Why We Exist
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and it’s only one part of our story. At A Fresh Chapter, we bridge a gap in cancer care by focusing on the mental, emotional, and social impacts of the cancer experience.
How One Experience Sparked a Global Movement
From Diagnosis to Reinvention
In 2009, at just 30 years old, Terri Wingham was diagnosed with breast cancer. She expected treatment to be difficult. What she didn’t expect was the emotional aftermath of cancer: feelings of isolation, depression, and survivor’s guilt. Searching for a way to heal, she signed up for a volunteer trip to Africa, where she spent six weeks working at an underfunded daycare in Cape Town, South Africa.
That experience changed everything. Terri saw firsthand that struggle is universal, and she realized that even if she couldn’t return to the life she had before cancer, reinvention was possible. Inspired by this journey and her background in entrepreneurship and career networking, Terri saw an opportunity to turn her newfound passion into an organization that provides a fresh forum for addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer.
Launching A Fresh Chapter
In 2013, Terri launched A Fresh Chapter’s first pilot program in New Delhi, India, bringing together 12 cancer survivors from the U.S. and Canada to explore international volunteering as a pathway to healing. The program was a success, proving that helping others could be a powerful way to process one’s own experience.
As AFC grew, we developed a structured framework of tools, resources, and support, designed to help people navigate the emotional complexities of cancer. The model expanded beyond international experiences to include online programs, leadership training, and community-based initiatives, ensuring that more people, regardless of location, can access the skills and support they need. Today, AFC continues to break down barriers to emotional healing, fostering a global community where those impacted by cancer can move forward in meaningful ways.
What We Stand For
A Commitment to Belonging, Access, and Inclusion
We believe that everyone deserves access to emotional healing and support, no matter their background or circumstances. Since 2013, we’ve worked to expand access to emotional healing by building connections across cultures and ensuring our programs reflect the voices of the communities we serve.
In 2021, we launched a community advisory team made up of alumni and advocates from a wide range of backgrounds and cancer experiences. These yearly teams help shape AFC’s program design and outreach strategies, ensuring we’re reaching more people in meaningful and accessible ways.
We are grateful for our alumni and supporters who inspire us to elevate voices across a range of lived experiences, foster a culture of action, and create real and lasting change.
Our Core Values
At AFC, our values guide everything we do.
- Belonging: We create a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen.
- Compassion: We listen without judgment and hold space for broad perspectives.
- Collaboration: We foster trust and teamwork, believing that we are stronger together.
- Empowerment: We encourage people to take risks, grow, and realize their potential.
- Growth Mindset: We embrace learning, feedback, and stepping outside our comfort zones.
- Making a Difference: We are dedicated to leaving a lasting, positive impact on those we serve.
Through these values, we continue to build a supportive community where those impacted by cancer can redefine what’s possible and move forward in meaningful ways.