2010 Life Beyond Cancer Retreat invites applications

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.

• Pam and Larry Tokaz, MD along with Meredith Cooper from Wonders and Worries – will address Reformatting the Family after Cancer (a doctor, therapist and nurse's perspective)
• Jane Louis -  a pastoral minister – Finding Meaning and Purpose through Cancer

"Every year the Life Beyond Cancer Retreat gets better," said Lloyd Everson, MD, vice chairman at US Oncology and Chairman of the Board for the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation. "The program is growing and evolving with each retreat. The speakers this year are exceptional, and the activities and workshops are top-notch.  When alumni return to their hometowns, they take with them a sense of advocacy and purpose to help those around them. They learn to take their personal experiences and pay it forward to better their community."

The Life Beyond Cancer Foundation appreciates the early commitment of American Express as a Silver Sponsor and CURE magazine as its media sponsor.  Sponsors at $25,000 and above will be listed in a thank you ad in CURE magazine's December issue.

Thanks to these generous sponsors, the 2010 Life Beyond Cancer Retreat is offered at the extremely discounted rate of $200. This price covers the entire 4-day program and includes everything from room and board to lectures and activities. Participants, however, are responsible for their travel costs. Oncology and other medical practices are encouraged to sponsor patients, survivors, nurses, social workers and physicians as appropriate. Patients and survivors who would like to attend, but have limited funds may apply for scholarships online at www.lifebeyondcancer.org.

The deadline for applications is September 1. To apply, visit www.lifebeyondcancer.org and fill out an application. The Life Beyond Cancer Applications are reviewed by a select volunteer panel who nominate and vote on attendees. The retreat draws a diverse group of women of all ages, all types of cancer, and all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. While the retreat strives to provide this extraordinary experience to as many women as possible, space is limited. Selected participants will be notified by September 30.

Retreat sponsors enjoy many benefits for their investments. Information and a sponsor form can be found on the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation website.