Founder’s Story
Lou Garrido — Founder & Cancer Survivor

Rebellion Cancer Foundation was born from lived experience.

Founder Lou Garrido was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of cancer that forced him to confront mortality, identity, and the meaning of resilience head-on. Following intensive chemotherapy, major surgery, and a long road to recovery, Lou emerged with a new understanding: surviving cancer is only half the battle. Learning how to live again is the real challenge.

During recovery, Lou turned to the outdoors and adventure as a way to heal—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Movement, open roads, fresh air, and human connection became powerful tools in rebuilding strength and perspective. What began as a personal journey soon became a calling.

Lou founded Rebellion Cancer Foundation to give other cancer survivors access to the same sense of freedom, empowerment, and hope he found beyond the hospital walls. His mission is simple: help survivors reclaim their lives, push past limitations, and redefine what’s possible after cancer.

Today, Lou continues to advocate for cancer awareness, survivorship, and recovery through adventure—proving that even after the hardest battles, life can still be bold, meaningful, and full of purpose.

The Rebellion Cancer Foundation exists to help cancer survivors rediscover strength, hope, and purpose through the healing power of the outdoors.

Founded by cancer survivor Lou Garrido, our mission is to support recovery beyond treatment—through adventure, movement, and meaningful connection with nature. We believe the journey doesn’t end when cancer treatment stops. True healing happens when survivors are empowered to live fully again.

Through outdoor and adventure-based experiences, we help survivors rebuild confidence, resilience, and joy—while raising awareness and support for cancer survivorship and research.

We don’t just help people survive cancer. We help them live again.