Image Reborn Retreat

The air was crisp and the sky was gorgeously blue when I drove up to the Stein Erikson Lodge in Park City, Utah. It was a short flight from Seattle. I was so very much looking forward to some rest, relaxation and healing time. May 2017 signified over two full years after my cancer diagnosis. Surprisingly, I had maintained “NED”- No Evidence of Disease, for a year now, only four more years to go!

I signed up for The Image Reborn Retreat because I was feeling overwhelmed with “after cancer” anxieties and knew it was time to seek respite. I was ready for more self-care.

What an incredible feeling it had been this time, knowing that I was making this choice for myself without the guilt that had come with it in a previous life. Another silver lining- the ability to choose yourself without the guilt. Yay me!

I was greeted by the wonderful Image Reborn hosts and quickly learned about the fellow participating moms. The retreat was specifically for “Moms with Young Children”. In a matter of hours, I bonded with these women. There is a true sisterhood that forms when you can relate to each other based on mutual tragedies.

The weekend comprised of yoga time, journaling, 1-hour massages, chef prepared dinners, no dishes to clean up and not a bed to make. Luxurious rooms, with beautiful spa-like baths that call you in. Speaking of spas- the resort spa was gorgeous with more than the basic amenities. A quiet meditation room offered infused water and teas to go along with fresh fruit and sweet mini chocolate tarts.

Image Reborn Foundation provides no-cost healing retreats to women diagnosed with breast cancer to empower them to live fully beyond breast cancer. Celebrating its 16th year, Image Reborn was founded by a breast cancer survivor and a breast reconstructive plastic surgeon who understood surgeries and treatments alone do not heal a woman with breast cancer. Navigating the journey to health and wholeness after a breast cancer diagnosis can take a toll on women financially and emotionally. Image Reborn Foundation is dedicated to the rejuvenation of the spirit of women facing breast cancer. Retreats are designed and facilitated by a highly professional staff with backgrounds and experience in addressing the special concerns of women with breast cancer. There is no charge for the program that includes pampering, education and discussions, camaraderie, stress-reduction and other activities.

Weekend retreats in beautiful Park City, UT and one-day retreats in downtown Salt Lake City take place throughout the year, and are available on a first come – first served basis to any women diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage IV retreats and retreats for Hispanic women are also scheduled throughout the year.

Retreats are funded through donations from ABAM, Playing for Life Foundation, Rodizio Grill, Susan G. Komen Foundation and individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and others. For more information call 801-679-3065. (Summary provided by www.imagerebornfoundation.org)

After the weekend, we were honored by the Park City Fire District. They gifted pick boas and single stemmed roses. It felt incredible to be recognized and hugged a little tighter after our struggles. It was as if just a few more people had compassion and empathy. Also, we played dress up. Not going to lie, we were a bit naughty!

Here are a few pictures from the Fire Station Visit. Additionally, the KUTV Channel 2 documented our visit and helped to share the great work the foundation was doing for after cancer treatment breast cancer survivors. Check out my interview. http://kutv.com/news/local/breast-cancer-survivors-need-more-than-physical-healing Don’t judge! I didn’t prepare! Hahaha!

I am forever grateful for the love, care, and thoughtfulness of the foundation. If you feel as though you would benefit from some rest, pampering and wonderful camaraderie, I encourage you to apply! Or if you know anyone that could use this getaway, give the gift of empowerment and strength by offering up this opportunity for self.