Wanda Lucas' Fundraiser:

Peru Odyssey Volunteer Program

BENEFITING: Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs - SEE

ORGANIZER: A Fresh

THE STORY:

Ten years ago, I received a diagnosis of breast cancer exactly two months after saying losing a childhood friend to the disease. Needless to say, my world was shaken but I reacted by reaching down and tapping into my faith for strength. I immediately said that I was not going to let this disease “beat me”, that I was going to stand strong and fight. I signed up for clinical trials, answered surveys and would do anything asked of me because I felt that was my purpose; my reason for being diagnosed. I thought that I was chosen to make things better. I quickly became immersed in breast cancer issues by changing my career, and filling my life with volunteer advocacy work. As I look back over the years, I find that I have regularly used my vacations to attend breast cancer conferences, served on numerous committees, made presentations, and given up precious weekends and evenings for the sake of breast cancer. It wasn’t until last week that I realized that I have never addressed my own issues with breast cancer’s impact on my personal mortality. I have never attended a support group meeting, sought counselling or attended some sort of retreat for cancer survivors.

I have many fears that I need to address. I need this program because I am holding so many emotions. I am hurt, afraid and tired. I have many sleepless nights and I carry a burden of not wanting to let anyone down. It is my hope that this program will provide me an opportunity to not only volunteer in another country but also take some time to begin healing myself from the inside. I finally realize that I need to focus on myself for a while. This program will offer me that opportunity.

A Fresh Chapter wrote -

A Fresh Chapter (Alliance Foundation) is a Project in affiliation with Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE) a non profit public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations will be used to cover program related costs and all US Donations of $100+ are eligible for a tax receipt. Thank you for your support!