DENVER, Colo. (January 12, 2015) – First Descents, a non-profit that provides life-changing outdoor adventure programming for young adults impacted by cancer, expands its Ambassador Team with the addition of pro surfer Lakey Peterson.
Peterson, who was already surfing competitively by age 11, has proven herself as one of the most progressive and talented females in the sport. At the age of 17, in her “rookie†year on the ASP Women’s Pro Tour, she won the prestigious U.S. Open of Surfing. In 2013, she starred in the critically acclaimed “Zero to 100,†a thrilling documentary about her rise to the top of the sport. Peterson is currently ranked fifth in the world.
“Lakey was introduced to us through our longstanding partnership with Smith Optics and through her personal connection to cancer,” states Sarah Hubbard, director of marketing for First Descents. “Her commitment to giving back, paired with her incredible zest for living life to its fullest is the perfect combination for a First Descents ambassador. We are honored to welcome her into the FD family.â€
Peterson has proven that she takes the hands-on type of approach to philanthropy that is ideal for an experiential organization like First Descents. She has helped implement clean water initiatives in 3rd world countries, she supports ocean conservation and education groups and is deeply passionate about raising awareness for cancer through connections to several children’s hospitals in Southern California.
“First Descents uses surfing as a catalyst to help young adults with cancer learn to live again,” says Peterson. “This sport teaches me something about life every time I paddle out. If I can help someone learn to surf as a way to move past this terrible disease and feel strong and capable again, it doesn’t get better than that.â€
By joining the First Descents Ambassador team, Peterson will be a spokesperson for the non-profit as well as participate in surfing programs slotted for 2015. Peterson joins an impressive team of athlete ambassadors which includes: pro kayaker, Adrienne Levnecht; renowned climber and yogi, Olivia Hsu; World Cup skier and founder of Soul Poles, Bryon Friedman; AMGA/IFMGA mountain guide, Joey Thompson – as well as community and celebrity ambassadors Ethan Zohn, Ryan and Trista Sutter, and Travis Stork. To learn more about the FD Ambassador Team, please visit www.firstdescents.org.
To learn more about Lakey Peterson or follow her progress on this year’s tour, go to www.lakeypeterson.com.
About First Descents
First Descents is a non-profit organization offering young adults (ages 18-39) with cancer a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same. For more information on First Descents programming, or how to get involved, head to www.firstdescents.org.
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