The Life Beyond Cancer Foundation is calling for applications from cancer survivors, oncology nurses, social workers, oncologists, and primary care physicians who help diagnose cancer to attend the 2010 Life Beyond Cancer Retreat. The 11th annual retreat, held Nov. 18 – 21 at Lakeway Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, helps women rekindle their spirits, relax their minds and bodies, and rejuvenate their souls.
"I attended the Life Beyond Cancer retreat in December 2006, and was forever inspired," said Tina Koral, breast cancer survivor from Glen Ellyn, Ill. "I have referred back to my journal from that wonderful trip so many times, and thought about the different workshops and wondered what I could do to make a difference in the cancer community and beyond. Despite being a very private person, I decided to write a book detailing my cancer experience, which is unique because I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30 after being misdiagnosed for 18 months. I hope to share my story to prevent other young women from making the mistakes I did and to provide inspiration and hope to anyone who has had cancer."
Koral is one of 1,500 retreat alums who, through the program, found that there truly is life beyond cancer. The retreat is designed to provide a meaningful personal experience for each participant. It's a 4-day women's program for cancer survivors and the oncology professionals who help them throughout their journey with cancer. Through a variety of workshops, lectures and group activities, the retreat focuses on the many components of wellness, how to feel whole again in body, mind and spirit, and on advocacy: how to take their experience at the retreat and bring that positivity back to each participant's own community. This attitude of healthy cancer survivorship and community advocacy are highlighted throughout the weekend.
"I had the incredible opportunity to attend Life Beyond Cancer in 2001," said Darlene Faulk, breast cancer survivor from Bozeman, Mont. "It was a life-changing experience that motivated me professionally as a registered nurse, personally as a breast cancer survivor, and politically as a volunteer and advocate for cancer care needs in my own rural community."
"This special retreat offers women a chance to repair their souls, while inspiring them to improve the world around them," says Ann Wolford, executive director of the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation. "It's also a chance for nurses, social workers and physicians to connect with the needs of patients on a personal, more insightful level, allowing them to return to their jobs rested, inspired and full of fresh ideas on how to improve the journey for cancer patients and their families."
During the retreat, dynamic speakers share insight and information on topics ranging from nutrition and family relationships to intimacy during and after cancer.
This year's speakers include:
- Michael Samuelson – an inspirational male breast cancer survivor and President & CEO of the Health and Wellness Institute who doesn't let excuses get in the way of living life to its fullest
- Deirdre Earls, MBA, RD, LD – a nutritionist and author of "Your Healing Diet" who changed her own diet to resolve a chronic illness
During the retreat's cooking classes, Earls will share her easy to find, easy to make recipes that may help prevent cancer.