Shaping and Scaling a Programme for Young Cancer Survivors in Mexico

Fundación Grisi works to improve the well-being of Mexican families, with a special focus on inclusion, disability, and health. Its programmes address critical needs such as support for childhood and breast cancer patients, and it runs VAPORTI, Mexico’s pioneering initiative dedicated to pancreatic cancer.

This summer, I had the opportunity to contribute to this effort, focusing on the creation of a programme aimed at young survivors of childhood cancer: “Es Momento de Emprender” (EMDE). EMDE wasn’t entirely new; two successful editions had already taken place, offering workshops, mentorship, and spaces of connection for youth cancer survivors across Mexico. But the initiative was still more of a series of events than a structured programme. My role was to help give it shape, clarity, and a long-term roadmap.

That meant working on the programme definition: clarifying the programme’s objectives and guidelines and building a structure that could be both replicable and scalable. I spent time refining the scope of the project, shifting from occasional gatherings to a programme that could provide continuous support through workshops, mentoring and digital tools. In its finalised form, the programme consists of a national registry for young survivors of childhood cancer, guidance for them and their families or caretakers throughout the reintegration stage, a strong focus on ensuring they continue treatment and maintain a sense of purpose in society, and the creation of a survivor network and workshops to highlight the challenges they face and share first-hand solutions.

The second part of my work focused on funding. We applied for a grant from another organisation to try and secure the resources for EMDE’s expansion. This process was meticulous and time-consuming. It required carefully adapting the programme’s design and language to fit the organisation’s guidelines, assembling evidence and documentation, and defining measurable outcomes. While we have not yet received the results, a successful grant would have a major impact on EMDE, as it will, at the very least, duplicate the funds available for the programme, provide a mark of credibility and fuel the momentum to bring this transformative programme to life.

Working on EMDE gave me a unique perspective on the inner workings of a foundation beyond programme design and execution.

While my previous experience in Somos Agua had been rooted in ideation and hands-on project management,  this opportunity exposed me to the strategic, structural, and bureaucratic aspects of running a programme at scale.  

This internship experience was supported by the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend.