Rise

Program Overview

Whether you’ve been leading a support group for years or are still figuring out if this is the right path for you, one thing is true: showing up for people in hard moments is not something most of us are formally prepared for. Even the most experienced leaders rarely get dedicated space to step back, reflect on their practice, and connect with others doing this same work.

And this work is uniquely demanding. As a peer leader, you are guiding others through emotional and often difficult conversations while carrying your own experience with cancer, whether as a patient, survivor, or caregiver. 

Every session brings a different room, different energy, and moments where you have to think on your feet while staying grounded yourself. Rise was built for exactly this. It’s an interactive three-module virtual training that gives you practical frameworks for the hardest moments and a community of peers to connect with. 

As a Rise participant, you will: 

• Deepen your confidence and clarity in peer leadership, whether you’re stepping in for the first time or refining your approach
• Build self-awareness and practical facilitation skills for navigating complex group dynamics
• Connect with support group leaders across cancer areas at different stages of their practice
• Strengthen the way you show up for others while sustaining yourself

Each live Zoom session includes insights from experienced peer leaders, opportunities to ask questions, and takeaways and activities to keep you moving forward. 

Your Facilitation Toolkit

Module 1: Purpose & Role Clarity

September 16, 2026 from 3-4pm ET

Whether you’re exploring peer support for the first time or have years of experience, this module gives you dedicated space to reflect on your motivation, your fit for the role, and how you want to show up for your group.

Module 2: Self & Emotional Awareness

September 30, 2026 from 3-4pm ET

Conversations in support groups can stir up your own emotions and experiences. This module helps you recognize when that’s happening and gives you practical tools to stay steady in the moment and care for yourself afterward.

Module 3: Situational Awareness & Decision-Making

October 14, 2026 from 3-5pm ET

Every room has its own dynamics. This module gives you a framework for reading what’s happening in real time so you can confidently decide when to step in, when to follow up later, or when no action is needed.

Who We Are

A Fresh Chapter (AFC), founded in 2013, is a survivor-led nonprofit that is changing the landscape of cancer support around the globe. We bridge a gap in cancer care by focusing on the whole person—not just their disease. Our mission is to empower people around the world with the skills, support, and community to navigate the emotional complexities of cancer and become advocates who support others. To date, AFC programs have directly touched the lives of 8,400+ people worldwide.