Carmen Monge-Montero, Researcher and Global Cancer Advocate, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Wouldn’t it be cool if a pastry could change lives after cancer?
I’ve always loved baking long before cancer, the kitchen was my happy place. And after treatment, food became part of my emotional healing. That connection eventually led me to study Food Innovation and now pastry at Le Cordon Bleu, where I’ve learned that food is not only flavor… it’s storytelling, community, and healing.
A year ago, I traveled to Kenya with A Fresh Chapter and saw firsthand how the Mizizi program is transforming lives. More than 4 000 Kenyans affected by cancer have found emotional support, community, and hope through it.
For me, this mission is deeply personal. I went through cancer treatment without psychological support, and I know how much programs like Mizizi matter, especially in places where emotional health and cancer are still taboo.
That is why I created Sweet Roots: A Dawa Lemon Tart inspired by the Kenyan Dawa drink and the lemon tarts that brought me comfort during chemo. It’s more than a dessert; it’s a symbol of resilience, roots, and possibility.
This year, funding cuts are threatening Mizizi’s work.
On December 20th at 10am PST (12CST, 7pm CET), I will be hosting an online baking class on Zoom, where I’ll teach you how to make the Sweet Roots while sharing stories from Kenya and the impact your support will create.
Every 15 USD donated = emotional healing support for 1 cancer survivor in Kenya.
All funds go directly to A Fresh Chapter, check out all the info about this program.
Join me in turning food into emotional healing.”
More posts featuring Carmen Monge-Montero.