Denny hails from Louisville, KY, and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2022. Following treatment and surgery, he is now living life beyond cancer. Denny attended Epic Experience in March 2023, and it became a turning point — inspiring him to pay it forward by becoming a camp volunteer and supporting fellow survivors on their own journeys. A passionate advocate for the mental health side of cancer survivorship, Denny openly shares his story to bring hope and healing to others facing similar battles. Denny is married and the proud father of two boys. A former college baseball player at the University of Louisville, he stands 6’8” tall — hence the nickname “Stretch.” He’s a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds and all things UofL athletics. We’re thrilled to welcome Denny as our Director of Programs and Alumni Engagement at Epic Experience!

Mark Hanson is a multiple myeloma survivor whose journey is one of resilience, struggle, and ultimately, renewal. While he was deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family and medical team during treatment, the true challenge came afterward—adjusting back to “real life.” Like many men, Mark suffered in silence, feeling like "damaged goods" until his wife helped him recognize he was battling depression. Determined to not let cancer define his entire story, he sought support and discovered healing through Epic Experience’s adventure camp.

Now, Mark is sharing his story to inspire and uplift others, offering a message of hope to those facing the emotional and mental challenges of cancer survivorship—especially men who may feel alone in their struggles. His journey is proof that life beyond cancer is not just possible, but meaningful.

Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org

Despite experiencing trauma as a teenager and young adult, and being diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer in 2016—followed by breast cancer seven years later—Christen Clifford found her path to self-love and acceptance. During a time when she felt she had lost so much, she later realized that cancer had given her the gift of finding herself. She shares her transformational journey with us in this compelling episode of Campfires of Hope: Stories of Cancer.

Learn more about how Epic Experience empowers cancer survivors to live beyond cancer at www.epicexperience.org