Ashley was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2004 at the age of 21. She has attended Retreat Yourself in 2009, Retreat Yourself Adventure 2010, and Survivor Conference 2010. Read on to get to know her a little!
I’m so thrilled to be a peer supporter for Retreat Yourself West (and in my home province)! I first attended Retreat Yourself in 2009. At the time, I was a peer supporter with the Canadian Cancer Society when I heard of YACC, and they suggested I attend, as there was a definite need for more support for young adults!
The best way I can describe a retreat, is that it feels like coming home. It may sound strange when you are surrounded by a group of individuals you may have just met, but there is an incredible bond amongst cancer survivors that is hard to describe. There is an element of compassion, understanding and kinship unlike no other.
When you attend a retreat, you obtain a secondary family in a group of individuals who love and accept you. For myself, I found that the retreat was so important to realize you are not alone in the experience!
