The 6th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Breast Cancer Retreat

By Barbara Clancy

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2005
Articles & News : Articles : Conferences & Workshop Reports

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Photo Credit: Ross Tilley, Marystown

The 6th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Breast Cancer Retreat was a tremendous success.  Two hundred and twenty-six breast cancer survivors, 41 of whom were first-time attendees, traveled from 81 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.  The 2005 Retreat was held in Marystown from June 3 to 6, 2005 for a weekend of support, friendship, education, and renewal. 

“ …. I need this contact with other women who experienced the same fears and anxieties as I did, and still do at times.  I needed this connection to lift my spirits and encourage me and renew my faith in the fact that there is life after breast cancer….”

Photo Credit: Hilda Buckles, Portugal Cove

The weekend had a full agenda of activities.  Our Conference Weaver, Sudha Carolyn Lundeen from Lenox, Massachusetts, guided the women through a weekend-long experiential workshop where, through introspection and connection, they gained tools to support their health, vitality, and immune systems. 

Photo Credit: Hilda Buckles, Portugal Cove

“ .… I enjoyed meeting the ladies who have walked in my shoes and beyond. Just seeing and feeling the support, comfort, and love they have to offer, the strength they pass on to me, the fellowship, being able to tell my story and listen to others – just to know that others care….”

On Saturday afternoon there was a question-and-answer session with medical professionals: Dr. P.K. Ganguly, Director of Radiation Oncology at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John's, Dr. Lyn Power, a GP from Marystown, and Linda Oldford, a nurse at the Burin Peninsula Healthcare Centre and herself a breast cancer survivor.  This panel was very well-received by the women who attended. There were concurrent mini-sessions in nutrition, body Image and sexuality, and lymphedema, as well as a demonstration of the Lebed Method, Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance, a therapeutic exercise program, given by Heidi Scott.  The daily sessions in Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki were very popular and well-attended, even the early hour sessions.

Photo Credit: Hilda Buckles, Portugal Cove

On Sunday, there was an Ecumenical Service of Hope and Remembrance where we gave thanks and remembered those ladies who had attended previous retreats, but are no longer with us.  During the afternoon, we went to the historic district of Burin where we were entertained by local musicians and surprised by an "Elvis" appearance.  It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk through the community, exploring craft shops and historic buildings, and attending the tree-planting ceremony at the waterside park. After dinner on Sunday night, the weekend wrapped up with some "housekeeping" details and a reflection of the experiences of the weekend.

Photo Credit: Hilda Buckles, Portugal Cove

Everyone was up bright and early on Monday morning for the bus ride home. Hugs, laughter, smiles and tears were the order of the day as we waved good-bye as each bus pulled away from the hotel.

“.… we are better and stronger people for what we have learned from each other and what we have given in return….”

Next year's retreat will be hosted by the St. John's Organizing Committee and will be held at the Terra Nova Golf Resort at Port Blandford. More details will be available in early 2006. You can contact the Retreat office for more information by calling 1-800-753-6520 or by emailing bclancy@nl.cancer.ca  

Have comments about this article? We'd love to hear from you. Please email us at abcn@abcn.ca!