Meet Denise Rodman

Making a dream a reality

My experience of being a client of SOUL RYEDERS has been wonderful and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. The programs and services offered at SOUL RYEDERS have been so helpful during my cancer experiences. I learned about SOUL RYEDERS from another cancer survivor who I had been taking a yoga class with. We exchanged cell numbers and began to text each other for support. I had shared with her that I had been having a difficult time finding support from other young cancer survivors since most groups I was attending had much older women. While that was fine, I was still looking to speak with younger women in the same stage of life as myself. She referred me to SOUL RYEDERS and I began to participate in the Young Survivors Support Group and their What’s App private chat used for communicating.

When I joined the SOUL RYEDERS community, I was at the tail end of my treatment. The What’s Next Support Group was exactly what I needed. Meeting with other survivors who were having similar questions and worries was very validating for me and helped me feel less alone in my thoughts. The women in the group, which is led by a SOUL RYEDERS professional social worker and facilitator, gave me the courage to express my fears and to look at my future with hope. They helped me see I was capable of overcoming any challenge put before me.

During the pandemic, I felt very isolated. Being immunocompromised really decreased my inner circle of support but having the SOUL RYEDERS online meetings and chats proved to be an important outlet to connect with others. Living in NYC, online support groups allowed me to join this community without traveling long distances and attend the various workshops offered. The presenters for the workshops are wonderful at sharing vital information on many topics that affect women going through cancer and have personally offered me valuable advice that I have implemented in my own life. One of the most memorable workshops was one focused on practical tips for a good night sleep which is something so many long for!

In the fall of 2021, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the SOUL RYEDERS Good Vibes Only retreat led by First Descents, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide outdoor adventure for those impacted by cancer and a grantee of SOUL RYEDERS. I cannot express enough how life changing this weekend away

with other SOUL RYEDERS members was for me. This retreat gave me the space to reflect, share, listen and grow. Over this weekend, cancer survivors and their caregivers were able to take part in yoga, rock climbing, fireside chats, meditation, walks and a few other activities. From the picturesque views of the grounds we stayed on, to the delicious farm fresh meals we were served, I was nourished physically, mentally and spiritually. Cancer caused me to doubt myself and the cancer treatments and surgeries I endured took a toll on my body. This retreat empowered me and gave me the courage to start on a new career path.

I am now so honored to be able to support other women going through breast, ovarian and gynecological cancer at Support Connection as a Peer Counselor. SOUL RYEDERS gave me the support and assisted me to find the strength within to make that dream a reality. I am eternally grateful to the SOUL RYEDERS community for that.

Denise Rodman

“They gave me the courage to express my fears and to look at my future with hope.”