Join us as we kick off our year-end fundraising campaign! Together, we have started a movement that connects people across the borders of race, religion, country, and disease. A movement that helps heal the emotional scars of cancer while creating a positive ripple of good in the world.

Donate NOW and help us raise $15,000 by December 31^st! Spread the word about our audacious goal by sharing this post (link) and ask your friends to join you in donating to A Fresh Chapter. 

With your support, we can serve more people like Kahron and Eliel – just two of our inspiring 2016 participants. Read their stories below and give what you can – every dollar counts! Together we can turn the darkness of cancer into an opportunity for healing, possibility, and connection.

Thank you for being part of our tribe and changing lives with us.

Kahron – Peru Odyssey 2016

The day before I left, I found out my cancer was spreading. I was in more pain physically, struggling with guilt for changing my husband’s future, and grieving the loss of my old life and what I used to be able to do.

In Peru, my A Fresh Chapter tribe didn’t try to fix anything. They allowed me to say and feel all of the things I was afraid to say to anyone. Then, volunteering and helping the people of Lima touched me more than I can ever express. Even with so little, the love and joy they shared made me realize how very lucky and blessed I am. Finally, making it to the top of Machu Picchu was a huge accomplishment and a magical experience. As I sat in the middle of the Andes, I cried. I cried for the adversity I witnessed at my volunteer placement and I cried for my lost future. Yet, somehow amidst my tears, I found peace.

Now that I’m home, I realize I am ok. More ok than I have been in a very long time. I am ok with life being messy and unfair. I have learned that my life is amazing…and for however long it lasts…I am going to appreciate each and every moment.

Eliel – India Odyssey 2016

The C word! The last thing that crossed my mind when I went to see my doctor for a particular pain was that he would tell me I had Testicular Cancer. I had just returned from a very successful business trip, my career was at its highest point; I had a beautiful family and was financially stable. All that changed immediately (except for the beautiful family). After a year of surgeries and treatment, I felt empty, depressed and without purpose.

I am so grateful to have found A Fresh Chapter and to the scholarship that made it possible for me to participate. My time in India helped me find my way again. Volunteering with kids at an underfunded school in the slums of Delhi and seeing their smiles, gratitude and spirit filled my heart with joy and put life into perspective. Then, being able to share my feelings, get out of my comfort zone, and make amazing new friends has really helped me now that I’m back home. I feel less anxious, don’t wake up depressed and have again found a new meaning to life. The journey for me does not end with India – it is just starting. I am committed in getting more involved in my community and around the world in helping others who – like me – at some point did not know what to do with life after cancer.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and is seeking an innovative way to heal, sign up to be the first to learn about our 2017 programs, click here to join our A Fresh Chapter Odyssey Tribe.