On March 29^th 2025, cancer warriors, caregivers, and their allies gathered at the Nairobi Arboretum for the inaugural KILELE Challenge Hike, a wellness initiative by KILELE Health Association designed to help those affected by cancer rediscover life beyond diagnosis.

The KILELE Challenge works to address the quality of life in cancer survivorship in critical dimensions often sidelined during the cancer journey; mental, social, financial, and emotional wellness.

“Sometimes, healing doesn’t start in the chemo ward. It starts when you lace up your shoes, take a deep breath, and walk beside people who understand,” said Joan Wangari, pancreatic cancer survivor and Survivor Coordinator at KILELE Health.

 A Shift from Isolation to Connection

Guided by experts from Arch Treks & Safaris, the Arboretum hike marked the first edition of the hike series tailored to meet the holistic needs of those affected by cancer, bringing together individuals who have spent long stretches confined to treatment rooms or emotionally burdened by caregiving. For many, this was a rare opportunity to step into nature, reconnect with community, and experience a sense of normalcy outside the clinical setting.

“We wanted to remind our warriors that their bodies are still strong, that recovery can be joyful, and that there is life beyond cancer which is worth celebrating” noted Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health Association.

More Than a Walk

The #KileleChallenge is a growing movement focused on building resilience through hiking for physical fitness, mental wellness coaching, storytelling for impact training, and vocational & career mentorship.

“For one to achieve holistic healing, they need to move physically, emotionally, and mentally,” added Joan Wangari. “This is why hiking is more than a fitness exercise.”

She added that walking down the trail, listening to birds, and breathing fresh air is therapy.

“From gentle stretches to shared laughter and mindful reflection, every moment along the trail is a chance to reconnect with the body, with others, and with self. Out here, we talk about life and other things, not the illness.”

What’s Ahead?

Following the successful Arboretum launch, KILELE Health has mapped out a series of monthly hikes leading up to a major climb at Mt. Kenya in September. Each outing is tailored to bring together cancer warriors and caregivers from diverse social backgrounds and financial capabilities all united by their differing cancer treatment and survivorship experience.

As Churchill Otieno, Navigation Officer KILELE Health said: “The journey ahead is long. But today, we took the first step together.” 

#UnitedByUnique #KileleChallenge #PhysicalFitness