Weekend Retreat Available

For Cancer Patients, Families

When one family member has cancer, the entire family is affected. Each person’s needs change, but it can be a challenge to find quality time to deal with these changes as a family.

The American Cancer Society, along with Rays of Hope at Baystate Medical Center, has a weekend retreat for adult cancer patients and their families, known as We Can Weekend, that offers families the opportunity they need to step out of the rush of daily routines, come together as a family, and meet others who are also coping with cancer.

On June 11–13, the American Cancer Society will offer a We Can Weekend retreat at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. Any cancer patient/survivor, no matter where they live, is eligible to attend this retreat.

The We Can Weekend offers a relaxing atmosphere in which adult cancer patients and their families can focus on the issues that arise when one family member is living with cancer. While the purpose is a serious one, the We Can Weekend includes a full measure of fun.

Family members eligible to attend include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, significant others, close friends, and caregivers. The event is facilitated by American Cancer Society volunteers and area health care professionals.

“For more than 20 years, We Can Weekend has had a profound effect on those families dealing with a cancer diagnosis,” said Arlela Bethel, community executive of cancer control, American Cancer Society. “The retreat’s goal is to provide information, diverse educational opportunities, emotional comfort, and stress reduction activities by fostering a strong communication network among family members.”

Workshops will be offered for all family members during the weekend, addressing such topics as cancer facts and fallacies, communication, nutrition, financial aspects, and stress management. Group discussions will allow all family members to share concerns and learn new strategies for coping with cancer.

Art projects, games, and physical activities for school-age children and teenagers will be offered. Friday and Saturday evening will feature entertainment for the whole family. Special workshop topics include cancer facts and fallacies, communication effectiveness, relaxation, caregiver’s support, and building a family coat of arms.

There is a nominal fee of $45 per family for the entire weekend, which includes all meals and lodging. Financial assistance is available. Space is limited. To register for We Can Weekend, or for more information, call the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-227-2345.