#Delhi2013
A Fresh Chapter Foundation
http://www.afreshchapter.com
is organizing a two-week service learning trip for 12 cancer survivors
to travel to New Delhi, India next February. The group will consist of a
diverse mix of men and women who experienced everything from prostate
cancer to leukemia to breast cancer. They will volunteer with local
charities that serve people in desperate need. This post - my first
since being diagnosed with, and receiving treatment for, Stage II breast
cancer in 2011 - describes why I hope to be one of the 12 participants
on this inaugural trip.
#Delhi2013 is about stepping out of my comfort zone
to explore myself while simultaneously dedicating two weeks of my life
to directly serving those who are truly in need.
I live a life of service. My law practice - Sustainable Law Group -
represents nonprofit organizations and socially-responsible and
sustainable businesses. I also volunteer for several charities. Every
day I help my clients make the world a better place.
My work fulfills me, but it is one giant step
removed from directly serving those in need. I know my guidance helps my
clients achieve their laudable missions, but I'm completely insulated
from interacting with the people they serve. That's where #Delhi2013
comes in. #Delhi2013 is a wildly different way of serving others in
another world altogether.
#Delhi2013 will also force me to directly confront
my recent experience with cancer. During "active" treatment (i.e.,
surgeries, chemotherapy & Herceptin infusions), people often asked
me if my experience with cancer completely changed my outlook on life. I
know that cancer has had a great impact on me, but since diagnosis I
distracted myself with treatment, advocacy and work. I never stepped
back to consider the bigger picture.
#Delhi2013 will be my first endeavor as a cancer
survivor, and I plan to use this time away to finally understand what my
experience with cancer means to me.
I wish to
join the #Delhi2013 service learning trip because I can finally do
something big that's just for me. I recently turned 40. On my birthday I
decided to spend the second half of my life doing things I couldn't do
during the first half. #Delhi2013 is the first big step towards keeping
that most important promise.
#Delhi2013 may be the greatest commitment I can make
to myself in the next few years. At the same time, I wish to dedicate
my participation to my friend Robert, who died two days ago at age 40
from liver cancer. Robert was a quiet leader who stood up for people
confronting discrimination. #Delhi2013 is a beautiful way to further his
legacy.
If I am selected to participate I will be fundraising to support this adventure through a phenomenal new online platform at
www.volunteerforever.com. Please let me know if you would like to help me achieve this dream.
Peace and blessings.
