In 2022, I traveled to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after losing both of my parents to cancer. The climb was meant to honor their memory, help me move through grief, and show cancer who is boss. .

Then, just before the journey began, I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself.

Three weeks after my first lumpectomy, I stood on Kilimanjaro and attempted the summit. I did not reach the top. That fall led me to something even bigger.

At the base of the mountain, I met dedicated educators working to create opportunities for their students. That experience changed the direction of my life and became the beginning of Patchworks Collective.

Since then, I have undergone chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and the long process of rebuilding my strength. I have also returned to Tanzania year after year- bringing people together, building lasting relationships and supporting local schools and educators.

Now, in July 2027, I am returning for my Comeback Climb.

But this climb is about more than reaching the summit.

Patchworks Collective is raising $20,000 to equip the Tanzanian teachers with tools and resources they identify as most valuable for their classrooms and students.

The teachers already have the knowledge, commitment, relationships and vision. They know their students and communities. Our role is to listen, walk beside them, and help place the right tools into their hands.

Why focus on teachers?

Because one well-supported teacher can influence hundreds of children throughout a career. When we invest in educators, the impact continues long after our travelers return home.

Our goal is to help provide teacher-requested resources such as technology, classroom materials, professional support, and other tools identified by our Tanzanian partners. As those specific needs and costs are confirmed, we will share updates so donors can see exactly what their generosity is helping make possible.

My return to Kilimanjaro represents healing, resilience, and completing something cancer interrupted. But the true purpose of this comeback is to create an impact far greater than one person reaching a summit.

Your donation will help us:

• Equip Tanzanian teachers with useful, lasting resources

• Strengthen locally led education

• Expand opportunities for generations of students

• Build an enduring partnership based on listening, dignity, and trust

Our first trail marker is to raise $1,000 this month.

Whether you give $25, $50, $100, or simply share this campaign, you become part of this comeback and the community surrounding it.

Together, we can equip the teachers who empower the children—and prove that even when life changes the route, we can continue climbing toward something greater.

Thank you for walking beside me.

Tiffany Jones

Founder, Patchworks Collective