Today on the blog, we’re spotlighting Gaby Perez-Espinosa and her perspective while in Peru. Gaby is a Non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor who has not let cancer keep her down. As a mother of two young children, she is still determined to prove to them and others that nothing can truly stop you from achieving  your goals. She has also managed to find hidden blessings in it all as she has connected with people and had opportunities that she may have never met or experienced had it not been for her diagnosis.

At times I am still in disbelief that I actually went to Peru, even better, to Machu Picchu! If it wasn’t for the pictures that I look over very often, I would have probably convinced myself by now that it was all a dream. You see, I am not much of a traveler, I do not have a crazy bucket list, and I don’t even truly enjoy flying. Traveling to another country, seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and experiencing a new culture was all just a bonus of going on an Odyssey with A Fresh Chapter. What drew me most to the organization was the opportunity to meet and bond with other cancer survivors who had experienced different journeys and who came from different walks of life. After two different cancer diagnoses, I have been left with a strong desire to connect with someone like “me”. Someone who would understand the struggles and challenges I have faced as a young cancer survivor. Someone who may understand what it’s like to battle this disease as a newlywed, a mom to young children, a full-time student, someone switching careers, or even someone who doesn’t feel mature or old enough to make these huge medical decisions. I have longed to find someone who can relate to all or some of these things. Or even just someone who can truly understand what I mean when I simple say that I am tired.

A Fresh Chapter offered me the opportunity to not only connect with other survivors, but to also volunteer in both an underprivileged daycare and with a cancer support organization in Peru. I have always enjoyed helping others, but to be able to give back at an international level was truly a humbling and incredible experience. It was a form of healing and a sense of peace to know that regardless of my cancer and all the ways I now consider myself “broken”, I was still able to bring smiles, happiness, and hope to the amazing individuals I connected with in Peru.

Among the other 26 incredible people who joined me in Peru, I was able to be a different type of me. I didn’t have to wear the “I am fine” mask or the multitasking hats that I do in my everyday life. I was able to just be Gaby, – the girl who still has fears and deep scars from dealing with cancer over the last six years. I was able to be vulnerable, I was able to be honest, I was able to real. I didn’t have anyone trying to fix me, or tell me that it was going to be ok; I just had people that held space for me to share what I felt I needed or wanted to.

Thank You To The MCLF & CHSCF!

My Peru Odyssey Program was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it would not have been possible without the support of the Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund (MCLF). I cannot thank the donors and the Carroll Family enough. Your generosity not only allowed me to be a part of a new group, it allowed me to be a part of a new family – a tribe. Although our time in Peru may have been short, the memories and friendships created will always remain.

My scholarship from the MCLF inspired me to give back to my community with the same form of kindness. As part of my ripple impact plan, I committed to volunteering at my local hospital with pediatric cancer patients and have already completed 100 volunteer hours. It sometimes can be bitter sweet as I know firsthand what these families are going through; but I am hopeful that my presence can provide a level of joy and comfort. My personal cancer story may have been a dark chapter in my life, but now I feel that helping others cope with their diagnosis will help me start a fresh chapter.

In addition to the support from the MCLF, a travel grant from The Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation (CHSCF) helped cover the cost of my flight. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who made this experience possible for me. Thank you so very much for supporting my fresh chapter.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and want to receive updates about A Fresh Chapter programs and events, make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter. 

CHSCF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which focuses on connecting young adults who are battling cancer to resources, such as social support programs or healthcare services, to aid in an individual’s mental and physical journey. It is CHSCF’s goal to connect every young adult in which it encounters to a support system that meets the individual’s needs. For more information about the foundation, please visit chscf.org.