company has been in business since 2009 and is based out of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. This year , 50 programs will be offered in the Americas .