River Discovery

Through river adventures and time in nature, River Discovery helps cancer survivors rediscover strength, confidence, and community on their journey beyond cancer.

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About River Discovery

River Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in October 2006 by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire, seasoned whitewater rafting outfitters and ranchers from Lemhi, Idaho. Inspired by their deep connection to the land and river—and shaped by personal experiences with cancer—they envisioned outdoor adventures that promote healing, confidence, and connection for cancer survivors.

In 2007, with a generous $50,000 start-up grant from the Steele-Reese Foundation, River Discovery launched its first programs: ranch-based adventures for youth cancer and hemophilia survivors. Participants spent a week immersed in the outdoors—rafting, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing.

By 2008, the organization refined its mission to focus exclusively on river adventures for cancer survivors. In 2009, River Discovery introduced its first teen wilderness trip without a parent, encouraging independence and personal growth for young survivors. These experiences laid the foundation for the organization’s signature offering: an annual 6-day Salmon River expedition for adult cancer survivors.

To expand its reach, River Discovery moved its administrative office to Boise in 2012, enhancing collaboration with hospitals and community partners. That same year, the organization launched its first one-day family river trip, offering shorter but equally impactful adventures.

Since then, River Discovery has become a vibrant part of the Treasure Valley’s cancer survivorship community, building strong partnerships with local businesses and foundations. These collaborations have fueled new programs, including summer stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) sessions, designed to meet survivors where they are—physically, emotionally, and geographically.

In most recent years, River Discovery has proudly served close to 300 cancer survivors and their loved ones, continuing its mission to bring healing, hope, and adventure to those navigating life after cancer.

Mission:

River Discovery offers outdoor adventures for cancer survivors that promote healing and strengthening of the mind, body and spirit. Programs are created to inspire, empower, and heal survivors of all ages and with any diagnosis.

Vision:

To inspire and empower cancer survivors by getting them outdoors, engaged in recreational activities, and connected with a supportive community. We strive to foster an active lifestyle filled with adventure, friendship, and nourishing foods—key elements proven to enhance overall health and well-being for survivors and their loved ones.

Impact:

Cancer affects every aspect of life, often shaking confidence, trust in the body, and the ability to fully embrace life. Through outdoor adventures, River Discovery helps survivors reclaim their strength, build confidence, and reconnect with the joy of living. Nature’s healing power rejuvenates the spirit, fosters resilience, and empowers survivors to face challenges with renewed courage.

Community Partners

The Blessing Bike

Flock Cancer

Shades of Pink

Busin' Out Of Boise

OktoberBreast

Casting for Recovery - Southwestern Idaho

Idaho2Fly

Expedition Inspiration

John & June's Mission

Camp Rainbow Gold

Surviving Hearts

OktoberBreast 2025

The 15th annual fundraiser and auction hosted by Franz Witte Garden Center in Nampa, Idaho. It is a community-driven event dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and survivor recovery programs.

This year's event took place on September 26, 2025, with a goal to raise $100,000 for local beneficiaries. 2025 blew threw the goal and raised over $140,000.

Event Highlights & Activities

The evening is known for its festive "Oktoberfest" atmosphere blended with a philanthropic mission.

Auctions & Raffles: Features both live and silent auctions, as well as a "paddle raise" to collect direct donations.
Interactive Art: New for 2025, the event introduced a Tribute Wall Art where guests used pink paint to add messages of hope or remembrance to a large outdoor display.
The Reveal Mission: A special art exhibit featuring photography and storytelling to celebrate the courage of breast cancer survivors.
Entertainment: The night included live music, local food trucks (such as La Crepe Boise), and drinks.

Supported Organizations

100% of the funds raised are distributed among local Idaho non-profits that focus on cancer survivorship and research:

Casting for Recovery: Provides fly-fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors.
Expedition Inspiration: Funds breast cancer research to help find a cure.
River Discovery: Offers outdoor adventures and paddle programs for cancer survivors of all ages.

A Heartfelt Thank You to The Blessing Bike

A Milestone of Generosity

We are absolutely full of gratitude for the donation from the The Blessing Bike for their staggering donation of $26,000+ to support our community of cancer survivors and their co-survivors. This incredible gift is more than just a donation; it is a profound investment in the emotional and physical recovery of those navigating the hardest seasons of their lives.

Turning Donations into Discovery

The impact of this partnership is best seen through the experiences it creates. Thanks to this level of support, River Discovery was able to host a milestone expedition in August 2025: a 5-day rafting trip through the breathtaking Lower Canyons of the Salmon River.

This trip gave 10 couples (survivors and their co-survivors) the opportunity to trade hospital walls and clinical routines for the healing power of the river. Over five days of navigating rapids and camping under the stars, these couples were able to:

Reconnect: Strengthening the bond between survivors and the caregivers who walked the path with them.
Find Community: Sharing stories and laughter with others who truly understand the journey.
Reclaim Adventure: Proving that there is vibrant life and strength to be found after a diagnosis.

The Heart Behind the Gift

To Wade & Jill Houser, The Blessing Bike - Founders: You have spent countless days "pedaling joy" for those with limited mobility. With this donation, you have extended that mission to the water. You have helped 20 individuals find peace in the flow of the Salmon River and strength in the canyons of Idaho.

"Your generosity ensures that the journey doesn't end with a diagnosis—it continues with an adventure. Thank you for being the wind at our backs and the current beneath our boats."

Pictures: Left Top: Wade & Jill Hauser with an art creation which each individual on the 5 day trip provided a small rock or drift wood to create for them as a small token of thanks.

Left Bottom: The group of cancer survivors, co-survivors and support staff that attended the 5 day trip.