My Nonprofit Reviews

I am a 70-year old naval architect. I have been diagnosed with melanoma. After I underwent surgery, a western-trained doctor recommended "Getting Well Again" by O. Carl Simonton, M.D. as an adjunct to the care I am receiving from modern Western medicine. I read "Getting Well Again" with great interest, and also read Dr. Simonton's "Healing Journey." Both books provide straight talk and very helpful and practical ways to decrease stress and increase a positive stance toward surviving cancer. I noticed that the books mentioned a retreat where survivors and their caregivers could spend a week in a quiet and meditative setting to learn more about the concepts in the books. I contacted Karen Simonton, who leads the retreats, and she counseled me on my way forward. I scheduled a visit, and found that Karen continued to call me with kind and caring counsel. By the time my wife and I arrived at the Simonton Cancer Counseling Center retreat, I felt that I knew Karen and that she knew me. I believe she does this with all attendees. The retreat took place during May 22-27, 2016 in the hills behind Santa Barbara CA, headed by Karen and her amazing staff of caring professionals. There, five people like me and our caregivers, five interns, and six staff spent our time seated in a circle, listening to Karen and her staff, and sharing our stories and our thoughts. We ate our meals together. We bonded in about 90 minutes, because we shared a common bond and we shared a deep need for trust and healing. We mostly smiled, because we learned and shared such valuable information and insights. We also laughed out loud and we shed tears. I came away with a new and strong feeling that I have a say in how I can help my body fight my cancer, both through modern medicine and through meditation, visualization, and other healthy approaches. For me, this was a life-changing experience for the better. I recommend the books and the retreat to all who find themselves diagnosed with cancer. By the way, Karen still calls me periodically and reaches out to all of the attendees as a important and continuing resource of caring.