In 2022, just months after Anyssa Lucena had received a clean mammogram, she felt a lump during a self-exam. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, one of the most common forms of breast cancer, and underwent a lumpectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy. At the time, Lucena had been working as a rock climbing guide in the Gunks for 12 years, both working for others and through her own guiding service, Genuine Climbing.
The shock and physical toll of surgery, treatment and recovery was immense. But it was the emotional weight that surprised her the most. “I really struggled with the fact that people might treat me differently,” says Lucena. “People really just don’t know what to say and as much as I wanted to share what I was going through, I also didn’t want people to think they couldn’t climb with me.”
Knowing how transformative climbing can be, Lucena started offering that same healing power to other women affected by cancer through free rock climbing experiences. “There’s something about being on the rock that shows you what you’re capable of,” she says. “It reminds you that you’re strong.” This year, Lucena is expanding her offerings to include free multi-day retreats specifically for women impacted by cancer.
From Wall Street to the Climbing Wall
Lucena’s path to climbing started around the same time she met her former husband and life pulled her in another direction—toward marriage, motherhood, and a career on Wall Street. “The same weekend I tried climbing for the first time, I went on a first date with my then-husband,” says Lucena. “I sold my climbing gear when I had kids. I thought that part of my life was over,” the 50-year-old says. After having three children and navigating the heavy fog of ending her marriage, Lucena realized something was missing.
Suddenly, she was a single mom with three kids under the age of five. During that difficult time, Lucena found her way back to climbing. And in doing so, she began to rebuild her own strength, community, confidence, and independence with her kids by her side. “Climbing was a way to do something physical and feel in control when everything around me felt like it was falling apart,” she says.
Although she’d been a guide working with Mountain Skills for years, Lucena decided to pivot on her own and launched Genuine Climbing in 2020. At that time, the business was a for-profit guiding service focused on serving women. Then in 2022, just 10 days after her surgery, Lucena received clearance from her doctor and immediately drove herself to the Gunks. “I needed to prove to myself that I could still do it,” she says, “That my body was still capable.”
It wasn’t until last year, with some help and encouragement from the climbing community, that Lucena transformed her business to a nonprofit dedicated to offering climbing opportunities for women affected by any type of cancer. “When you’re going through something like cancer, you are still taking care of everyone else and everything else that’s still a part of life.” Lucena explains. “I wanted to create a weekend where women didn’t have to think about anything except themselves—you just show up and you’re taken care of.”
The Power of Community
Although Lucena admits that people are really surprised that their bodies are strong enough to take them to the top of a climb and even just attempt to get on the rock, the experiences are about more than just learning how to climb. They serve as a sanctuary for women seeking connection, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. “Cancer can be an isolating experience, but these weekends offer a space where participants can challenge themselves alongside others who understand their journey,” says Lucena.
“Allowing people to feel whatever they want to feel. Giving people that space for anything to come up.”
The shared experience of climbing—facing fears, tackling difficult routes, and celebrating victories—builds an unspoken bond among participants. “Climbing is about problem-solving, persistence, and trust,” Lucena explains. “It teaches us that we’re stronger than we think, and that strength is something we can carry into every part of our lives.” Lucena also recognizes that there is healing in simply being outdoors. “There’s something about being outside in nature, moving your body, and having space to process,” she says. “It changes your perspective.”
Retreat Details
Genuine Climbing retreats will take place over four days in May (May 29-June 1, deadline April 1), August (7-10, deadline June 1), and October (2-5, deadline August 1). Each program includes two full days of guided rock climbing, acupuncture, massage therapy, sound baths, healthy meals, and community. Each retreat is capped at 10 participants, with three climbing guides and two volunteers. Participants don’t need prior climbing experience but should feel comfortable going for a short walk or hike and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones. More than anything, they provide a space for women to feel cared for—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Applications for the three upcoming retreats are now open to women over the age of 21 who have been affected by any form of cancer. Women are encouraged to apply regardless of whether they are currently in treatment, have any evidence of diagnosis, or are years beyond their diagnosis. The retreats are free, removing financial barriers so that every woman has the chance to participate. Genuine Climbing also offers one-day retreats for women who live closer or have time constraints impacting longer weekends.
“Cancer takes so much from you,” Lucena reflects. “But climbing can give something back. It reminds you that you’re still strong. You’re still capable. And you’re definitely not alone.”
“I encourage everyone to surprise themselves,” she says. “You don’t have to be a climber. You just have to show up—and we’ll take care of you.”
This article appears in March 2025.
