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I Can't Attend Because



Your Questions
Who goes on these retreats?
Women who have survived cancer attend retreats. It may be that they are looking for an opportunity to be alone, to get away from their routines, their families, their responsibilities. It may be that they want to be with others who have similar experiences and are looking for the comfort of camaraderie, they want to learn from others who have taken the same path. Some women attend retreats just to prove to themselves that they can do something independently, they get on a plane and just do it.

Spouses, caretakers and families can also attend. The medical community is often included at the retreats. There are camps for children and activities that are specifically aimed at young survivors.

You don't have to be looking for something to attend a retreat. If you are a cancer survivor you should look into attending a program just because you have made it to this point.

What will I gain?
  • Overall feeling of well-being
  • The ability to deal with your diagnosis
  • A sense of connection with others who have your concerns
  • Relaxation
  • Discovery of your inner strengths
  • Improvement in your quality of life
  • Improvement in the balance of life
  • Education in clinical trials and alternative methods of healing
  • Networking


    • What do the participants actually DO on these retreats?
    Look at the retreats by theme -
  • Healing and Survivorship
  • Adult Camping Opportunities
  • Educational Workshop
  • Adventure, Sports and Nature Retreats
  • Pampering and Renewal
  • Residential Workshop
  • Daily Spa opportunity


    • The retreats will have some things in common, good food, meeting new friends, escape from whining, illness, fears and stress, and a chance for a new beginning.

    Some will keep you busy with outdoor activities, physical and mental challenges such as fishing, rock climbing, ropes course and workshops on positive thinking, visualization, and fear and anger management. You will have an itinerary and you make choices to fill your days. They will have scheduled "down time" for you to get to know each other.

    Some retreats will be gentle and nurture your inner strength and wellness. Through workshops and group activities they will guide you to heal and face your fears, face the unknown and discover how to cope. There will be support groups and kiva talks. They might offer yoga classes as well as other integrative movement classes such as the Lebed program or Nia. There might be poetry writing, or instruction for journaling. There will be coaches to support you to creatively document and reflect on your past experiences, and to grow through your learning.

    There might be singing and crafts and exploration of the heart through healing arts and therapeutic humor. There will be exercises to draw out your hidden talents and experiment with new and creative vehicles. You might be asked to create a paper mache animal mask to represent your cancer journey, and to discuss your experiences and overcome issues of survivorship. You might be asked to create a joke book based on all the crazy things that have happened to you.


    What should I look for?
    Feel free to contact the retreats and ask these questions:

  • Does the organization have more than one location . Should I apply to more than one, or will they decide for me which one I will attend? How does the environment make the event different? Are the living conditions different from one location to another?

  • How many people apply and how many participants attend? Is it a small group of fewer than ten or over a hundred? Every event is different. Be careful to research the options to see if it is what you will be comfortable with.

  • How long is the retreat? How long can you afford to be away from your daily routine?

  • What is a typical day like? Is every day different? Does the retreat post an agenda and key note speakers. Will I make my own daily plan? Every event is different, but they all will include good meals, interesting conversation and guidance. Some will have spa amenities to choose from, some will have workshops and lectures, and some are focused on activities that you complete alone or in groups.


  • How do I register?
    - What do I need to qualify?
    - Do I have to have a history of volunteering?
    - What are the application requirements?
    - Do I need references?
    - Do I need to write an essay?
    - What about my medical condition?
  • What are the costs? Do they have registration fees? Do they give out scholarships? Almost ALL retreats will work with you if you cannot afford to attend.

  • What are the organizations credentials? How long have they been in existence?


    I Can't Attend Because...

    It is too far away.
    There are plenty of opportunities in so many parts of the country. Choose one that is right for you.

    It's too touchy-feely for me.
    Every retreat is different. Go though the brochures and the list - ask questions there is something for everyone. Look for creative arts, physical activities, relaxation and opportunities that separate you from cancer world. Use the retreat as an opportunity to talk about issues you might not feel comfortable discussing with friends or family. Research has been done demonstrating that retreats reduce depression levels, stress levels, and improve mind/body image.

    It's too expensive.
    Every retreat is willing to work with you. Some are fully funded and you just need to pay transportation.

    I'm afraid it will be whining and wailing.
    A retreat is a chance to let go, talk about issues and discover something new about you. But it is also an opportunity for lots of laughs, activities, good food and creative arts. If it gets too intense, get up and go for a walk, attend a workshop and learn about recent research and medical advances.

    I can't take that much time to be away.
    It is SO important that you take care of yourself; give yourself permission to care for yourself. Too often we take care of everyone else except ourselves.

    I will be separated from my medical care. I.m too sick.
    You need to evaluate your own situation. Keep in mind most retreats provide medical attention and work with you prior to your arrival to provide everything you will need. You only need to participate in the activities you feel you can. Medical professionals will help you make these decisions.

    I don't need it.
    You could be a real inspiration to someone who is newly diagnosed, someone who is need of hope or a shoulder to lean on.