Journal of Hope
Spring 2010: Barbara Coleman - Both Sides Now
As I began to think about sharing my story for this feature, we were in the middle of the Winter Olympics. I thought of the snowboarder that glides skillfully…
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Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat Set for Fifth Year Feb 10, 2009
The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation (MPCF) announces the fifth annual Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat to be held April 24-26 at Deer Run Retreat in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. Young adults, ages 20 – 35, will once again have the opportunity to spend a weekend with peers who are living with or have lived with the same battle—cancer. The retreat is free of charge, except for transportation costs to and from Nashville, to young adult cancer survivors from any location and at any stage of survivorship. Next Step, a national cancer retreat planning organization committed to retreat and camp programs for young adults with cancer and blood diseases, will be facilitating the weekend program. “This group retreat, a time to get away and relax, gives young adults the chance to spend an exciting and informative weekend with peers who share a similar story,” says Susan Gregory, MSW, oncology social worker at TMPCF. “We are confident this weekend will again address many of the unique needs among these young survivors as it has for the past four years.” Attendees will be immersed in a weekend of fun, education, and support, including a variety of activities, workshops and guest speakers. An “Ask the Professionals” panel will feature oncology professionals who will discuss cancer and genetics as well as the long-term effects of a cancer diagnosis such as fertility. “This retreat, which is open and flexible in helping us all feel comfortable embracing whatever stage in the cancer journey that we find ourselves in, allows us to be who we are right where we are. I truly look forward to the Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat every year.” The retreat will take place shortly after the National Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week® (April 6-10). The activities of this week of advocacy seek to educate the public about the unique clinical and psychosocial needs of young adults with cancer while expanding and strengthening support networks for patients and their loved ones. Programs such as the Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat focus primarily on building peer support in order to lessen the potential feelings of isolation and devastation during any phase of cancer survivorship. Funding and support for the retreat are provided by TMPCF/Young Professionals; Tennessee Oncology Group, LLC; The Sarah Cannon Research Consortium;; Planet Cancer; American Cancer Society; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; Gilda’s Club; Leukemia/Lymphoma Society; Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition; Association of Oncology Social Workers; and Next Step. For registration information and to download an application, call TMPCF at (615) 467-1936, (877) 467-1936. The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit public charity committed to funding programs that provide the greatest benefit to cancer patients and their families. By supporting new programs in cancer research, education, and patient and family services, we honor the memory of Sarah Cannon, a cancer patient herself, who created the beloved character “Minnie Pearl.”