KILELE Health Association hosted a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Debriefing Session on 29^th August, bringing together breast and prostate cancer warriors alongside caregivers for a powerful day of sharing, learning, and healing.

Facilitated by counselling psychologists Peter Nyette and Naomi Muinde from Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute, the session provided a safe and supportive space where participants shared their lived experiences, received psychological support, and explored coping strategies to strengthen their resilience.

Voices of Courage and Resilience

Among the participants was Michael Kimei, a prostate cancer survivor who courageously shared his journey of overcoming stigma after diagnosis. He recalled how some friends distanced themselves and how his masculinity was unfairly questioned by society.

“I felt reduced to my illness,” he shared. “But through spaces like this, I am reminded that I am more than a diagnosis, I am a survivor.”

Michael’s story echoed a sentiment many survivors face, that healing requires both inner strength and social acceptance.

Another powerful voice in the room was Mary Mwangi, a breast cancer survivor who turned her pain into purpose through financial wellness and innovation. After undergoing treatment, Mary began knitting soft, handmade breast prostheses, which KILELE Health proudly purchases and donates to other breast cancer survivors in grassroots communities.

“I wanted to give dignity back to women like me,” Mary said. “If I can make even one woman smile again, then my journey has meaning.”

Mary’s story beautifully highlighted how financial empowerment can nurture emotional healing, reminding us that cancer does not define who we are.

Why It Mattered

Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis, it’s a life-altering journey that affects survivors, caregivers, families, and communities.

“By creating safe spaces like this, we allow warriors and caregivers to voice their truths, break stigma, and build stronger connections,” said Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health Association.

She added that through the KILELE Challenge, cancer survivors and caregivers are empowered across four key wellness pillars – physical, social, mental, and financial wellness.

“Empowering survivors through these pillars shows that life after diagnosis is not only possible but full of purpose”

Counselling psychologist Peter Nyette emphasized the importance of mental wellness in survivorship, noting that healing must go beyond physical treatment to include emotional and psychological well-being.

 “Mental wellness gives survivors the strength to find meaning, rebuild confidence, and rediscover hope after diagnosis,” he said. “Today’s session was more than just a discussion; it was a chance to connect, to listen, and to remind each other that no one has to walk this journey alone.”

Looking Forward

KILELE Health remains committed to creating more safe and empowering spaces where survivors and caregivers can continue to find strength in one another.

These sessions go beyond emotional support they – restore dignity, build resilience, and challenge the perception that cancer is a death sentence.

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