From October 15 – 29, 2016, 20 participants impacted by cancer joined 3 facilitators and a film crew of four to share an unforgettable two weeks of volunteering, cultural immersion, A Fresh Chapter activities, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Machu Picchu. Today, meet just a few members of our inspiring group in Part 1 of our Peru Odyssey 2016 – Through The Eyes of our Tribe series. 

Stacy – I went to Peru broken by cancer, feeling like there was a piece of the puzzle missing in my emotional healing.  While there, I lived and worked with 26 other cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers going through their own unique emotional struggles.  Together, we laughed, cried, were vulnerable, and shared our stories.  Together, we saw firsthand the struggles other people in the world faced and how they overcame adversity.  Together, we climbed Machu Picchu and shared in the joy and awe of such an amazing sight.  When I left Peru to come back home, I left behind the burdens of my fear, anxiety, anger, and bitterness caused by cancer.  I was seeking the feeling of being unburdened, and I found it.  But I also came back home with even more than I had anticipated – an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my family and my life, a sense of peace that I have not felt in many years, a love for the community that welcomed me in the poor neighborhoods of Lima, and a connection to 26 other volunteers that accepted me into their tribe.  Life is messy, and that’s okay, because it’s also wonderful.

Corinne – One of the coolest things about being with A Fresh Chapter in Peru was seeing how everyone brought their own stories and vulnerabilities, but what was most inspiring was seeing the strength that emerged. Our collective trials made it easier for us to see the commonality of cancer. This gave us permission to not talk about cancer and yet feel a deep connection to each other and to the experience.

Carrie – I spent part of my time volunteering with Amate – an organization dedicated to supporting women with breast cancer in Peru. What really struck me is the realization that 65% of women in Peru are diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4. Although I spend a lot of time advocating for change in the United States in terms of helping women with dense breast tissue get access to the right screening tools, my time in Peru was a huge perspective shift. Peru has a different set of issues and the standard of care is worlds away. Even the stigma of cancer is real and eye-opening. I think about all of the support I got from family, friends, and co-workers when I was going through treatment. It was difficult to learn of a woman who didn’t tell anyone about her diagnosis until the day she had surgery because she was worried about being abandoned. And yet, in spite of what she had been through, I was struck by her faith. On our last day together, she gave me a rosary bracelet and I am still wearing it. She and the other women at Amate have reminded me what it means to have faith to persevere – no matter what you might be faced with.

Tim – What inspired me most is that everyone I met in Peru is focused on living in the now. As a caregiver, I wasn’t sure of what to expect, but I made a choice to be as authentic as possible and to share my story – even if it felt vulnerable. The great part is that I immediately felt accepted and like I had the opportunity to process the loss of my Dad and to explore what it means to feel whole again. This experience provided the perfect blend for me – from the volunteering to the cultural programming to the chance to really share my story. From the first night, my conversations were real and authentic and set the stage for an amazing experience.

Michael – After volunteering at a cancer organization in Lima, I realize how fortunate we are in terms of the care, access and support available to people impacted by cancer in the United States. The stark contrast is hard to see, but when realized leaves a big impression. Even through their hardships, the people of Peru made a big impact on me. Their national pride and their openness to connecting with us was very cool to see. Many of the patients or caregivers who traveled vast distances to Lima for treatment were excited to tell us about their homes and lives in the mountains or the jungles of Peru. After our trip to Machu Picchu, some of the patients couldn’t wait to see our pictures and hear our stories. They were proud and grateful that our tribe spent time in the Sacred Valley which symbolizes Peruvian history, culture and food. When I get home, I want to stay connected to Peru by finding a volunteer opportunity in “Little Lima”, a city located in Northern New Jersey.

It is through a unique partnership with Lilly Oncology and Lilly’s Connecting Hearts Abroad program that we welcomed 10 Lilly Ambassadors to Lima as part of our Peru Odyssey program. We are grateful to have the Connecting Hearts Abroad Ambassadors as part of our tribe. Stay tuned for more stories from our first program in South America. 

To sign up to be the first to learn about our 2017 programs, click here to join our A Fresh Chapter Odyssey Tribe.