There are an incredible number of people and organizations out there bringing renewed life or adventure (or both!) to those diagnosed with and affected by cancer. Through donations and support, many of these organizations provide FREE retreats for cancer patients and survivors.

 

I’ve organized the retreats a bit reduce the amount of filtering you’ll have to do. Each retreat includes a few quick facts to let you know if it sounds like a good fit for you. I’ve also provided a link to the project’s website so you can find more details. (The name of each group includes a hyperlink to the website.)

 

Note: The goal of this page is to provide a huge list of options for you as a resource. I am not affiliated with any of these groups. If you have any questions about a specific program, please click the link and reach out to those in the organization as I will be no help to you when it comes to details. 😉

 

This article is an ongoing work in progress as I come across more opportunities to share or receive updated information. If you find a retreat that I haven’t mentioned here, please leave a comment or contact me and I’ll be happy to spread the word!

 

It’s also worth noting that many of these programs are just starting up again, or details have changed, because of COVID. I’ve done my best to update details as I’ve found them. If you’re interested in a program, it’s best to reach out to them and get all the details straight from the source.

 

This post was last updated: 8/21/2023

 

 

Sections

Retreats for Kids and Youth

Young Adults

Women

Men

Retreats for Men and Women

State Specific Retreats

Dreams and Wishes

 

 

RETREATS FOR KIDS AND YOUTH

 

 

Camp Good Days

This organization also offers programs for men and women, listed below.

Who: Children (ages 4-17) who have cancer or sickle cell anemia, or who have a sibling or parent with cancer or sickle cell.

Cost: Free

Duration: The children’s summer camps are one week long.

Where: Branchport, NY along Lake Keuka. There are also year-round recreational and support activities available at their branch offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Syracuse, NY.

 

 

 

Camp Kesem

Who: Youth ages 6-18 who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer diagnosis. (“Parent” in this sense means any guardian, be it biological, foster, adoptive, or grandparents.)

Where: There are chapters of Camp Kesem across the USA (click here to view the map). These camps are run by college students who have stepped up to be leaders in this role, so camps are located near the college campuses.

Cost: This camp is free for participants, including the 5-night/6-day stay and all meals.

What: A friend and fellow cancer thriver mentioned this camp to me and said she sends her kids every year. She described it as the type of summer camp we all dream of attending when we’re young. And looking at the website, I’d agree! There are ropes courses, arts and crafts, swimming, rest time, cabin time to socialize with cabinmates, sports, nature and adventures — basically everything you could hope to do as a kid. Each camp has its own traditions and way of doing things. The big idea is loving on these kids, giving them something fun, and meeting other kids who understand what they’re going through.

 

 

 

Eagle Mount

Who: Children and young adults ages 5-23 with any type of cancer, and their immediate families.

Where: Bozeman, MT

Cost: Thanks to the courtesy of donors and fundraising events, participants only have to pay 10% of the actual cost of the program. I can’t find this cost online, but there’s contact information available on the website.

What: There are a few different programs available depending on the age of the participant. All activities focus on fellowship and spending time in the outdoors, including kayaking, fishing, swimming, skiing, and snowshoeing.

 

 

 

RETREATS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

 

Base 2 Summit

Who: Young adults (18-39 years of age) who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer. You must be finished with treatment at least three months before the first day of the retreat; however, exceptions may be made for those with advanced cancer.

Where: Bass Lake in northern Michigan.

Cost: Free! Like, totally free! They’ll cover not only the food and lodging for the six days of the program, but also the airfare and transportation to and from the airport.

What: An outdoor week of adventure including hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming, SUP, and time with new friends who understand a cancer diagnosis. You will be housed with others of the same sex, which may mean getting a top bunk, but you can opt to spend a night in a tent under the stars. Even if you’re done other programs (such as Project Koru or First Descents), you can still apply for this program, though first priority will be given to those who have not yet done a program yet.

 

 

Eagle Mount

Who: Children and young adults ages 5-23 with any type of cancer, and their immediate families.

Where: Bozeman, MT

Cost: Thanks to the courtesy of donors and fundraising events, participants only have to pay 10% of the actual cost of the program. I can’t find this cost online, but there’s contact information available on the website.

What: There are a few different programs available depending on the age of the participant. All activities are focused on fellowship and spending time in the outdoors, including kayaking, fishing, swimming, skiing, and snowshoeing.

 

 

 

First Descents

Read about my experience here! (The cover photo of this article is actually from my FD trip.) 

Who: Men and women, any cancer type or stage, diagnosed between ages 15 and 39.

Age: 18-45

What: One week of surfing, rock climbing, or whitewater kayaking. No experience is required; it’s actually expected that you’re a beginner or have very little experience.

Where: Various locations across the US. Once you’ve done a US program, they have international trips. You can also get involved at the local level through FDTribs.

Cost: The week-long trips are free for first-timers and include your meals, lodging, training, and gear. You just need to get yourself to the meeting point, typically an airport near the lodge.

 

 

 

Kolina Orchard

Who: Young adults ages 21-40 who are in treatment or have been in remission up to 5 years.

Duration: One week

Cost: Free, you just have to get yourself to Lincoln, Vermont

What: Rest, adventure, and art, all with the beauty of Vermont and the joy of new friends who “get it.” Sounds pretty amazing, right? Each morning begins with yoga, and each evening ends with a sauna, with hiking, kayaking, biking, and rock climbing during the day.

Note: The site is still up, but needs updated. The only retreats shown are from 2017 and 2018, with no information on upcoming retreats.

 

 

 

Project Koru

Who: Men and women, any cancer type or stage, who are at least three months out from treatment by the start of camp (exceptions on a case-by-case for those with late stage cancer).

Age: 18-39

What: One week of surfing/SUP, or skiing/snowboarding. No prior experience necessary, they’ll teach you.

Where: The surfing takes place in Hawaii, and the skiing/snowboarding at Mount Hood, Oregon.

Cost: Free, which includes transportation to and from the airport, meals, lodging, and gear for the activity. You just need to get yourself to the designated airport, and they can help with fundraising or scholarships if this will be a difficulty for you.

 

 

Send It

Who: Young adults (21-40) of any gender and cancer type. (The website does say they’re flexible with ages and use this as a target, so if you’re slightly outside this range, contact them!)

Duration: Single and multi-day experiences are available, based on the website. However, at the time of writing, only multi-day adventures are listed with these mostly being five days.

Where: California, mostly around the San Fransisco Bay and Lake Tahoe areas

Cost: Free, including lodging, meals, gear, etc. They also may be able to help with travel expenses if this is a barrier for you.

What: This is a multi-day, no experience necessary time to bond with others who get it in the outdoors. Activities can include skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, backpacking, rock climbing, and paddleboarding.

 

 

True North Treks

Who: Teens and young adults (18-39 years old) diagnosed with any type of cancer. Some treks are just for the survivor, while others are available for the survivor and a caregiver.

Duration: One week

Where: The location varies depending on the trek and range from Michigan to Utah.

Cost: Free

What: Treks are generally based around backpacking or canoeing, with a common goal of spending time in nature. It’s important to note that these are backcountry trips, so immediate medical access is limited. Activities during the week also include yoga, meditation, swimming, setting up camp, napping (score!), and just hanging out with your fellow trekkers.

 

 

Retreat Yourself 

Who: Young adults (18-39) living in Canada

Cost: Free

Duration: 4 days

What: Young Adult Cancer Canada actually offers two retreats, one that’s a general retreat to make new friends with people who just “get it,” and one for those who would like a bit more adventure – like ziplining or hiking – in their retreat. Both are four days long and free thanks to funding and donations. Note: the program requests that you be a year out from treatment in order to be physically fit for the adventure retreat. However, if you’re up to it and aren’t a year out, you can apply anyway and discuss your options with them.

 

 

 

 

RETREATS FOR WOMEN

 

 

Big Sky Yoga Retreat

Who: If you do the retreat that is cancer-specific, then only those diagnosed with breast cancer may attend. If you do a different retreat, then all women are welcome.

Where: Montana, though a few retreats are offered internationally.

What: These retreats are actually available for any woman, no cancer diagnosis necessary. However, in order to do the retreat that is specifically for breast cancer survivors, you must be nominated and selected to attend. (You can nominate yourself, by the way.) If you don’t mind paying, there are a few other retreats available, including ones with a focus on wine or photography.

Cost: If you’re fortunate enough to score a spot in the Cowgirls vs. Cancer retreat, your retreat will be free, including food and lodging; I believe you just have to get yourself to Bozeman, MT, and there is assistance available for travel if needed. Otherwise, Montana retreats are roughly $2,000 for lodging and food, with travel and gratuities being extra.

Note: As of this edit (April 2022), there are several retreats listed, but not the Cowgirls vs. Cancer retreat. If you’re interested in this retreat, I recommend contacting the company for details.

 

 

 

The Breasties

Who: Young women affected by breast and reproductive cancers. This includes survivors, previvors, thrivers, and caregivers, or as their website states “really, whoever wants to be a Breastie, is one.”

What: There are a few options available: weekend retreats, camp, and a gala. The retreats are in a few different locations nationwide and during various months; there’s an attendance limit of about 18-20 Breasties per retreat. Camp, however, is once per year, and a few hundred are welcome to attend. The gala is both a social gathering and a fundraising event to help keep costs down for the camp and retreats. Events are still limited to virtual as of April 2022, as result of the COVID pandemic.

Where: There were five weekend retreats in 2019, with locations in Florida, California, North Carolina, and Texas. The fundraising gala is in NYC. Camp Breastie is usually held at Camp Lindenmere in the Poconos. The gala takes place in NYC.

Cost: Seeing as the gala is a fundraising event held in NYC, ticket prices range from $195 to $395 (VIP) in 2019. This event helps keep the weekend retreats free for those who would like to attend, including activities, lodging, and food; they only have to provide their transportation to the retreat. Camp does appear to have a cost, though the gala helps as a way to keep the cost down.

 

 

 

Camp Bravehearts

Cancer Type: All cancer types and stages are welcome to attend.

Cost: This varies per retreat, ranging from $125 to $200.

Duration: One weekend

Location: There are four retreats available per year, each in different locations, though generally Pennsylvania and New York.

What: The activities vary depending on which camp location you choose. These activities range from relaxing in the Adirondacks in autumn, to kayaking in a nature preserve, enjoying crafts and fellowship with other campers, or having some “me” time with massages and yoga.

 

 

 

Camp Good Days

Who: All women (18+) of any cancer type or stage who have been diagnosed or relapsed within the last ten years.

Cost: Free

Duration: One weekend

Location: New York state

What: There are two programs available for women – the Women’s Wellness Program and the Taste of the Women’s Oncology Program. Activities during the Women’s Wellness Program may include massage, yoga, manicures, meditation, and other recreational activities. The Taste of the Women’s Oncology Program may include activities ranging from wellness to adventure to arts and crafts. Space is limited for these programs, and priority is given to new participants.

 

 

 

Casting for Recovery

Age: All ages, the website states 20s to 90s

Cancer Type: Breast cancer only, but any stage of treatment or recovery

Activity: Fly fishing

Duration: 2 ½ days

Location: Where you live will determine where your retreat is – the website has more information on this. There are different rules and retreats for those who are military or living with metastatic.

Cost: Free, including lodging, meals, snacks, activities. You just have to get yourself to the retreat.

 

 

Creative Healing Connections

Who: Women of any cancer type or chronic illness.

Duration: One weekend

Where: Great Camp Sagamore in northern New York

Cost: $399, which includes a $50 deposit.

What: The goal of this camp is to provide a way to heal emotionally after cancer. Creative activities such as storytelling, songwriting, and visual art combine with fellowship and sharing experiences to help heal and build a support system.

 

 

 

Diva For A Day

Who: Women of any cancer type. Eligible participants must be recently diagnosed, currently in treatment, or within six months of having finished treatment.

Duration: One day

Cost: Free

Where: There are a number of participating salons across the US.

What: The program provides Divas a day to relax and be pampered at a participating spa. The specific experience and services rendered depend on the spa. Divas must be nominated in order to participate.

 

 

 

Healing Odyssey

Who: Women over 18 with any stage or type of cancer. To be the most beneficial, it is recommended participants are within five years of diagnosis. Though the retreat is meant to be doable for those in treatment, the retreat does consist of some low-level physical activities.

Where: Pali Mountain Retreat, Running Springs, CA. You do not have to be from California to participate; however, you’ll have to provide your own transportation to the retreat.

Duration: One weekend, beginning Friday afternoon and ending at 3pm on Sunday.

Cost: $100 registration fee, which is due at the time of registration. This fee covers lodging, meals, educational materials, and the ropes course.

What: The retreat teaches ways to cope with cancer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Activities include guided imagery, yoga, a Saturday night celebration, group discussions, and a ropes course.

 

 

 

ImageReborn

Who: Women, diagnosed at any age

Cancer Type: Breast cancer only, but at any stage of treatment or recovery

Duration: A weekend

Where: Most of the retreats will be in Park City, UT. A few retreats, like the adventure ones, may be held elsewhere, but these details will be specified.

Cost: Free, though there is a $100 deposit required to hold your spot. Generally, you just need to get yourself to the Salt Lake City, UT airport, where a retreat staff member will pick you up and drop you off.

What: There are quite a few retreats available between February and December! Each retreat also has a niche, whether it’s a renewal retreat, specifically for Spanish speakers, for young adults, adventure retreats, those with stage IV, etc. Survivors are able to attend one retreat per year.

 

 

 

Infinite Boundaries Retreats

Who: Women, 18+

Cancer Type: Breast cancer only, but at any stage of treatment or recovery

Duration: Three to four days; start days vary depending on the retreat.

Where: Wisconsin, typically Elkhart Lake or Wisconsin Dells. (You don’t have to be from Wisconsin, or even from the US, to attend.)

Cost: $400, with $150 due at the time of registration and the remaining $250 due before the retreat. Generous donations have covered the rest of the retreat cost. That said, they do offer financial assistance if needed; you can download the form or contact the office to apply.

What: These retreats focus on pampering and taking time for yourself, having conversations with other women who understand, and partaking in expressive activities to help you heal. There are several retreats per year, including some which focus on young survivors (less than 40 years old) and some that focus on metavivors.

 

 

Inspiring Hope Cancer Retreat

Who: Women of any type of cancer.

Where: Eau Claire, Wisconsin. For 2023, this retreat will take place from November 24th at 2pm to November 26th at 1pm CDT.

Cost: $525. Cost includes a two-day retreat with lodging, meals, and activities.

What: This is a calming, holistic retreat for women who have been affected by cancer. Activities include Qigong, meditation, journaling, spa treatments, and sharing your story. Check out their website for more details.

 

 

Mary’s Place by the Sea

Read about my experience here

Who: Women who are within one year of finishing treatment, or within two years of diagnosis if they opted to not do treatment.

Cancer Type: Any type or cancer stage

Where: Ocean Grove, NJ

Cost: Free day, overnight, or two-night stays, which include lodging and meals

What: A beautiful respite center for women including creative journaling, yoga, meditation, counseling, Reiki, oncology massage, and more. You can sign up for as few or as many activities as you like, though I encourage you to sign up for several sessions; you may be surprised what speaks to you, and where else can you try all these things for free? I highly recommend doing a two-night stay and really taking advantage of your time there!

 

 

 

Reeling and Healing Midwest

Age: Women 18+

Cancer Type: Any type, and stage of treatment or recovery

Activity: Fly fishing

Duration: 2 ½ days

Location: Michigan

Cost: $30 for registration; fishing license, which varies ($0-9). Meals, lodging, and fishing equipment are all provided for free.

 

 

 

Send Me On Vacation

Who: Women who are breast cancer survivors

Cost: Free for the program. The participant will need to provide their own airfare and transport to the destination.

What: There are a few programs available, including a mermaid retreat, a wellness retreat, and three different options for mothers.

 

 

 

 

RETREATS FOR MEN

 

 

Camp Good Days

Who: Men (18+) who have been diagnosed or relapsed from prostate cancer within the last ten years.

Duration: One weekend. Note: At this time with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no currently scheduled retreats.

Cost: Free

Location: New York state

What: An opportunity for men to network and have fellowship with others who “get it.” The weekend also includes some informational talks with medical professionals in the field.

 

 

 

Reel Recovery

Age: 21+

Cancer Type: Any type, any stage of treatment or recovery

Activity: Fly fishing

Duration: 2 days

Location: Various locations across the country, but participants can apply for specific locations.

Cost: Free meals, lodging, and fishing equipment. Participants just need to get themselves to the retreat location.

 

 

Note: I have received comments that there aren’t enough retreats for just men, and I absolutely agree! I hope one of the retreats for both men and women offers something useful for you. Whether you find a match there or not, please also consider joining a support group, which could lead to the potential to meet up with others who get it and form friendships that way. Instagram has a surprisingly large cancer community to connect with! You may also consider Buddhi, Man Up To Cancer, and Cancer Support Community.

 

 

RETREATS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

 

 

A Fresh Chapter

Who: Men and women (generally mid-20s through late 60s) with any cancer type or stage. If there is space available in the program, caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Duration: This is a 6-month program including a two-week international volunteer trip. You can sign up to be posted on updates for the Peru and Kenya 2022 programs.

Where: There are Odyssey programs in India, Peru, and South Africa

Cost: The international volunteer program is $4964, which covers your accommodations, most meals, in-country travel, volunteering, and cultural activities. Roundtrip flights to your chosen country are not included. Fundraising is encouraged, and there are scholarships available, though you must explain how you can then pay it forward to help another participant after you.

What: The program is designed to help patients and survivors heal, connect, and serve others while overcoming the adversity and emotional scars of cancer. It appears that most of these Odyssey programs have participants helping those with cancer in other countries where cancer is often considered a stigma or something to be ashamed of. The international volunteer trip involves volunteering from about 8am to 1pm, with cultural and group activities in the afternoon and evenings.

 

 

 

Camp Mak-A-Dream

Who: Youth, teens, young adults, men, and women. There are several camps offered, including camps for families, siblings, and those with brain cancer.

Where: Gold Creek, Montana

Cost: The camps are free, including lodging and food. Participants must get themselves to and from Missoula. Camp staff will provide transportation from Missoula to Gold Creek both before and after camp.

What: Camp Mak-A-Dream sits on 87 acres of ranchland and has designated areas for several outdoor activities, including archery, a horse corral, and a ropes course. The campus also includes an art hall, lodge, and swimming pool. Other activities during the week may include campfires, educational group chats, watching movies, or a day trip to a water park in Missoula. Check out their online calendar – they also have some retreats for caregivers, general women’s cancer retreats, and a retreat for those with ovarian cancer.

 

 

Commonweal Cancer Help Program

Who: Men and women of any cancer type or stage, no matter how far out from diagnosis. Participants have come from the US, Canada, and Europe.

Duration: One week. There are six of these retreats held during the year, each accommodating about 8 or 9 participants in order to maintain an intimate setting.

Where: Bolinas, CA

Cost: $2460, which covers food and lodging. (This is half the actual cost of the program; the other half is made possible by the generous donations from alumni and friends.)

What: This retreat is primarily for educational purposes. Sessions include yoga, meditation, counseling, music, and deep relaxation. Evening sessions are educational in nature, revolving around choices in healing and therapies, as well as discussions on pain and suffering, and death and dying.

 

 

 

Environmental Traveling Companions 

Who: Youth, men, and women. This organization is not cancer-specific. Instead, they focus on making the outdoors accessible for people of all abilities.

Activity: Whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing

Cost: Varies per activity and duration. There are sliding scale scholarships available for those with special needs or abilities

Duration: This depends on the program you choose. Some trips are simply for the day, sea kayaking may be overnight, and some of the youth trips are multi-week.

What: ETC provides a wide variety of trip options, from individual to organization, with varying durations, activities, and costs.

 

 

 

Epic Experience

Who: Men and women 18+, in the USA or Canada, regardless of cancer type or how long it’s been since your diagnosis. A doctor must sign off on your medical form.

Where: Colorado

Duration: One week

Cost: Free, including lodging, meals, and activities. You only need to get yourself to the Denver airport. If this may be a limiting factor, they provide information on possible transportation assistance or on fundraising.

What: There are camps available in both the summer and winter, though due to the high demand you won’t get a choice in which camp you attend. Summer activities include whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, and hiking; winter activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. (Note: also due to the high demand, you can only attend camp once, but then you can stay connected through regional get-togethers or other activities.)

 

 

Faces of Courage

Who: Children, teens, men, and women with any cancer or stage.

Duration: Each retreat is three days.

Cost: Free

What: This organization provides several retreats, though at this time it appears there’s only one retreat annually for each group – children, teens, women, and women of color. There is also a men’s retreat, though they are seeking sponsorship currently.

 

 

 

Harmony Hill

Who: Men and women, any cancer or stage, within five years of finishing cancer treatment.

Duration: Each retreat is three days, and it’s preferred you be able to attend the whole three days. Retreats begin at 11am on the first day and end at 3pm on the last day.

Cost: Free, including meals, lodging, and activities. You just need to get yourself to the retreat. Please note there is a $25 application fee, but you can contact them about a coupon code for this. There are also fee-based retreats available that are based on the principles behind the book Radical Remission. This program is $800 for a single room, and is also a 3-day program.

Where: Union, Washington. In asking about further details, staff informed me that it’s best to have a car to reach the retreat as it’s a bit of a rural locale with very limited public transit options.

What: A variety of retreats are offered, from general cancer well-being to grief to metastatic. Overall, though, they focus on the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of healing with activities like group sessions, yoga, meditation, poetry, and art. Retreats are offered monthly, and often by May there are waitlists for the remainder of the year for non-specialized retreats. You may bring one companion or caregiver with you.

 

 

 

Hawaii Naturopathic Retreats

Who: Men and women, any cancer or stage. Companions are able to accompany the patient for an extra cost.

Duration: Varies depending on the package you choose. Generally patients stay for two or three weeks, but this can be extended. You can arrive anytime between Sunday, though they prefer Sunday afternoon or evening if you’re able.

Where: The cancer retreats take place in Hilo, Hawaii. They are able to do airport pickups in Hilo.

Cost: Prices widely vary depending on whether you’re attending alone or with a companion, staying for two weeks or more, and there are other add-on charges for additional therapies. The charge for a single patient attending for two weeks starts at $7,540 and can be increased from there depending on other therapies utilized.

What: These retreats focus on Gerson and alternative therapies. They create individualized treatments for each patient and create a regimen for your improved natural health, including diet, detoxification, and avoiding environmental toxins. Treatments include coffee enemas, juice cleanses, IV therapy, massage, and warm pools.

 

 

 

Kukolulu Farm and Cancer Retreats

Who: Men and women with chronic health problems, including but not limited to cancer.

Duration: 10-, 14-, and 28-day programs are available.

Where: Hawi, Hawaii. The program cost includes pickup and delivery to the Kailua Kona Airport.

Cost: Program costs recently increased by 26% (their first price increase since 2003), and the new prices are not yet posted as of 12/29/19. However, judging by the lowest price and the price jump, program costs will range from about $5000 to $13,000 depending on the duration of your stay.

What: These programs focus on healing and recovering from cancer treatment without using medicines. Through diet, gentle exercise, relaxation and self-awareness, the program leaders help patients and survivors to heal from the side effects of treatment and improve their overall health. The goal is to teach participants practices that they can take home and utilize long after the retreat.

 

 

 

Little Pink Houses of Hope

Cancer Type: Breast cancer only

Who: Men and women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer within the last 12 months. This is open to singles, couples, and family members living within the same home.

Duration: One week

Cost: Free, including meals. You must provide your own transportation to the retreat and have a vehicle during the week; there are flight and rental car discount opportunities available for participants.

What: Retreat locations are properties that have been thoughtfully donated for the week. There are common meals and activities for participants, or you can take some of that time to engage with just family. There are several locations depending on the time of year, ranging from Scottsdale to Myrtle Beach to Michigan.

 

 

 

Live By Living

Who: Men and women of any cancer type or stage. These retreats are open both to the survivor and the caregiver.

Duration: Three days, two nights

Where: Colorado

Cost: Free

What: The retreat begins with a hike to a log cabin in the Rockies, with a wagon available to carry your gear. Then you have a couple days in the cabin to relax, socialize, and be pampered. There are also retreats available in Estes Park where you drive right to the YMCA Conference Center in the park, then carpool for day hikes and sack lunches in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are varying difficulties of hikes and walks available to accommodate different strengths and abilities.

 

 

 

Look Good Feel Better

Who: Men, women, and teens dealing with the physical side effects of chemo and cancer treatment. Participants must be in treatment, recently completed treatment, or about to start treatment.

Where: There are numerous places around the country that offer workshops. The site’s Program Finder offers a place to enter your address and find a workshop near you. If you’re not able to get to a program, they also offer virtual workshops.

What: This program offers two-hour workshops teaching patients how to combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Participants learn beauty techniques about skincare, makeup application, wigs, and head coverings. For men, there is a website with this information as opposed to a group workshop.

 

 

 

Me-One Foundation

Who: Adults with cancer, along with up to five of their close family members and supporters. You can also opt to just go by yourself. An application is required, which must be filled out by the diagnosed adult.

Where: Mission Springs Camp and Conference Center in Scotts Valley, CA

Duration: Three days

Cost: Free, including lodging, meals, and activities. You will need to provide your own transportation to the camp.

What: Started by Heidi Wieser who lost her husband to cancer, Camp Wieser is a place where the whole family can get away for respite and healing. There are pampering activities available, such as massage, henna, and mani/pedis, as well as arts and crafts, inspirational speakers, and musical performances. Additionally, there are games, sports, a ropes course, zipline, and hiking. Families can participate in as many or as few activities as they’d like to during their stay – it’s basically their weekend to forget about the stress of doctor appointments and just enjoy being together as a family.

 

 

 

River Discovery 

Who: Youth, teens, men, and women with any type or stage of cancer.

Where: Idaho

Cost: From what I can tell on their website, each program is free, but may include a registration fee ($30-60).

What: There are several retreat options available ranging from one- to six-day adventures. Some are geared towards the survivors, others include co-survivors, and still another is for widows. Activities are dependent on the retreat type, but may include hiking, standup paddleboarding, rafting, kayaking, or just a relaxing river float.

 

 

 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

Who: Men and women of any type or stage of cancer, and at any age. A significant other or caregiver may also attend the retreat

Duration: Three days over a weekend

Where: Priest Field Pastoral Center in Kearneysville, WV

Cost: $950, which covers all meals and individual accommodations (private room and bathroom). Additional scholarships of $250 may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. (The cost of the retreat is actually supplemented with funding from donors to make this as affordable as possible for those who would like to attend.)

What: These retreats focus on different forms of healing, including yoga, meditation, group sessions, creativity workshops, and massage (optional). There are educational opportunities for finding ways of reducing stress and living with a cancer diagnosis.

 

 

 

Stowe Weekend of Hope

Who: Men and women with any type or stage of cancer.

Where: Stowe, Vermont

Cost: First-time attendees can attend for free. Returning attendees must pay a registration fee of $50 and pay for their own hotel rooms, though there are discounts available.

When: Usually in May. There will not be a retreat for 2022, but they anticipate one for 2023.

What: This event pretty much sounds like everything related to cancer care! There are opportunities to meet up with others who share similar diagnoses, seminars ranging from Cancer 101 to medical advancements in cancer, various workshops for physical exercise, and just about everything in between.

 

 

 

 

STATE SPECIFIC

 

Bluebird Cancer Retreats 

Who: Men and women, any cancer type. They primarily only accept those people living in Michigan because that’s where the bulk of their funding is from; however, they do accept those from out of state as spaces and funding allow.

Where: Holland, Michigan

Cost: Free, including meals and lodging.

What: There are a variety of retreats available, including those for individuals, couples, and families. Each retreat is three days.

 

 

 

Cancer Family Retreat

Specific State: Only for residents of New Mexico

Who: Adult cancer patients with their caregivers and families.

Cost: Free, including meals, lodging, and activities

What: This is a 3-day program held twice a year. It seems to be more geared towards those who are recently diagnosed, with sessions about navigating life and medical decisions with the diagnosis, how to talk to your children about cancer, and caring for the caregiver.

 

 

 

Fill Your Bucket List Foundation

Specific State: Only for residents of North Carolina or those receiving treatment in NC.

Who: Men and women (18+) who have been diagnosed with any form of cancer

What: The primary purpose of the Foundation is to create memories, so the wish should be experience-based. At this time, they are not able to grant wishes for travel outside the US, including cruises.

 

 

For Pete’s Sake

Specific State: Only for residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, or Maryland.

Who: Men and Women between the ages of 24 and 55 with any type of cancer.

Cost: Free

Duration: One week

Where: There are two respite homes in Davenport, Florida

What: For Pete’s Sake was started to provide cancer patients, their caregivers (typically significant others), and their children a chance to be a family again and relax without the burden and stress of doctor appointments. In order to participate, the patient must be nominated by a healthcare professional on the patient’s oncology team.

 

 

 

Kick Cancer Overboard 

Specific State: Only for residents of New Jersey

Who: The website doesn’t list any limitations other than being a resident of NJ and having a cancer diagnosis.

Cost: Free

What: One cruise is offered annually. The premise is that the more paying guests they have onboard, the more free cruises they can offer to cancer survivors and their families. Basically healthy people pay for a fun family vacation while also knowing they’re helping others at the same time.

 

 

 

Okizu

Specific State: Only for families in Northern California.

Who: Patients, siblings, and parents of those affected by childhood cancer.

Cost: Free. (If you would like to donate to fund a child at camp, the cost is $1000 per child for a week.)

What: There are a variety of programs available – those for the patients specifically (ages 6-17), older patients (ages 18-25), siblings, and families. There are also programs for bereaved families and teens. Depending on the program, these sometimes last a week or may last a weekend.

 

 

 

Wind River 

Specific State: Only for residents of North and South Carolina

Who: Men and women, any cancer. This program is geared towards those currently in treatment, dealing with a recurrence, or with late stage cancer.

Cost: Free, including meals, lodging, and activities.

What: The 4-day retreat focuses on time with nature and being active through light hikes, Tai Chi, and gentle yoga. Other activities include mindfulness, play with arts and music, therapeutic healing touch, etc.

Also of note: They do not have the capacity to accept everyone who applies, and they do put a cap on those with breast cancer in order to accommodate others. But it does look like a beautiful place, so if you’re interested I’d encourage you to apply. 😉

 

 

 

 

 

DREAMS AND WISHES

 

 

Ally’s Wish

Who: Young, terminally ill mothers who are not receiving life-saving treatment.

What: The organization’s focus is to give these mothers a chance to make memories with their children. At least one child must be under 18 years of age. Travel is allowed (and encouraged!) but must be within the US. Also of note, the total cost of the wish must be less than $5,000 in order to help as many mothers as possible.

 

 

 

Dream Foundation

Who: Men or women (18+) living in the USA, with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of nine months or less, and who lack the financial resources to fulfill the Dream themselves.

What: As stated on the website, “Dreams can be as simple as basic needs items, creating happy memories, meeting a personal hero—any request that provides support and compassion. Through this non-medical form of end-of-life compassionate care, Dreams provide inspiration, comfort and closure to Dream recipients and their families.”

 

 

 

Eternal Wish Foundation

State Specific: Only for residents of Southeastern Wisconsin

Who: Men and women who have been diagnosed as terminally ill with only months to live.

What: The wish must be for an experience, not a specific item. It should also include the person who has the wish granted, as well as a relative or close friend with whom the experience is shared.

 

 

 

Stella’s Wish Foundation

Who: Men and women diagnosed with life-threatening stage IV cancers

What: The website does not list many specific guidelines, though they do require a doctor’s note about the diagnosis at the time of application. You can apply as often as you like, and they review wishes once a month. Some examples of past wishes granted include tickets to seeing Hamilton on Broadway, a family trip to Legoland in Texas, and an Alaskan cruise.

 

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