A Fresh Chapter

Ignite Experience

Explore Your Next Chapter With Us!

Cancer is life-changing, and as anyone who has been touched by it knows (whether as a patient or caregiver), nothing is ever quite the same again. At A Fresh Chapter, we understand the critical need to heal the emotional scars of cancer, while creating a safe space to grieve what we’ve lost and find new purpose. We believe we are not defined by the most difficult parts of our stories — just as we know your story is as unique as you are. We’re excited to give you the tools, community, and ongoing support to help you reclaim and redefine your life, whether you are living with or beyond cancer. 

Program Overview

The Ignite Experience is a peer-facilitated 10-week skill-building program open to survivors, thrivers, and caregivers across the cancer continuum. Through Ignite, you will explore a variety of themes designed to help you build skills and resilience to more effectively cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.

Ignite is a U.S.-based program that is open to people all over the world. In addition, the Ignite Experience has been adapted for the African culture and the Africa Ignite program is led by and for Africans.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, AFC offers scholarships to ensure that people from the U.S. and around the world can participate in Ignite at no personal cost.

Program Components:

  • Skill-building: Attend weekly facilitated one-hour zoom calls filled with new perspectives and thought-provoking discussions.
  • Connections: Build new friendships with a diverse group of people representing all types and stages of cancer through group calls and 1-1 discussions.
  • Personal Growth: Engage in weekly individual activities, including guided readings, journaling prompts, and more.
  • Volunteering: Access resources to support you in engaging in an onsite or online volunteer project.
  • Support: Connect with AFC Facilitators during 1-1 calls.

Applications open in May!

Be Part of our I.D.E.A. Team This Season:

For this upcoming season of Ignite, we have an opportunity for a select group of people to not only participate in Ignite, but also be involved in our 2024 I.D.E.A. into Action Team. Fostering diversity, inclusion, and health equity while building connections across cultures is an integral part of our mission. The focus of our 2024 project will be to take a critical look at all aspects of our North American Ignite Experience to ensure we are considering I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) in every facet of this program. Those selected to be part of the I.D.E.A. into Action Team will share their perspectives on the content, activities, and resources with an eye to suggesting any ways in which the program could be made more inclusive. This will be done through short weekly surveys as well as 3 x 90 minute focus groups held throughout the program period.

Exclusive Opportunities for Ignite Graduates

AFC is committed to supporting our community through ongoing opportunities for growth and learning, as well as the ability to make new connections around the globe. Here are just a few ways Ignite alumni can stay engaged with A Fresh Chapter.

  • AFC Leaders: The opportunity to apply to participate in our 6-week foundational leadership and professional development program that addresses the human side of leadership through offering skills to build emotional intelligence, compassionate leadership, inclusion, and resilience. Additional modules available for Facilitation and Advocacy. 
  • AFC Amplify: After successful completion of the Facilitation Track of the AFC Leaders Program, alumni can apply for a multi-step peer facilitator certification program that blends curriculum and practical experience facilitating Ignite (and/or Mizizi in Africa). If selected to participate in Amplify, you will have the chance to strengthen your leadership and facilitation skills, while offering AFC’s programs to a group of your peers.
  • Cross-Cultural Onsite Opportunities: Ignite or the AFC Leaders program are an eligibility requirement for anyone interested in applying to the Africa Elevate program — an immersive cross-cultural volunteer and leadership development experience.
  • The AFC Community: A vibrant, ever-growing global community and the opportunity to continue to grow alongside new friends.
Reclaim Your Story.  Rediscover Your Life.
 The moment I signed up for Ignite, I was lost, broken and full of fears. But this experience has been my first step towards healing. It allowed me to welcome, honor, and embrace myself with all its layers and not be afraid of change and transformation. It made me believe that it is possible to design a life I have always wanted to live... I am now slowly picking and putting my shattered pieces back together... to live courageously. — JV Morgia, 2023 Ignite Experience Alum

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BECOME PART OF THE AFC COMMUNITY

Scholarships for the 2024 AFC Ignite Experience are funded through the generosity of our donor community as well as independent grants from our sponsor organizations:

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