Koa
Introduce yourself
My name is Hannah “Koa” Butcher, and I attended Surf Camp in May of 2019.
Personal story
I was diagnosed in 2016 as stage 3C melanoma. I had a tumor on my right middle toe, and it had spread to my lymph nodes. I underwent a toe amputation and partial lymph dissection. I was then declared NED and started pembro while it was still in trial. After three months on immunotherapy I had horrible side effects and was taken off the drug. Since I was NED the plan was to just monitor me.
I appeared fine until 5 months shy of my 5 year mark when I had several nodules appear on my right leg. It was determined that the cancer had returned, and genetic testing showed that I was PD-L1 negative, BRAF+ so immunotherapy wouldn’t work. I became the first person at UCSF to go on the RP-1 trial to try and elicit an immune response.
This journey has not the most ideal, but it has allowed me to have empathy for others going through similar struggles. I have also been able to trial two treatments now, which I feel honored to participate in if it helps others get access to new treatment options.
Power name story
Koa is a Hawaiian name meaning “warrior”. I have always enjoyed boxing, and when I got cancer being a fighter took on a whole new meaning. I have since learned that I am in a lifelong fight against cancer so the name Koa has really brought me strength.
A fun fact about you
I enjoy sailing with my dogs and am currently working on my Captain’s certification.
Talk about your involvement with Project Koru
Currently, I participate in the fitness Fridays as often as possible. I am also a Farman Fellow.
Why did you choose to be a leader? What does being a leader mean to you?
Project Koru has really been a stronghold for me while battling cancer twice now.
It can be really difficult feeling a sense of normalcy as a young adult with cancer, but Project Koru has helped me feel connected with others going through similar struggles.
I feel truly blessed to not only be a part of this community but also in a position to serve others who are facing similar challenges.
What does empowerment mean to you and how does it show up in your life?
I believe empowerment is a mindset that allows you to take control of your life and feel emboldened to be your best self.
Cancer has empowered me to care less about what others think and given me the freedom to show up every day the way I want to live.
Since getting cancer, I have felt empowered and allowed myself to get my MBA, take sailing lessons, travel the world, take motorcycle lessons, hike constantly with my dogs, and live my best life.
Life is short. You should feel confident and empowered to live it to the fullest, whatever that may mean to you personally.
What does being part of the Ohana mean to you?
The Ohana is an incredible community that has really changed my life. My first battle with cancer was done alone, without a good support base or those that I could relate to. After getting hospitalized from side effects and feeling completely alone, I stumbled upon Project Koru’s website and submitted an application without thinking much of it.
That submission changed my life. It allowed me to attend camp with a group of other young adult cancer survivors who had varying experiences. I was able to finally find people who I could open up with about my experiences battling cancer, and I really felt that they could relate. These campers are now some of my closest friends.
When I got cancer again, they were the first ones to find out. They helped me research different trial options and sent me care packages. This Ohana is truly my family, and I am grateful every day that I submitted that application several years ago.
How has community and/or outdoor adventure helped you heal?
Battling cancer is extremely lonely at times, particularly when you don’t think others can relate to your experience. Having a community that understands has been a blessing in my life and helped strengthen me.
Additionally, the outdoors has always been an important part of my life. Project Koru’s surf camp was a great opportunity to heal mentally from some of the trauma I faced while going through treatment, and it helped me realize that I can still do those things I love. I had a toe amputation that impacted my balance a little and several surgeries that have led to visible scars. Surfing helped me overcome some of my fears around being able to be really active as well as be comfortable with my body image post-surgery.
What advice would you give to new survivors?
Focus on the positive. It can be really easy to get overwhelmed and depressed. Those days will never fully get eliminated but I have found that keeping a daily gratitude journal has helped ground me and made it easier to get over those bad days. Also, do whatever makes you happy, no matter what others may think. Life is too short to have regrets of things you didn’t do or care about what others think.