River Discovery

We work year round to create, build, and fund life-changing outdoor adventures for cancer survivors and the people who love them. Our programs are created to inspire, empower, and heal survivors of all ages and with any diagnosis.

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.Located in Salmon, Idaho, deep in the heart of the Salmon River Country on the doorstep of the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states, River Discovery offers river adventures for survivors of childhood, teen, and adult cancers for free. These programs, which last between one and 6 days, give survivors the chance to hike, swim, raft, paddle board, and kayak while learning about natural history, canyon history, and camping skills. Activities can be customized to accommodate any fitness level and no experience is required.