With over 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the US alone, B4BC recognizes the importance of supporting our growing survivor community. In 2009, the B4BC Survivorship Fund was established to connect breast cancer survivors with nature-based wellness experiences that enhance their path of healing and long-term survivorship.
Last month we granted (10) breast cancer survivors the opportunity to attend, ReTreat Yourself, a B4BC wellness weekend at Red Mountain Resort in beautiful B.C. Canada. Hosted by our Wellness Ambassador Megan Pischke, the weekend focused on reconnecting everyone with the natural world and themselves through meditation, skiing/snowboarding, yoga, clean organic eating, and life skills workshops devoted to removing obstacles so that we may move forward, continue to heal, and achieve balance in our lives. We also had wonderful massage therapists and a talented Chinese Medicine doctor on hand for daily bodywork, treatments, and holistic education.
Morning Meditation / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
Our (10) survivors came from all over the US & Canada varying in age from 27 – 57. Some of the women were 5 years in remission, while others were still going through their final rounds of chemo and radiation.
Connections and newfound friendships were quickly made throughout the weekend as the women connected and opened up to one another about their personal journeys. Survivor Toni Stergion explains, “It was such an empowering weekend with the most amazing women. It was a great help for me to spend time talking and just listening to everyone’s stories. Some so similar to mine, and others dramatically different, but in the end we all shared the disease and are strong believers in (B4BC’s message of) being your own advocate. These women have become an important part of my life, and no matter how far we live from each other, I believe we will always be apart of each other’s lives.”
Most of the women, we had come to learn, had found their cancerous lumps while doing their self-exams. They all couldn’t reiterate enough the importance of listening to your body and checking yourself every month.
All-in-all it was truly a beautiful weekend filled with love, reflection, rejuvenation, and fun! We’re incredibly honored and grateful that the women opened up their hearts and minds to go on this journey.
We couldn’t have held this wellness weekend without the amazing support and guidance from Megan Pischke, our Chef Nevada, yoga instructor Kristin Campbell, Dr. of Chinese Medicine & snow instructor Kendra Starr, massage specialist Susan Chapelle, life coach Linda Kennoy, massage therapist Kristin Nuttall, ski instructor/adventurist Kasha Rigby, Rebecca Amber our photographer, and Fran Richards & the rest of the crew at Red Mountain Resort. Also, a special THANK YOU to our friends at The North Face, we’re so grateful for their support, this would not have been possible without them.
And to our beautiful survivors, we’re sending much love and healing vibes to Kathryn, Susan, Toni, Staci, Lori, Michelle, Hazel, Andrea, Ryndee, and Linda. We’re so thankful to have met you and wish you nothing but good vibrations moving forward.
Lots of love,
B4BC
Survivors (L-R) Staci Roberts, Megan Pischke, & Lori Schreiter / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
Conscious, organic, healthy eating prepared by Chef Nevada / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
Former Pro-Snowboarder & Chinese Medicine Dr., Kendra Starr high fives Survivor, Staci Roberts after riding a green run for the first time! / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
Chakra clearing with Linda Kennoy / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
(L-R) Kendra Starr & Megan Pischke (B4BC’s Wellness Ambassador, The North Face Team Rider, and Survivor) / Photo: Rebecca Amber Photography
For more photos from ReTreat Yourself 2014, please visit our Facebook album here, http://on.fb.me/POhDl3
