My name is Jake DeHaai, and I am a senior at Iowa State University. I have been greatly blessed to be a part of the Above + Beyond Cancer journey to Nepal. After being diagnosed with Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma at the age of 10, I received chemotherapy treatment at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital for about a year. Thankfully, I have been cancer free for 10 years now. Above + Beyond Cancer has given me the opportunity to bring my journey full circle, and help those who are affected by cancer. Below, I am posting 17 of my favorite photographs from the past few days, hoping that many of you can get a glimpse of the incredible journey we have been on!
Me overlooking the Kathmandu Valley!
Dr. Deming providing some words of wisdom before heading into the mountains
Taking some photos on the way up the mountain!
Hiking amongst some prayer flags, on the way to our own prayer flag ceremony
Stringing up prayer flags, which have come with us all the way from Iowa!
Dr. Deming providing some more words of wisdom during the prayer flag ceremony, acknowledging all that we have gained and lost because of cancer.
Going for a quick hike in rural Nepal!
Hiking is dangerous during monsoon season!
As the rain clears, we get another great view of the Kathmandu Valley
There’s always time for an impromptu dance party at the base of the Surya Binayak Temple!
Lakh Batti Ceremony, also known as one hundred thousand lights, at the Surya Binayak Temple
Visiting Boudhanath for morning prayers before volunteering
Even four months after the earthquake, many national attractions are still showing signs of damage
Taking a tour of the local children’s hospital
Handing out stuffed animals, balloons, and stickers to the kids!
This young girl is undergoing cancer treatment and wants to be a doctor someday. She definitely inspired everyone in the room!
Cancer knows no boundaries, affecting the young and old, in America and Nepal
Mercy Cancer Center Nurse Peggy Sue spent one hundred hours of her vacation time to make this quilt, which we gifted to the children’s hospital in Nepal.
We formed a special bond with the children at the hospital, and it was very hard to say goodbye!
