This post is sponsored, but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
When people think about breast cancer support their first thought may be of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, or maybe they picture a weekly group meeting set in a clinical setting. While both of these can be of support for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I recently learned that there is another option right here in Madison. One that goes beyond just physical needs and addresses and supports the emotional needs of breast cancer survivors.
Breast Cancer Recovery is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to “providing environments for women breast cancer survivors to heal emotionally”, according to their website. Unlike most support-type groups, Breast Cancer Recovery holds retreats with the goal of helping women on their recovery journey by addressing the whole woman, mind, body, and spirit.
Infinite Boundaries retreats are 4-day retreats held throughout Wisconsin and are led by breast cancer survivors for breast cancer survivors. Retreats are designed to incorporate nutritious meals, physical activities, group activities, discussion groups, quiet reflection, and sisterhood.
I had the pleasure of speaking with two women, Kris and Holli, who have attended retreats and have also become regular retreat volunteers. Both women expressed some reservation before their first retreat.
“I was scared that I would be the youngest woman there,” said Holli of her first retreat. “And while I did end up being younger than many of the women, I found that it did not matter. I formed a close connection with a woman who is close to my mother’s age and we are still friends to this day.”
Upon first discovering the Breast Cancer Recovery retreats while searching for advocacy for breast cancer, Kris told me that she could not explain what made her feel so drawn to attend a retreat.
“I had never done anything like that for myself,” said Kris. “I didn’t know why I went, but when I left feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to face challenges I understood why I had come. I am so happy that I signed up for that first retreat, it was life changing.”
I wanted to know what made a retreat different from other types of support groups that are available. Kris told me that she had briefly tried a support group but the members were always changing which made it hard to form connections and to touch on all aspects of breast cancer recovery. Being allowed to spend 4 days surrounded by women who understand what you are going through is very powerful.
If you would like more information on Breast Cancer Recovery, visit their website. Detailed information on the retreats can be found here.
Fundraising is a very important part to keeping a non-profit like Breast Cancer Recovery going. They will be hosting a Party with a View fundraising event on Tuesday, May 24th at the Blackhawk Country Club. You can find out additional information and ticket purchase information here.
