I imagine it’s safe to say that many of us are experiencing some sort of collective introspection as we deal with the ongoing uncertainties and contradictions of the past year. 

During these strange times, I find myself reflecting on my connection to A Fresh Chapter. I originally became acquainted with Terri Wingham and A Fresh Chapter when she was imagining and building the inaugural ReFresh Experience – a 6-day retreat designed to revitalize and heal cancer advocates facing burnout. For this, I had the pleasure of helping Terri brainstorm a few aspects of the program development and then, the life-transforming opportunity to attend as a participant in August of 2017. 

The transformative work of AFC and ReFresh were not necessarily new for me. For most of my life, I’ve wondered about the workings of my inner self and the world around me. I attended seminary graduate school in Seattle and received a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Divinity. Through my studies and training, I learned how to unearth and discover the reason I was alive. I awakened to the reality that I was desperate to live a life of meaning, be the most authentic me I could be, and walk alongside others as they traversed their own journey of self-discovery.

I graduated in 2006, moved back to my hometown (Dallas, TX). There is metaphorical truth to the old saying “you can never go home again”. I was changed during my time in Seattle. And yet, returning to Dallas…returning to family and friendship…returning to what was familiar…I slowly began rebuilding those old structures to keep myself safe and somewhat hidden, so that by 2017, when I discovered AFC,  I was exhausted, frustrated, sad, and checked out. 

When I arrived at ReFresh, I spent the first couple of days of the program asking myself “are you present or are you absent?” Even though I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the content, the rigor of the group facilitation, and the reality that a safe space had been created for all participants to show up with vulnerability and authenticity, it was clear to me that my defenses were on high alert and I was skeptical. By the 3rd morning, I realized I had a choice to make…I could lean in and trust the process or not. I made the choice to give myself permission and my truest self took the driver’s seat. In that instant, I was present, engaged, and fully participating. The tears began to flow and continued even after I returned home. My heart was broken in order to heal. Through those 6 days, I had the opportunity to catch my breath, feel my feelings, and begin dreaming about a future filled with hope and possibility.

At the time, I didn’t know how much I would need this experience. Just a few months later, That first ReFresh was in August of 2017, just a few months before my mother passed away. Her health had been declining for a few years, but the finality of death is never an easy process. Thanks in large part to that ReFresh experience I was able to navigate that season with kindness, presence, and vulnerability.

That kindness, presence, and vulnerability remains with me today and has led to transformation, healing, and resilience. It’s a bit miraculous if you think about it. Transformation is possible. Healing is real. And resilience is foundational. AFC, ReFresh, and all of the programmatic offerings under the AFC umbrella provide the foundation for transformation to occur, healing to enter in and resilience to be discovered.

Does 2021 continue to be challenging, difficult, and uncertain? Unanimously, yes. Is my heart full of gratitude for all of the highs and all of the lows? Resoundingly, yes! The AFC team provides a safe space for those of us willing to wrestle with ambiguity to do so in community. They invite us into the contradictory nature of life and the hope that uniquely dwells in the midst of uncertainty. They provided a safe place to land during 2020 and will continue to do so moving forward.

The encouragement, ethos, and hope that embodies AFC was integral to the launch of my coaching and consulting business, The Discovery Well. Terri and the AFC team have reminded me that we live in a world of abundance and not scarcity. They have championed me along the way and I’m immensely grateful.  

My relationship with AFC carries on. I am delighted to participate as an advisor on the adaption of AFC’s online Elevate program for cancer patients and advocates in Kenya. Working virtually with leaders in the cancer and patient advocate space both in the US and Kenya, we are creating culturally relevant and appropriate materials initially developed for participants in the US. In addition, I was honored to be invited to AFC’s advisory team. The mission of AFC is clear. Together, we are working to heal the emotional scars of cancer and help those impacted by cancer reclaim their stories!

Kendall’s professional life has spanned the gamut. Early on, she spent time working in various capacities within the legal, real estate and technology industries. For almost 14 years, she immersed herself in the non-profit cancer space. Most recently she has launched The Discovery Well, a coaching and consulting practice. Her professional, academic and personal endeavors have taken her from Dallas to Seattle and Austin, she is happy to be back home in Dallas – close to family and friends and with her two standard poodles, Sunny and Otis. She is currently grateful for fresh space to breathe, experimenting with new opportunities and discovering new rhythms.