One Participant’s Experience

Every year Anne and her team organize a delightful retreat for New England women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This is not your ordinary retreat! This is five days of being pampered beyond your wildest imagination.

Upon arrival I was greeted by a group of friendly women who informed me to leave my bags so they could be carried by someone else to my assigned room. They invited me to a welcome circle where returning retreat attendees approached and engaged me in light conversation while I enjoyed a beverage, some snacks, and then a lavender foot soak and foot massage… Ahhhhh.  The anxiety I felt about attending the retreat started to fade. Everyone was so warm and friendly that I quickly began to feel comfortable and that I belonged.

Over the coming days, we sat down to delicious gourmet meals (which accommodated everyone’s dietary requirements) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tablecloths, cloth napkins, candles, and, wine for dinner adorned the tables. Conversation flowed easily.

The retreat offered a perfect balance between scheduled activities and free time. Activities included morning yoga, arts & crafts, fun icebreaker games, meditation circles, and parties.  At the ropes challenge course we cheered each other on to our individual best. In addition to the activities, there were free services we could sign up for throughout the retreat, including facials, massages, reflexology, and one-on-one counseling.  Participation in any of the activities and services was voluntary. I could do as much or as  little as I chose to do. I chose to do it all! I was surprised at how quickly the days flew by.

The best thing, however, was getting to know the wonderful women who have shared my journey. I always felt genuinely welcome to join in on conversations where we would talk about our situation without feeling pitied, where we could cry as much or as little as we needed to and it was okay, but mostly, where we would just laugh and enjoy each other’s company.  

Before attending the retreat I was worried that it would be five days immersed in ovarian cancer. Instead, I found it to be quite the opposite. The retreat was joyful, fun, and extremely positive. If I chose to talk about my health experience I could; mostly I was just having a great time with some extremely amazing women—so much so that I quite often completely forgot about my difficult health issues. It was a time for us to relax and, most importantly, rejuvenate.  

When the notice goes out that retreat applications are available, be sure to jump on it because the spots fill quickly. Hope to see you there!

~ Danni