We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~ Joseph Campbell

This time of year, the world is ripe with resolutions and the promise of new experiences, slimmer waistlines, and happier horizons. For some, perhaps 2017 brought more challenges than expected. The loss of a loved one, a diagnosis, the shattering of the illusion of what life was “supposed” to be. So, what now? How do we grieve what we have lost and create space for new possibilities to grow?

Through our Odyssey Programs, A Fresh Chapter has a mission to heal the emotional scars of cancer through volunteerism, meaningful travel, and activities designed to reframe adversity and redefine what’s possible – all while creating a ripple effect of good in communities at home and around the world.

Whether as a patient or caregiver, it’s likely cancer has wreaked havoc on your world. Now it’s time to reclaim your life and redefine what’s possible.

Apply Before February 15, 2018 For Your Chance To Explore Life Beyond Cancer With Us!

For the first time, A Fresh Chapter will offer a fall program season – complete with 3 different volunteer travel experiences, all built into a broader 6-month framework of support. In September, we’ll return to Costa Rica – home of rolling hills, tropical rainforests, and the chance to give back to community projects in the beautiful rural setting of the Orosi Valley. Then, in October, we’re expanding to incorporate a broader experience of volunteering – alongside local advocates and non profits – in both Cape Town and a more rural South African community. Finally, in November, we’ll return to Peru for our third two-week program – in partnership with Eli Lilly – that blends both meaningful volunteering in Lima and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Machu Picchu. If you – or someone you know – is ready to explore the world with us, apply before midnight PST on February 15, 2018. All applicants have the opportunity to apply once and be eligible for all three programs at the same time.

Costa Rica Odyssey (September 15-29, 2018)

Our home base for the two-week Costa Rica Odyssey program is the beautiful Orosi Valley – about an hour outside of the capital city of San Jose. Thanks to our local partner and leading international volunteer organization, Cross-Cultural Solutions, you will be matched with a volunteer placement in the nearby communities of Cartago or the Orosi Valley, where you’ll spend your mornings giving back.

In the afternoons and evenings, you’ll experience some the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, with the chance to explore the landscape, immerse yourself in cultural activities, and connect with locals impacted by cancer. In addition, you’ll participate in A Fresh Chapter in-country programming, featuring activities and group sessions designed to explore the emotional impact of cancer while also helping you to reimagine the next chapter of your life. During the weekend, you’ll travel winding roads into the breathtaking Costa Rican rainforest to witness the unforgettable majesty of the Arenal Volcano.

South Africa Odyssey (October 6-19, 2018)

South Africa is a perfect place for you to start your fresh chapter. Whether learning about the rich and complex history of apartheid, volunteering with South African oncology organizations alongside local advocates and leaders, or participating in your first African drumming circle, you will be forever changed by the experience.

For our third program in South Africa, we will offer our participants  an experience that blends time in Cape Town with the opportunity to serve patients, survivors, and caregivers in a more under resourced province of South Africa. Like all of our programs, we will blend meaningful volunteering with plenty of unforgettable moments like a gondola ride to the top of Table Mountain – one of the world’s natural wonders. With the diversity of natural beauty and culture in this incredible country, you’ll see how South Africa is a metaphor for life’s contradictions. The ability to hold both the light and shadows of a place will help you reframe the challenges of cancer and think about the possibilities ahead.

Peru Odyssey (November 3-17, 2018)

The Peru Odyssey program is a partnership between A Fresh Chapter and Eli Lilly & Company’s Connecting Hearts Abroad Program. Half of the program’s participants are employees of Lilly who have experienced cancer first-hand and the second half are selected from the broader A Fresh Chapter community. Together, we will spend our mornings volunteering with community-based projects in Villa El Salvador, a residential community on the outskirts of Lima, or supporting locals impacted by cancer, and our afternoons experiencing cultural events, activities and group sessions designed to help you explore the emotional impact of cancer and envision how you want to reimagine the next chapter of your life.

In addition to the volunteer placements, everyone will have the chance to meet with one of our local oncology partners for a story session that weaves together the challenges of facing cancer – no matter where you live. Then, on the weekend, we will travel to the Sacred Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel high in the Andes Mountains! As with all A Fresh Chapter programs, you will receive the support of our dedicated A Fresh Chapter team before, during and after the trip.

The Odyssey Experience

In addition to an unforgettable 2 week volunteer travel experience, our Odyssey Programs include a comprehensive framework of support, tools and resources to help you heal the emotional scars of cancer and expand your story far beyond the disease. Through our extensive pre-departure, in-country, post-trip support, and alumni community, we prepare you – not just for the trip of a lifetime – but also to integrate the experience back into your life and your future at home.

Through your A Fresh Chapter Odyssey Experience, you will gain new perspectives, see what’s possible in your life, and build stronger ties with your family, your community, and yourself. Our adventures are only beginning. Let’s start fresh together in 2018.

APPLY NOW

If you know someone who has been impacted by cancer and might be seeking support, please help us spread the word. We can’t wait to meet the newest members of our tribe!