The sky tucks in above me. Hazy pink making way for night. Street lamps slip on their sweaters of light. The afternoon calm of my work refuge in a LA hotel lobby vanishes into a sea of clinking glasses, sparkly dresses, and twinkling lights. Laughter, Christmas Carols of old, and the smell of fresh greenery fill the air.

As I look up from my laptop out to the sidewalk that is just beyond the glass, I see them. A father bundled against the blustering wind. With lips sealed in a tight line, he grips his daughter’s hand. She leans in towards him, shoulders bowed and chin down. The two of them face off against the night. Their somber energy in stark contrast to the revelry around me.

I don’t know their story. Or, their pain. But, in the sadness there is recognition. Through them, I see the families with gaping holes caused by cancer. The friends grieving the absence of phone calls or opportunities to meet for holiday drinks, the husbands looking across the table to an empty seat, the wives tucking in children alone, the daughters and sons grieving the loss of old traditions, and the mothers and fathers feeling adrift. As the duo passes, sadness seeps deep into my bones.

How are the ones left behind supposed to move forward? How can we begin to navigate the tight rope between honoring the memory of a loved one and finding a way to begin a new chapter?

Since A Fresh Chapter began, I have always known this dream was bigger than my story. Bigger than only people whose bodies have been invaded by cancer cells. Perhaps one day, bigger than we can imagine. But, right now, what I know for sure is that struggle and loss know no boundaries and the desire to find renewed hope and possibility through meaningful volunteer travel experiences should not be reserved for only patients.

This is why in 2016, our programs will expand. We will open our doors (and hearts) to serve not only patients, but also caregivers who have known the deep losses caused by cancer. We believe our tribe is bold enough and big hearted enough to see that all pain needs healing. To see that starting A Fresh Chapter is about the willingness to step through our stories of pain and into a reimagined future. To bear witness to the universality of both struggle and resilience and to give back as a way to find healing and connection.

This holiday season, hold your loved ones close and perhaps consider making some time amidst the to-dos and parties to do something special for a friend or family member who finds grief and loss where joy used to be.

If you know someone impacted by cancer who needs support with redefining the next chapter in life, we would love to connect. Anyone interested in learning more about A Fresh Chapter can sign up here for more information on our upcoming programs: Become A Participant.