By Mary A. Jacobs

For many cancer survivors and their families, the end of treatment marks a new beginning. Many survivors want to take some time to reflect and regroup with a post-treatment getaway—whether it’s a leisurely day trip, a vacation or a retreat especially for cancer survivors and their families.

“After you’ve been very focused on getting through the treatment, many survivors find themselves facing the emotional impact of cancer,” says Kathy Walsh-Burke, an oncology social worker at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “The completion of treatment is an ideal time for a retreat where you can connect with others.”

Some survivors may opt for a vacation with family and friends—where cancer is out of sight and out of mind. Others may benefit from gathering with fellow survivors who share similar concerns and experiences.

For the latter, a wide variety of retreats exists for individuals and families affected by cancer. Many hospitals, healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations offer these programs at little or no cost.

There’s no central directory or listing of programs, so you’ll need to do a little research to find one nearby. Call your local cancer care provider or use your Internet search engine. But first, consider what type of retreat might best serve your needs.

Here’s a sampling of various retreats around the country:

Complementary Therapies

Harmony Hill Cancer Retreats in Union, Washington, allows cancer survivors to explore complementary therapies in a tranquil retreat environment of gardens, nature trails and mountain vistas.

The cancer program was one of the first modeled after the Commonweal Cancer Help Program in California. Attendees enjoy a comfortable lodge overlooking the Hood Canal, healthy, wholesome meals and a sampling of therapies such as yoga, guided meditation and massage.

For a meditative moment, walk one of Harmony Hill’s three outdoor labyrinths. Retreats include daily support groups for learning and sharing. “We want people to sample these experiences and take away a ‘tool kit’ of ideas that they can do at home,” says Jill Rose, a Harmony Hill staff member.

Cynthia Smith, facilities coordinator at Harmony Hill, says she feels blessed and honored during each cancer retreat.

“I get to witness the energy and be some kind of support system for these patients,” she says. “We’ve created a stage and sanctuary for them.”

Upcoming retreat dates in the fall of 2004 are: Oct. 8-10, Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 12-14. For information, call 360-898-2363 or go to www.harmonyhill.org. The program is available at no cost to participants and includes meals, lodging and programs. The retreats are for cancer survivors and their spouses or partners.

Information and Knowledge

For years, the resort town of Stowe, Vermont, had a special Mother’s Day weekend, with the town’s hotels and lodges offering free accommodations for mothers. Four years ago, the Stowe Area Association, with the help of Patti O’Brien, MD, a breast cancer survivor and local physician, offered a similar weekend for cancer survivors called the Stowe Weekend of Hope.

So, for one weekend each spring, the town opens its 55 hotels and lodges to cancer survivors and their families—at no charge. In 2003, some 1,500 attendees from 20 states and Canada gathered in Stowe to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while learning more about coping with cancer.

Dr. O’Brien helped assemble a menu of cutting-edge presentations, including lectures, informational exhibits and workshops led by leading medical researchers, oncologists, psychologists and survivors. Anyone affected by cancer may attend, including families with children. Meals, transportation and nominal fees for some workshops are additional.

However, AMTRAK runs a special “Train of Hope” from Washington, D.C., providing a limited number of free seats for cancer survivors. Dates for the 5th annual event are April 29-May 1, 2005. For more information, call 800-GO-STOWE or visit www.stowehope.org.

Spiritual Nurturing

Many faith communities offer retreats focusing on prayer, meditation or other spiritual approaches to healing. But the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, along with Integrative Therapies, offers a spiritual retreat for all people regardless of beliefs or religious faith.

The two-day Hilltop Retreat is a “weekend of renewal, inspiration and personal reflection.” Sessions include body movement, journaling, meditation, storytelling, massage and music therapy. The retreat doesn’t promote any particular religion—instead, participants find ways to nourish the soul that work for them.

“The retreat has a spiritual bent,” says chaplain Phillis Bennett of the Mayo Clinic, “but we gear it toward an interfaith group. We meet the participants wherever they’re at spiritually.”

For information and registration, call Marty Riley at 507-288-8354. A program is scheduled for April 8-9, 2005. Cost of $25 includes meals and programs with scholarships available. Overnight accommodations are additional. Currently, the program does not include children.