Paul Carroll, co-founder of the Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund (MCLF), spoke with me about its start. After the death of his beloved daughter, to Ewings Sarcoma, he and his wife, Cecelia, looked for a way to honor Melissa and celebrate her beautiful life.

Taking a leap of faith, Paul reached out to Terri Wingham, founder and CEO of A Fresh Chapter (AFC), about his idea of paving the way for others to experience AFC.  Thus, the husband and wife team founded the scholarship fund, and their journey began. He explained, “I had no clue what I was doing. I began speaking to my friends, and one thing led to another, and the fund was established.”

I asked Paul why he chose to provide scholarships to A Fresh Chapter participants, instead of funding research on his daughter’s rare cancer. He said he spent a great deal of time with Melissa, during the last three years of her life. Watching her go through grueling cancer treatments and interacting with other patients made an impact. It was during those days that he recognized the need for emotional support among survivors.

He passionately described how Melissa was so different after her AFC Odyssey trip in 2013. In India, she worked with children who literally had nothing. The experience was especially moving and unforgettable for her. Melissa would say, “The children’s smiles woke me up and gave me a boost every single day. Their smiles were my infusion for the day.” Forming bonds with the other amazing participants on the trip also contributed to the noticeable difference in Melissa, despite her failing health. AFC gave Melissa the ability to continue her art, by giving her a whole new look on life. Paul added, “Despite knowing she didn’t have much time left, her last year of life was very creative. She was at peace.”

Paul participated in the South Africa Odyssey 2017, and the experience had a great impact on him. “On that first day, I saw a lot of scared faces among the participants. We didn’t know what we were about to face, but we became this incredible community. That’s the power of the AFC Odyssey – it gave me more energy and more courage to continue what I’m doing.”

I personally witnessed Paul’s impact on our tribe and others in South Africa. He generously offered his gift of music and song to patients on the oncology ward, at a hospital in Cape Town. His presence provided much desired relief and comfort to many who were suffering and in pain. On a particularly beautiful day, as our tribe waited outside of Groote Schuur Hospital for our transportation, Paul pulled out his guitar and started playing and singing.  Clearly moved by his spontaneity, hospital workers and visitors simply stood in awe at his talent, as they enjoyed the power of his song. In those moments, it was clear that Paul was reminded of his importance – his impact on others.

“I felt I’d reached a plateau when it came to the MCLF, but my experience in South Africa re-energized me,” he said. “I learned so much about myself and about why I need to keep raising money for the fund. Even though it is hard, I’m in this for the long haul.”

When asked about his greatest joy with the MCLF so far, he shared it was a Skype conversation with a young woman and watching her reaction at the news she was being granted a scholarship. Her excitement and tears caused him to cry. And later meeting her in South Africa allowed him to see first-hand how Melissa’s spirit and influence changed the life of someone else. “There was so much joy in giving this vibrant woman a scholarship, knowing she brought so much to the tribe.” Paul paused and quietly said, “Oh, the magic of A Fresh Chapter.”

He’s received so many beautiful letters from MCLF scholarship recipients who have been able to get away for two weeks to laugh, smile, create and form lifelong friendships. They are away from the horrors of cancer and able to be themselves, while being wrapped in a blanket of friendships and love. Melissa’s spirit lives on in the lives of others through the MCLF, and Paul couldn’t be more pleased.

To learn more about Melissa’s story or give via her fund, visit the Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund page.