Do you and your family need some time together to learn about managing the challenges of treatment and survivorship?

The Cancer Services of New Mexico offers a three-day escape from the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer this September when the whole family can take part in the Family Cancer Retreat.

The entire weekend is free, but is open only to New Mexico residents. 

• Cancer Family Retreat
• September 24-26, 2010
• LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center
• Glorieta, NM (near Santa Fe)

Supervised child care and recreational activities are provided for children and teens during the educational sessions so that parents can give their full attention to the program.

You can get an application online or from many oncology practices and cancer programs in New Mexico.  For more information call Mike at (505) 239-4239.

View a video about the program.

Applications are still be accepted for the 2010 camp to be held March 19 through 21.  There is no cost to attend, including two overnights, meals, and all activities.

If you are a Hispanic woman who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, you can get more information or register for Campemento Alegria by calling (813) 728-5895.

The theme is Reconnectandose con su Voz Interno (Reconnecting with your Inner Voice).  All activities are in Spanish, with culturally relevant food and music.

Sponsored by Latinos Unidos por Un Nuevo Amanecer (LUNA), the camp is held at the Rotary Camp Florida in Brandon outside of Tampa.  Additional sponsors are Morton Plant Pease Health Care and the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network.

Three days of activities include discussing medical and emotional issues, morning walks and sessions on spirituality and recovery. There will also be salsa classes, dominoes, canoeing, yoga and arts and crafts, as well as massages, makeup and hair styling. Puerto Rican motivational speaker Lily Garcia will deliver this year’s keynote address.

Organizers of the camp say,

The goal of the camp is to offer Latinas who have ever been diagnosed with cancer a positive and memorable experience through a variety of culturally relevant creative, educational and social activities that will help sustain them as they continue through their cancer journey.