For more than five years, A Fresh Chapter has explored how to help people impacted by cancer see the world and themselves from a fresh perspective. More recently, we have wondered if we could do this without boarding an international flight. Could we cross borders of a different kind? Socioeconomic, regional, patient/caregiver? Could we still use travel and once-in-a-lifetime moments to help our participants feel like new dreams are possible in their lives? Could we serve communities in a meaningful way while reminding our people that even if cancer has taken so much away – they still have so much to give?

Earlier this month, we successfully completed our first domestic program and are thrilled to have a model for growing our North American program offerings. From Los Angeles to Phoenix, with a breathtaking stop at the Grand Canyon, our Elemental Odyssey gave participants a chance to heal some of the emotional scars of cancer amidst a beautiful backdrop of the four elements. Thanks to the support of our partners, we were able to serve four engaging and important community projects, as well as create connections among our participants and the greater cancer community.

Our participants came from the four corners of North America, all walks of life, and different experiences with cancer, but were all united in their desire to give back, step beyond their comfort zones, and form meaningful connections.

Maureen: I chose the Elemental Odyssey program because it was a way to stay in the U.S. yet take part in a volunteer travel experience. It was also a way to get the support I needed from other participants impacted by cancer. What a great experience – to help others affected by adversity and in the process, I found myself. I was so inspired by my tribe. Their strength and openness was truly heart warming. What a wonderful group of people to share this experience with. Finding life-long friends who taught me so much. This amazing experience has helped me turn the page in my life. My “fresh chapter” has now begun.

Theresa: This week, strangers have become family, a difference was made in people’s lives through volunteering, perspectives have been changed, baggage has been released, once-in-a-lifetime experiences have been had, and our stories have been shared…A Fresh Chapter has begun! Thank you Soul Ryeders for gifting me this experience to heal and gain my “sparkle” back.

KK: I joined the Elemental Odyssey Program not knowing what to expect, but hoping for a life changing event. It was that and more! I entered the program battered and bewildered by life but came out rejuvenated, at peace and having re-found my joy. The balance between “serving and being served” provided the perfect vehicle to appreciate the amazing beauty in this world (the Grand Canyon at sunrise) but also gather perspective when witnessing sadness in life (feeding the homeless in Phoenix). I will be forever thankful to the Elemental Odyssey Program for relighting a flame that had been diminishing in me.

Shannon: I’m on a cancer survivors retreat called the Elemental Odyssey hosted by A Fresh Chapter. I truly believe I am ‘supposed’ to be on this trip without really knowing what my takeaways are supposed to be. This morning I prayed that God would allow me to see Him…His elements…His presence and open me to receive His beauty. We went to the Grand Canyon to watch the sunrise. Shortly after arriving, the clouds parted for a beautiful sunrise and then…it started to snow. All I could do was take it in as my eyes filled with tears and my heart full of God’s Grace. We had to choose a word for the week that we wanted to feel. Mine is FREE. The Grand Canyon was beautiful but God’s presence was breathtaking and overwhelming.

Anh: I chose to join the Elemental Odyssey Program because after reading more about A Fresh Chapter and its vision, I knew the stars aligned for me to go.  What surprised me the most is how, within a few days, strangers became a second family – bonding over the common fears and struggles everyone faces, but often doesn’t talk about. Also, I was surprised by how comfortable the facilitation team made it for each of us to share or not share at our own pace.  We are forever inspired and changed for the better by giving back to others and connecting with each other.

Jimi: I came with with no expectations and an unbreakable shield around me of “I’m all good, no help needed here” and “I’m just here to build on the partnership with Foundation 33” to walking away “repositioned” in many ways. I had two epiphanies that will change my way forward and I met 9 survivors who are more amazing than words can explain. Watching their transformation throughout the week and knowing my presence might have helped is a gift I’ll forever be blessed with.

Elements of our program were made possible thanks to the support, understanding, and partnership of organizations who share our belief that healing the emotional scars of cancer goes far beyond medical treatment.

An Epic Evening with Lilly Oncology: On Monday, April 25, 2016, our partner Lilly Oncology helped us surprise our Elemental Odyssey participants and local A Fresh Chapter alumni with a once-in-a-lifetime evening on the beach, followed by dinner at Gladstone’s restaurant in Malibu. Although the wind element brought most of our gathering indoors, we still had a beautiful opportunity to share stories of surviving the turbulence of cancer while also talking about what lights us up and helps us weather cancer’s storm.

An Afternoon with Tower Cancer Research Foundation: Thanks to our partnership with Tower Cancer Research Foundation and LA CanSurvive, we were able to offer an interactive afternoon of education, yoga, and wellness. Dr. Arash Asher and Dr. Jeffrey Wertheimer of Cedar Sinai provided advice on how to reframe adversity. We shared the story of A Fresh Chapter and encouraged the 40+ people who joined us to think about the skills and resiliencies they have gained because of what they have faced. Then, each participant had the chance to either join a meditative yoga class or come together to produce a healthy, delicious meal in Tower Cancer’s beautiful new facility.