Joe and Fran Tonsmiere
Founders, 2006
Joe and Fran were longtime whitewater rafting outfitters and ranchers from Lemhi, Idaho. They founded River Discovery in October 2006, envisioning river-based programming where young participants can address the emotional and physical challenges faced by cancer survivors. Both Tonsmeires experienced cancer personally. Fran battled the disease 3 times. In the end, no amount of grit, strength, or perseverance was enough to overcome the terrible disease. Joe died in March of 2007 and Fran in November of 2014.
Joe lived life to the fullest. He loved the land and rivers deeply and was truly an adventurer. His days were spent outdoors running rivers, working the ranch, climbing mountains, riding the range or chasing elk. Before his death in 2007, he helped plan the first year of River Discovery adventures. This fulfilled his long-time dream of taking children with cancer down the river. Joe left his family and friends with countless treasured memories of the adventures they shared and how he always seemed to have the most fun of all.
Fran wore many hats – Joe’s wife, Amy & Seth’s mom, sister, sister-in-law, rancher, river enthusiast, land preservationist, River Discovery Founder and board member. She never grew tired of wearing all of them at the same time and always did so with an ear to ear smile. Fran fought a courageous fight with a third diagnosis of cancer in 2 years. She passed away in November 2014 with her family and friends by her side. She was our rock and River Discovery’s greatest cheerleader. She is and always will be in our hearts. We are privileged to keep her dream alive.
River Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in October 2006 by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire, experienced whitewater rafting outfitters and ranchers from Lemhi, Idaho.
In 2007, the Steele-Reese Foundation awarded River Discovery a $50,000 start-up grant. That summer, the organization launched its first programs, offering ranch-based adventures for youth cancer and hemophilia survivors. Participants spent a week enjoying activities like rafting, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing.
In 2008, the Board and Executive Director reassessed the organization’s vision and decided to focus solely on river adventures for cancer survivors. In 2009, a new program allowed teen cancer survivors to participate without a parent, fostering independence and empowerment during wilderness river trips. Since then, River Discovery has provided an annual 6-day Salmon River trip for adult survivors and teen trips when possible.
In early 2012, River Discovery relocated its administrative office to Boise, Idaho. This move enhanced its visibility and collaboration with Idaho’s largest hospitals and communities. Later that year, the organization introduced its first one-day river adventure for youth cancer survivors and their families.
While in the Treasure Valley, River Discovery has become deeply involved in community programs for cancer survivors, building partnerships with local businesses and foundations. These relationships have led to increased fundraising events and innovative adventure programs for survivors and their families, including a weekend retreat and summer stand-up paddleboarding sessions.
In 2024, River Discovery served 267 cancer survivors and their loved ones.