<p>Since 2001, First Descents has brought the healing power of outdoor adventures to young adults with cancer. Founded by 2016 CNN Hero, the nonprofit’s efforts have continued to evolve and help more people since his recognition.</p>
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Onward & Upward: Brad Ludden and First Descents

Since 2001, First Descents has brought the healing power of outdoor adventures to young adults with cancer. Founded by 2016 CNN Hero, the nonprofit’s efforts have continued to evolve and help more people since his recognition.

1:34 • Source: CNN
CNN Heroes 2025 11 videos
<p>Since 2001, First Descents has brought the healing power of outdoor adventures to young adults with cancer. Founded by 2016 CNN Hero, the nonprofit’s efforts have continued to evolve and help more people since his recognition.</p>
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Onward & Upward: Brad Ludden and First Descents
1:34
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'Man's best friend for a reason': This therapy is helping first responders deal with chronic stress
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Bill Brown is the founder of The Children's Table food bank in Bronson, FL.
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Why this near-centenarian refuses to stop working at the food bank he started three decades ago
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'It can be very gruesome': How this rescue group is saving thousands of animals
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<p>2021 CNN Hero David Flink shares how his nonprofit, the Neurodiversity Alliance, has tripled its reach nationwide, bringing mentorship and opportunities to thousands of students with learning differences.</p>
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How this CNN Hero’s ‘Neurodiversity Alliance’ has grown to empower more students
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This CNN Hero’s legacy is a ‘ray of hope’ for hundreds of Afghan girls
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How these CNN Heroes connected in Miami and walked away reignited
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She's feeding LA's hungry. But where she gets the food may surprise you
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Why changing a local street name became part of this CNN Hero’s mission
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<p>Go inside the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop, a nonprofit writing program founded by CNN Hero Debra Des Vignes. After a decade as a crime reporter, she was inspired to help incarcerated individuals share their stories and work through their trauma.</p>
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'People just let their souls bleed out of their pens onto that paper': How writing is changing his life in prison
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How this ‘Superhero’ lights up a hospital room
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