With more people in North America surviving cancer, the issue of survivorship is on the minds and lips of people across the cancer community.
My name is Terri Wingham and at the age of 30, a breast cancer diagnosis changed my life forever. When I walked out of a Vancouver hospital, after my final surgery in January of 2011, a nurse told me how to dress my wounds, but no one told me how to cope with the challenges of survivorship.
Like many of the 12+ million cancer survivors in North America, I felt trapped in a post treatment void. For so many of us, the support during treatment fades and we are left alone to deal with the loss of our former identities; our fears of reoccurrence; and our worries about how to juggle the demands of life and work when we are still healing physically and emotionally.
Thankfully, a 6-week volunteer trip to Africa gave me a unique opportunity to heal by:
- Escaping 16,000 km away from where treatment took place;
- Helping care for a beautiful group of 1-3 year olds (instead of being cared for);
- Meeting fellow volunteers and staff who had no expectation for me to “get back to normal” and who gave me the space and time to redefine myself;
- Meeting locals who had no access to basic healthcare and who had endured a lifetime of struggle, which gave me a new perspective on my cancer experience;
- Writing a new story about my life about something other than cancer.
The Fresh Chapter Foundation
The Fresh Chapter Foundation will build strategic alliances with every major cancer support organization across North America and, through these partnerships, offer programming to help thousands of cancer survivors select, fundraise, and prepare for their own international volunteer trips.
As more survivors join us on the road, we will start a movement of:
- Adventure after cancer;
- Service as a way of healing;
- Cultural exchange and understanding;
- Walking through fear and writing fresh chapters in our post-treatment stories.
On September 30, 2011, I gave up my apartment in Vancouver, lent or gave away almost all of my worldly possessions and packed my bags for a trip around North America. I met other survivors, not for profits, and international volunteer companies in cities like Austin, San Francisco, New York, & Toronto. Everyone I met agreed that we need to provide better support for new survivors who are navigating (often alone) through the physical and psycho-social challenges of rebuilding their lives after cancer.
Now – the first step to this future not for profit has begun! Come visit the Adventure of Hope to learn about my current trip around the world and my plans to volunteer on almost every continent as a way to generate awareness of the challenges of survivorship and build partnerships with the best volunteer companies in the industry. I would love your support in making this dream happen. I have an aggressive fundraising goal $34,000 and a short time line, but with your support, I know anything is possible. So, click HERE to give what you can and become part of a Tribe of people who believe in survivorship, shared humanity, and the connection between the two.
Wow, you are so inspiring and brave!! Good for you. Don’t give up on your dream and remember to dream really big. It’ll all work out exactly the way it suppose to and, at times, I’m sure it will seem daunting and then, before you know it, it will have happened!
Kathleen,
I love the quote by Paulo Coehlo in the Alchemist when he says, “The possibility of a dream coming true is what makes life truly exciting”. Look forward to keeping in touch.
Thank you so much for your support. I am at the very initial stages but felt like writing about it would make it real
Good for you Terri! That’s a wonderful, generous idea. You are definitely destined for big things! I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.
Thanks Debbie,
Would LOVE to connect with you more about it. I will send you a note in the next few days. I hope you’re having a good week!
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Absolutely wonderful!! Thrilling and terrifying in one! I would love to connect with you as your thoughts develop, perhaps brainstorm together and at the very least see you as you pass through this part of the world.
Big hugs
P
xx
Philippa,
Thank you so much for your comment. I would LOVE to brainstorm with you and get your thoughts. Perhaps we can have a skype date in the near ish future! Regardless, I hope my travels take me to your part of the world, so we can meet up.
Big hugs from Vancouver,
Terri
xo
I wish I knew more to help you with the Non Profit side of things. I can help you with a few amazing places to visit though! I am not surprised or shocked by your decision. I am inspired by how honest you have been with yourself and the community around you. It’s rubbing off on me! I have made a phone call I should have made years ago. I keep envisioning the scene in the movie Up (animated movie) where the house is ripped from it’s foundations by a bunch of balloons. Let your dreams carry you to where you should be. That movie always makes me cry and so do you!
It’s a good thing.
Love your response! I need to watch Up. I never have. Maybe we can watch it together sometime. So glad to hear about the phone call! Lots of love. Txo
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You’re dream is HUGE, Terri! I can see anyone – especially who stared their mortality down from out of the blue agreeing. I’d think it would be work to find folks as inspired and driven as you to make this commitment if it’s going to be a big life change. I so admire you, but for me, my freelance projects and volunteer work just in my lil old, own community, and keeping up with my family and cleaning my toilet bowls are all I can do for now! Power to ya, sister.
And btw, you have a way with words. Can’t wait to see your book. Is it your memoir? Mine is finally in late production stages after 22 months of slaving over it – being the (I forget which personality of yours it is that’s type-a, control freak) – but that’s the one who was out full force while I was writing.
Good luck getting your nonprofit off the ground.
Rachel
I just realized I missed this post Terri! You really are full steam ahead with your big dream – what an inspiration to us all!
Terri! YOu are so amazing, I would love to have an experience like that! How wonderful of you to start something like this! Big Hugs!
Christina
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Terri,
I love your Big Dream. It’s fabulous! One of mine is something similar. I have spent time in Ghana and Ecuador and can really relate to a lot of what you express. It changed me- and certainly put my first world “problems” in perspective. I am in awe of your dedication, and jumping off the cliff-ness.
Thank you so much Cat! I would love to hear more about your time in Ghana and Ecuador. If you have a few minutes, feel free to email me at twingham@afreshchapter.com. Hope you’re doing well! Terri
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Hi Terri,
I saw that you won the grand prize for the Go Overseas leave a review contest. Congratulations! Honestly I was secretly (or not so secretly) hoping to win the grand prize but I was one of the week 8 winners. After reading your stories, I am glad you won. I hope it helps with your goals. I volunteered for 8 weeks with CCS in Brazil. I, like you, came back a changed person.
You are a great writer and an inspiration. I wish you luck in your journey and in starting your non-profit. I look forward to reading about your adventures.
-Scott
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Aah Terry,
I just read your story and I am preparing a giant basket of universal good will and I am sending it your way. Thanks for being you!
Health and happiness,
Cheers,
Sorry Terri – not Terry
Ted – Thanks for sending over the universal basket of good vibes. I needed it and it must have helped because I arrived safely in Vietnam last night. Look forward to connecting with you again soon!
Hi Terri,
Hi dear, what a wonderful person you are. To be honest, reading your story humbled me so much of how much you’ve given up for the sake of others. I too been working in Brazil as a volunteer. Someone said once ” There’s no bigger joy in heart than bringing a real joy/smile and fulfill lost dreams in the hearts of those who are forgotten!
Your words and life humble me so much as I went thru your exprience and video. I would love to link up with you from time to time and even be partner thru our experiences.
Be strong and trust in yourself dear friend!!
All the best!
Daniel F – Brazil
Daniel,
It is a pleasure to know you and I look forward to staying connecting and trading stories from the other side of the world. You are doing amazing work and it’s a privilege to meet you too.
All the best from Ha Noi.
Terri
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I’m very excited with your good work within few days you have spent in Rwanda volunteering with us.
Thank you so much Willy! I have loved my time at the orphanage and never want to leave these special children. I hope that one day I will be back. Thanks for your support!
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