When a woman is diagnosed with cancer, everything comes to a halt. Even after treatment, when she is pronounced healthy again, challenges remain.
“Many challenges face a survivor such as the “what ifs” that settle in when a new pain or cough is discovered. The lasting neuropathy and other side effects like “chemo brain” that makes one feel like a senior are just a few of the challenges that are not visible to the outsider,” The Franciscan Place at St. Joseph Family Center wrote in a press release.
The Franciscan Place at St. Joseph Family Center sets aside four weekends each year for women who are currently, or who have ever, battled any type of cancer. Sister Patricia Novak, OSF leads the weekend of healing, encouraging the women to share their journey with one another. The attendees are pampered with wonderful food, massages from head to toe, a movement class and a presentation. The attendees rave about the healing that happens over the weekend, one woman shared in a press release, “I loved all of it – thought it was helpful and productive as well as relaxing. A good balance of activity and quiet time for talking and sleeping.”, and another shares, “I believe all my needs were especially met in body, mind, spirit and soul. My journey is not alone any longer.”
Scholarships are provided for the Cancer Survivor Retreats for Women by individuals and organizations such as The Pink Shamrock. The Franciscan Place has been presented with a $2,500.00 grant from this organization who has a mission “to ensure that all women — especially those with limited funds and resources — have access to the care and support they need to fight breast cancer and win.” The Franciscan Place at St. Joseph Family Center is seeking others who may be interested in sponsoring women for these retreats.
For information call (509) 483-6495.
Upcoming Women’s Retreat for Cancer Survivors:
- November 15 -17, 2013
- February 21-23, 2014
- May 16-18, 2014
