It was a moment nearly four years in the making. Over the course of 24 hours, individuals from the US, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, and various towns in Kenya had arrived in Nairobi: these were our 2023 Africa Elevate Fellows, convened for two weeks of strategic teamwork to advance A Fresh Chapter’s mission of changing the paradigm of cancer support in Kenya.

After a morning orientation, the group (comprising international alumni, volunteers, and staff) traveled to a local outdoor space for an AFC Alumni Reunion… Kenya style.

Worlds collided in a way one has to feel to fully understand. Jet-lagged travelers that had never before set foot in Kenya were greeted as friends by Kenyan alumni with singing and dancing. The room vibrated in solidarity as people impacted by — or working in the field of — cancer came together to celebrate what it looks like to transform adversity into new possibilities. In this spirit, the 2023 Africa Elevate program began. What our Fellows accomplished together in the weeks that followed was rich and multifaceted.

Below, we’re sharing a brief glimpse of our Alumni Reunion (we can’t resist!), followed by a collection of reflections from our Fellows on not only their two-week experience, but on the seeds we’ve planted for A Fresh Chapter’s ongoing work in Africa.

A Fresh Chapter Alumni Reunion, September 2023. Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Read on…

What does it feel like to be on the ground in Kenya — not just focused on these two weeks, but working together towards a greater goal of helping to scale a psychosocial support program across Africa?

“Being on the ground and having the gift to focus all my energy and attention with such an inspiring organization has changed me. There is absolutely no substitute for this type of contribution or learning. Working collectively towards an incredible goal which directly impacts individual cancer survivors enhances the experience beyond measure. Although I’m a cancer survivor myself it’s always perspective shifting to work alongside others impacted in a similar way. Each individual has a story to share and a skill to bring, combined with a passion to change the world, one person or community at a time.” 

—Russ Meyers, Global Volunteer (U.S.) / Loxo@Lilly

 

What has stood out to you about your collaborations during the Elevate experience? 

“All the projects that we’ve done, all the cross cultural interactions, it’s been a very unique experience. We had scientists, we had survivors, we had policy advocates… For me, that is a rich field of knowledge, and I’ve learned a lot. I liked how during our projects, all our opinions mattered. It didn’t matter which profession you came from. That is the uniqueness of Elevate — everybody is elevated to a level field. The two weeks were so rich — in diversity, in knowledge, and in experience. It was really eye-opening.”

—Tony Simiyu, Elevate Fellow (Kenya)

 

In what ways has this experience shifted your perspective?

“My experience in Kenya has been elating. I feel as though I am living out my true purpose and never imagined this could be lived out through a life circumstance I thought would tear me to pieces. The impact we are making as a group has been amazing, and the shared connection has helped me to realize there are so many similarities between us. With the mindset of wanting to create and impact change, anything we set out to do is possible. We are showing this now through the Africa Elevate Program.”

—Shanette Caywood, Elevate Fellow (U.S.)

 

As we work to expand A Fresh Chapter’s support model to countries beyond Kenya, what inspires you about the idea of bringing AFC programs to South Africa? 

“Cancer can be an isolated and lonely journey. The work of AFC in emotional healing creates amazing, gentle tools and a strong sense of community and connection. [The programs allow participants] to authentically share in a safe space with people who may truly understand, and, of course, in a place where holding space is practiced by all.  What I am seeing and learning that I am excited to bring back to South Africa is the effectiveness of the Mizizi workshops, the empowerment of Alumni becoming facilitators, the huge scope for the work of AFC in all the very diverse South African communities, and the very special friendships and potential vision coming to life.”

—Marlene Nortje, Elevate Fellow / Melissa Carroll Legacy Fund Recipient (South Africa)

 

How would you describe the Elevate Program and its approach for supporting people impacted by cancer?

“This program is a bomb. A bomb that explodes and you do not want to stop. A chain reaction that I hope goes on and on. Emotional healing is a new chapter in patients’ and caregivers’ lives; it is a topic often neglected. People explore themselves and a side of their journey that was considered “not important” by their society. Cancer is not the subject here, humans are. Cancer is the ‘excuse’ to bring people together and make them feel curious to look inside themselves, aware of their emotions, hold space for themselves and others, and be vulnerable, open, and ready to step up, feel energized and empowered to go beyond cancer.”

—Christian Gentili, Global Volunteer (Switzerland) / Bristol Myers Squibb

 

What are your reflections as our group prepares to board the plane from Nairobi to Eldoret, Kenya?

“This is my first time on an airplane, because of AFC. I’m 43 years old; I’ve never boarded a plane. I’ve never been given a platform like this before. I’ve been in the cancer space, but this is very different — I’m creating impact. At the alumni reunion, I told all the [international] Fellows what we are doing in Kenya, and how Kenya is, and a U.S. Fellow told me they want me in Chicago. That this energy needs to be heard, this voice needs to be heard and amplified. They’re telling me about Chicago, yet I’d never had the chance to travel inside my country. My mom passed [away] because of cancer. But because of the same cancer, today I’m going to fly for the first time since I was born. I didn’t know my pain would turn to purpose. I’m grateful to AFC, to the partners, to everybody.”

—Lucy Njeri, Elevate Fellow (Kenya)

 

How would you describe the impact you are seeing during your time in Kenya?

“In many ways the experience is difficult to fully articulate.  The connections, learnings, conversations, etc. have been invaluable.  Seeing firsthand, the tremendous impact of A Fresh Chapter and how it is changing the lives of cancer patients, families and communities has been inspiring.  The program is reaching patients and families in communities in Kenya who typically lack the opportunity, resources, access and support.” 

—Sherell McDearmon, Global Volunteer (U.S.) / Bristol Myers Squibb

 

What has impacted you personally when it comes to collaborating in your cross-cultural project team as part of the Elevate program? 

“I have had my perspective so lovingly shifted by the members of this team. I am proud that I could open myself to change, recognize the need in the moment, take responsibility, acknowledge the learning, and share my ‘ah ha’ with others. The tools that team members have learned from A Fresh Chapter showed up so powerfully in this moment and I realize that I still have so much to learn about intercultural projects, teams, and leadership. I am so grateful.”

—Jennifer Ramsdale, Elevate Fellow (Canada)

 

What has it been like to work alongside such a diverse group of individuals, including those personally impacted by cancer?

“It has been an amazing opportunity and honor to be part of what AFC is building in Kenya, knowing new people, listening to their stories, and creating connections that will last for a long time. It has been meaningful collaborating and working towards a common goal of providing psychosocial support programming to African patients, survivors and caregivers. It’s a reflection of what the world should be: all together, working to improve the world, no matter your age, gender, or origin.”

—Roberto Rapado, Global Volunteer (Spain)
Loxo@Lilly

 

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Join Us In Changing the Paradigm of Cancer Support.

It takes a village to create sustainable impact and change, and we look forward to growing our partnerships as we expand our work across Africa. If you’re interested in learning more, please email terri@afreshchapter.com.

 

To learn more about our work in Kenya, enjoy this post or visit our Kenya Elevate page. To stay informed on all A Fresh Chapter updates, sign up here to receive our newsletter. If you are interested in supporting our work in Kenya and beyond —  thank you! — please click here to donate.