Brad Ludden

A river runs through Brad Ludden’s background, from his early days in Montana’s Flathead Valley to paddling the planet in search of first descents on the remotest rivers. As a professional kayaker, he recognized the impact outdoor adventures had on his own health and well-being. When a beloved aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38, he saw how little support she received beyond the clinical, and so he started volunteering for a local pediatric oncology program to teach participants how to kayak. Ludden’s passion for the dramatic positive effect it had on them inspired him to create First Descents, a nonprofit that has since 2001 provided life-changing outdoor adventures for nearly 11,000 young adults impacted by cancer and MS, caregivers and healthcare heroes.