Our Story
Bluebird has a long history of providing hope for adults with cancer. Camp Bluebird was established in Alabama in 1985 and spread to several cancer centers across the country creating a network of hope and healing for adults with cancer. Spring Lake resident Bill Timm attended a Bluebird retreat in North Carolina while fighting his own cancer battle. Inspired by the experience, Bill dreamed of bringing the same spirit of community, support, and inspiration back home.
Although Bill Timm died in 1994, his dream lived on through his wife, Robin, and their pastor, Rev. Peter Theune. Together they united four organizations – a local Church, North Ottawa Community Hospital, Hospice of North Ottawa Community, and the American Cancer Society – and the first retreat for Camp Bluebird of West Michigan was held on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1996.
In 2006 we changed our name to Bluebird Cancer Retreats of West Michigan, to better reflect the pampering and healing experience offered through our programs. While our name changed, our mission remains the same – to enhance the lives of those experiencing cancer. Just as Bluebird once gave hope to Bill, we strive to pass on that same gift of light each day.
Today Bluebird Cancer Retreats of West Michigan hosts unique retreat experiences for individuals and for survivors/caregivers. Recognizing that a diagnosis affects more than the survivor, Bluebird launched our Family Camp in 2019 to help parents and children reconnect and rediscover joy in life beyond a diagnosis. Along with our retreats, Bluebird has a variety of offerings to provide a network and resource in our community making us a key touch point for anyone experiencing cancer.
Meet the Team
Raechel Morrow,
Executive Director
Raechel is committed to ensuring that anyone touched by cancer has access to spaces where they can exhale, be held, and remember who they are beyond illness. Known for her relational leadership, she brings people together with intention— tending the conditions that allow both individuals and organizations to thrive. She is motivated by people, possibility, and the belief that thoughtful experiences can change the way we move through hard things.
#bluebirdstrong
#healingwithpurpose
#restrestoregrow
#toolsforhealing
Quick to share her love, Carrie is kindly known as the “best” best friend to nearly everyone who knows her! She uses her masterful skills as a social worker to help make our bluebirds fly! Carrie has the most compassionate hug, the warmest smile, and she can find the fun and humor in any situation thrown her way.
#heartonhersleeve
#hopefulsw
#kindnessmatters
#bluebirdstrong
After attending a bluebird retreat in September 2023, Jen was able to experience firsthand the profound emotional healing the organization provides. She shares that her time at the retreat transformed her understanding of post-diagnosis trauma, instilling in her a deep-seated passion to facilitate that same "safe environment to heal" for others.
#survivor
#passion
#fearlessleader
#bluebirdstrong
Administrative Leadership
Board of Directors
Lorie Jager, President
Sr. Adjunct Professor, GVSU
Jennifer West, Vice-President
LMSW, OSW-C Oncology Social Worker, Trinity Health Lacks Cancer Center
Gilbert Segovia, Treasurer
Retired, Managing Director at Northern Trust,
Darcie Beebe, Secretary
Transplant Coordinator, Spectrum Health
Kathryn Alguire, MD
Medical Oncology, Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine
Jess Garrison
Realtor, Coldwell Banker
Advisory Board
Mike Pokrywka
General Manager
Lack's Wheel Trim Systems
Bluebird Cancer Retreats is building a strong, engaged Board of Directors to help guide the organization's next chapter of growth. We welcome interest from leaders who believe deeply in our mission and can contribute their experience, relationships, perspective and leadership to strengthening Bluebird's impact and long-term sustainability.
Board openings are based on the current strategic needs of the organization. Submitting an interest form does not guarantee nomination or appointment to the Board. Thank you for applying.