The Bluebird Cancer Retreat Experience

                                           in their own words...

• "A weekend that will remain a resource for me for years to come...What a wealth of knowledge and strength and wisdom travelled between us and what strong bonds we have made because of it."

• "There was something really special about our weekend together that made me learn so much about my

  "We had wonderful couples, partners, and friends who came as strangers and found the finest of friends were in the retreat circle with them." - Rev. Pete Theune, Bluebird Retreat Chaplain

  self and all of our lives with this thing called cancer."

• "Bluebird is my cancer ceremony.  It is the time when I stop all else in my life to honor myself, my struggle, my fear, my hope."
   
• "I'm still basking in the glow of last weekend.  I had such an amazing time with everyone!  I can't thank you and the staff enough for everything you all did to make the weekend so special.  I learned so much about myself."

•  “…Bonding, sharing, laughter and tears… A great get-a-way and awakening all in one. Such special people all in their own way. I feel I have a piece of each of them to go home with me. I want to come back."

• "At the close of Bluebird, I find myself connected and whole once again---past the year of dread, pain, treatment and suffering. I am ready to continue my life as a whole, healthy being. You have my thanks and gratitude."

• "I have been able to relax and know that if I’m not always ‘up’, everyone will understand. The positive attitudes of all the other campers have been an inspiration, and have inspired me to be grateful for every day I have. I go home renewed in mind, body, and spirit. I hope to never repeat my cancer, but don’t regret all my blessings from my medical team and all my new friends. Thank you."

• "…Friends found at camp will be remembered for years to come, I thank God for all of this."

•  "I felt wanted from the first moment in the driveway. I felt “among friends.” I felt that I was honored by all staff. I so strongly feel that I must further the course of Bluebird for the good of all to come after me. I hope I honor the wonderful work you all do."

• "Time out for those touched by cancer...time to share, to learn, to gain strength, to warmly meet new friends, and most of all, time to be yourself in that secure oasis called Bluebird."