Cancer Retreats - "Embracing the Journey"

A diagnosis of cancer can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, alone and despairing. Undergoing treatments can lead to loss of sense of self and vulnerability in dealing with the medical system, which is primarily treatment-oriented. It is a time when people diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses very much need to feel supported, hopeful and empowered.

We recognize that facing serious illness is a life-changing experience. It can also be a time for self-reflection and an opportunity to use one’s own energy to face new challenges and feel more in control of the situation. “Embracing the Journey” at Mara Station will allow you to share your experiences with others who are also dealing with life-threatening illnesses. This will be done in a supportive and nurturing environment while respecting the comfort zone of each individual.

Our five-day retreats are designed to assist persons with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses find hope, purpose and meaning in their journey. The person with cancer or other illness may, if desired, be accompanied at a retreat by a spouse or significant other.

Retreats are held at Mara Station Retreat Centre. In this "home away from home", our team provides a selection of professional complementary therapies depending on need and availability.

• Group Counselling and Small Group Discussion
• Reiki, Therapeutic and Healing Touch
• Massage and Aromatherapy
• Yoga and Qigong
• Meditation and Relaxation
• Visualization
• Music and Art Therapy Techniques
• Exploration of Pain and Symptom Issues

• Discovering strengths and inner resources
• Improved sense of control
• Overall feeling of well-being
• Connection with others with similar challenges
• Learning a variety of relaxation techniques
• Identifying resources to continue improved quality of life
• Finding one’s own capacity for healing
• Feeling supported and nurtured

• A maximum of 6 to 8 participants will be accepted for each retreat
• A participant can attend the retreat at any stage in his or her illness; with or without a significant other. The person might be undergoing treatment, in remission, struggling with a recurrence, or at the latter-stages of the disease.
• Healthy (and where possible organic) meals will be provided. The participant is welcome to bring any special diet items he/she requires.
• Each participant must have the ability to look after his or her daily needs, such as use of medication or treatment.
• Bedrooms at Mara Station have ensuite bathrooms with a shower. For more details on the facilities at Mara Station please see www.marastation.com
• 4-day retreats begin on Friday lunchtime and end on Monday after lunch.
• 6-day retreats begin on Thursday lunchtime and end on Tuesday morning.
• For those with allergies, please note that we have two cats - Tigger and Tat II.

Registration requires completion of a confidential application form that can be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to you. The application gives us detailed information about your medical and social history, and provides you an opportunity to express what you hope to achieve at the Retreat Centre. Every effort will be made to individualize your experience.

After review, we will contact you by telephone to provide opportunities for discussion and clarification.

The cost of your stay for a five-day retreat will be $550 per person or $950 per couple. Financial assistance may be available for anyone unable to afford the entire cost of the retreat.

• April 16th to 20th, 2010