My sister who is 42 and lives in the area of the retreat was diagnosed with precancer which was a different kind in each breast. It would have been so nice if she and her husband would have been able to go to the retreat where they could be alone with no phone or doorbell or any interruptions and discussed the options. would it be a double mastectomy, take medicine for 5 years than what etc. They could have prayed, cried, shouted and what ever in the beginning of this discussion making which would have made it easier for them later.
I volunteer my time and donate to Hopes Journey because both my daughter and I are breast cancer survivors. Additionally I had an advanced form of uterine cancer. Following our treatment both my daughter and I wish we had been able to have had access to the beauty and serentity that Hopes Journey Retreat Center has to offer. Because the founders lost their loved one's to cancer they chose to honor them by building special center. As a volunteer I am so impressed by the dedication, hard work, the financial commitment and spirit of the principals and other staff members. I hope you'll visit the website to see the work that's been done, read about their mission and future plans to serve cancer survivors and their families. Please consider supoprting Hope's Journey's fundraising events. Kathy D
I am a volunteer, board member and currently serving as President of Hopes Journey. I lost my brother-in-law to cancer in 2005 and my husband to cancer in 2006. As a result, I started Hopes Journey Retreat because I felt that there is a great need for this kind of facility...a calm, tranquil and serene place, apart from the every day chaos and stress...for families to be together. A place where they can be nurtured and be given hope. When guests stay at our facility, it is our hope that the fear, anxiety, and pain cancer patients are forced to bear will be replaced with a renewed spririt, inspired to perservere on life's journey. Whether visitors choose to relax or be active, Hopes Journey offers a variety of opportunities to celebrate strength and courage. Some of the activites available include canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, yoga, pilates, arts and crafts, massage treatments, reflection, prayer, meditation and resiliency training. Hopes Journey welcomes not only those living with cancer, but those with other chronic health care problems as well.
I have observed through a fund raising event, the dedication and interest from the public regarding Hope's Journey. Being personally involved with a cancer patient, having a place to go to get away from the day to day concerns giving a respite from fears is so important. Hope's Journey is providing this for people. It is a unique opportunity for caring people to care for others.
I am a Board Volunteer and I am a cancer survivor of stage 4 with cancer in 5 areas of my body.
I totally believe in Hopes Journey. When I was doing Cemo I was like many others and very sick. I remember laying on my davenport and seeing my grandson looking at me with big eyes looking so scared and not sure of what he was going to see If our family could have gone to Hopes Journey spending time together we could have talked about our hopes and fears and rested. It would have assured everyone even tho I was so sick, for the time being, everyone was comfortable being to gether during this difficult time. We all could have learned about the foods and exercises that would help me get stronger fighting cancer.
I have seen many people at fundraisers at Hopes Journey and out in other public areas and everyone has given me many names of people who need this facility to help them learn to cope with life after they have heard their Doctor say YOU HAVE CANCER.
I have many people who have volunteered to help us when we are able to get Hopes Journey Cancer Retreat going full time.
It is just plain and simple, we need money to help us move forword to help people with cancer fight the battle.
Thank you
I have been a volunteer for Hopes Journey since it first started the journey. It has been a joy working with the dedicated volunteers and meeting so many wonderful caring individuals. We have had fun with fundraising, and I even jumped out of an airplane!
We just recently returned from a week-end stay at "Hopes Journey Retreat Inc."
My mother is a Kidney Cancer Survivor but now is in renal failure.
My mom, dad, husband and I had a wonderful time at the Hopes Journey.
It is nestled in the woods with a back drop of wildflowers in bloom and many animals we saw scurring about.
It was a great place for us to come together as a family to support one another and heal.
The story about how Hopes Journey came to be is amazing! What a wonderful gift from Mr. Lund!
We felt welcomed and went home with a strange feeling of Peace.
Hopes Journey is a beautiful retreat for cancer patients and cancer survivers. Set in the north woods of Wisconsin on the bluff of the St. Croix River, this gorgeous log home and center is in the midst of some of the most beautiful nature I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The staff are truly caring and nurturing individuals with the sole intention of making your stay as comfortable and wonderful as it can possibly be. Nature trails for walking or just sitting and meditating on the peaceful beauty of nature is healing to the soul and body. Optional amenities and classes are an added plus to the experience. Enjoy!
Hopes Journey is a warm, restful and inviting lodge that is designed for peaceful thoughts, walks in the woods, nights by the fire, and plenty of space for enjoying the garden, sipping wine on the porch while the birds serenade you....all the things that are important when your family is managing through cancer or other devastating illnesses. I spent a long weekend at Hopes last winter with my daughter and friends....yoga, healthy meals, crafting....highly recommended for families and friends who need a nature-filled escape for a time.
Everyone involved in the retreat, has given so much energy and volunteer time not expecting one thing in return, they need all the financial support possible.
Most of our volunteers are survivors of Cancer, and have a personal stake in seeing this retreat grow.
Thank God for each and everyone who has volunteered and helped with all the fund raising past and future. We need more and more, look at the concept of the retreat it is well needed.
www.hopes-journey.org
What a wonderful facility this could become...the place still needs work downstairs and all around the grounds...such potential for a retreat center for Ca survivors.
Such a simple remedy though, more volunteers and ofcourse money, the Hopes Journey crew do a great job but it seems like they are so overburdened.