Registration is open for Retreat Yourself 2012!

Angie Jan 03 2012 Retreat Yourself News

We are thrilled to tell you that we are accepting applications for Retreat Yourself in 2012! There will be two Retreats this year: Retreat Yourself West in Morley, AB from May 3-7 and Retreat Yourself East in Cape Breton, NS from July 19-23. You are not restricted to applying to the Retreat in your area, but it is recommended in order to cut on your travel time and costs.  We have lined up two new locations for a change of (breathtaking) scenery which provide a relaxed and peaceful READ ON

RYW 2011: A “fanta-bulous” time

Stacey Aug 04 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Wow. What an experience. Retreat Yourself has been described to me in many words and through many mediums since my role at YACC began. Staff and survivors have shared photos, videos, and told many stories about the magnitude of the program. Nevertheless, I was completely unprepared to be so astounded and moved by the event. Looking back, I feel nothing but grateful to have been a part of such a fantastic four days, with such openly courageous (and hilarious) individuals! As a READ ON

The importance of understanding from peer supporter Shannon

Angie Jul 21 2011 Retreat Yourself News

One of the great things about Retreat Yourself is it is so much more than you expect: people who you've just met who have like minds, the beautiful food, the head nodding of understanding while you speak. It's such a relief to talk with a group of people that understand you--really understand you.  My husband and I attended Retreat Yourself last year and we met so many people that we now call our friends. Even though we are all very busy we still manage to stay connected and support each READ ON

MaryAnne’s memories from her first Retreat Yourself

Angie Jul 18 2011 Retreat Yourself News

I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (a different kind in each breast) in March of 2009. I was 35 at the time and completely in shock about the diagnosis. I read everything I could get my hands on, from medical books and studies to memoirs about the breast cancer experience. Each little piece of information helped, but I couldn’t get past a sense of missing pieces. No matter how much I read, I never felt truly prepared for the journey. And it really seemed, according to the accounts READ ON

Peer supporter Jen Luce is very excited to meet you!

Angie Jul 15 2011 Retreat Yourself News

I attended my first YACC Retreat in the summer of 2007, a little over six months after I had finished treatment for a diagnosis of a rare ovarian cancer. I was still searching for people who understood what I was going through and could ease my mind about the post-effects of chemotherapy, as I was having many issues. I found more than I knew I was looking for. I met so many people who "got it" and were there to support each other over the last four and a half years across the country by READ ON

Meet our Retreat Yourself West team!

Angie Jul 12 2011 Retreat Yourself News

We introduced you to Danielle Wolff last week through her blog post on what to expect at a Retreat. We would like to take the opportunity to tell you a little more about the rest of the team you will meet at Edenvale: Facilitators Our facilitators work to make sure the program is followed, the needs of the Retreaters are met, and the discussions are productive. Feel free to ask them anything during the weekend, from when the meal is, to advice on an issue. Karine Chalifour is READ ON

Read about a peer supporter’s first Retreat!

Angie Jul 06 2011 Retreat Yourself News

A sunset from Danielle's first Retreat Yourself The idea of spending four days with strangers, talking about your cancer in a way you probably haven't been able to, and confronting some issues you probably didn't know you had can be intimidating. While we keep telling you we know you'll be comfortable, we thought you might like to hear it from someone who was once in your shoes, and is coming back as a peer supporter.  My time at Retreat Yourself 2007 By Danielle Wolff I came to READ ON

Thanks for having me, RYE11!

Angie Apr 29 2011 Retreat Yourself News

A quote overheard during Popcorn. Fun and time to clear your head is what the Retreat is all about! Since I started working with Young Adult Cancer Canada in October, I have had the pleasure of attending some program activities and events, and then Retreat Yourself East in Rocky Harbour, NL presented another opportunity to me. I was invited to spend over four days with 13 cancer survivors, three of their supporters, and six other facilitators. I checked my schedule and said yes as READ ON

We’re three weeks away from Retreat Yourself East!

Angie Apr 07 2011 Retreat Yourself News

We're very excited that we have so many people already enthusiastic about attending Retreat Yourself East in Rocky Harbour, NL. Tickets are booked, babysitters are arranged, and it will soon be time to pack your bags. Have you been thinking about attending the Retreat? There's still time to get your application in. Karine will get back to you as soon as possible to help you work out the details. Feel free to contact her at karine@youngadultcancer.ca if you have any questions. We can't READ ON

No matter what you think, it’s worth it

Angie Mar 23 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Coming to the Retreat is a big step and here are some things you might expect from this experience: Some people might be shy and just absorbing the experience and not have too much to say all the time. Some people will share everything  about their journey. The environment you are in is very safe on all levels. There is no judgement. You will laugh, cry, laugh some more, and cry some more. You will make real connections to a community of individuals who READ ON

YACC Retreat embraces survivors and supporters

Angie Mar 16 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Bonnie Lang has experience as a cancer supporter. Her husband, Mikey, was diagnosed just five months after they were married. They got through it together and have gone on to be great friends and supporter of Young Adult Cancer Canada and young adults dealing with cancer throughout the whole country. It seemed like a normal walk through the halls of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre after one of my husband's chemo treatments; a normal quiet elevator ride back to the main floor to pay our READ ON

What Dawn thinks about Retreat Yourself

Angie Mar 09 2011 Retreat Yourself News

One of our Retreat Yourself East peer facilitators, Dawn, has some words of wisdom for anyone registered or thinking of applying to a Retreat. Before attending my first retreat in 2009, I felt more isolated and lonely than ever before. I sometimes refer to it as my "cancer closet" stage. It's weird because I was surrounded by so many amazing friends and family, and as sympathetic and understanding as they were, they didn't have cancer. Until someone tells you "it's cancer," it's READ ON

Meet the amazing team of Retreat East 2011

Karine Mar 02 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Retreat East in Newfoundland is fast approaching and we are getting really excited. Last week, I had my first conference call with the amazing team of facilitators and peers for this year's Retreat and I wanted to take some time to introduce them to you. First, a little on the roles Our facilitators are there to lead small and big group discussions and to provide support to the group throughout the weekend. They are also there to have fun and to connect with the retreaters. Our Peers READ ON

Tell your friends about Retreat Yourself

Angie Feb 21 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Are you interested in attending Retreat Yourself and want to tell your friends about it? Have you attended before and would like to spread the word to more young adults diagnosed with cancer? Email them the Retreat Yourself poster, post it on your website, or contact us and we'll send you some to post where people who need this program will see them. Canada is a big country and reaching out to all the young adults out there is a challenge. We say it often, but too many people don't READ ON

Would you benefit from a Retreat?

Angie Feb 14 2011 Retreat Yourself News

Do any of the following bullets apply to you? I want to connect with people who "get it" I am grateful for people who show understanding but I am in need of someone who understands I can’t remember last time I cried laughing I am looking for opportunities to grow and change I want to learn how to take better care of myself I want to be inspired I want to feel rejuvenated I want to have some time to just hang out and have fun I want to do something with READ ON

Registration is open for Retreat Yourself 2011

Angie Feb 07 2011 Retreat Yourself News

We are pleased to announce we are ready to accept applications for the Retreat Yourself 2011 program. There will be two Retreats this year, and while you do have the option of applying to whichever you prefer, we recommend applying for the location closest to you to cut down on jet lag and travel time. The first Retreat will be in Rocky Harbour, NL, from April 28-May 2. Rocky Harbour is on the western side of the province and is close to the beautiful Gros Morne National Park and READ ON

YAconnect: Straight talk for young adults facing cancer

Lesley Jun 15 2010 Retreat Yourself News

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society now offers programs for young adults aged 18 to 39 who are facing cancer. These programs include weekly online chats and periodic interactive webcasts. Learn more about these programs and how to register by clicking READ ON

Retreat Yourself 2010, memorable memories.

Karine Jun 10 2010 Retreat Yourself News

Yes, Hello! I have been back in the office for a week since attending another amazing Retreat Yourself weekend (May 27-31, 2010). To this day, I still have a hard time summarizing our experience. I procrastinated writing this blog; I felt challenged by it. I sat in front of the computer looking for ways to describe the past experience, and to do it in a different way than the 2009 Retreats. Believe me, easier said than done! Why? Because common values seem to be the base of every Retreat: READ ON

Retreat Yourself 2010 t-shirts fresh from the printer

Duncan May 17 2010 Retreat Yourself News

We just got the 2010 Retreat Yourself shirts from the printer, after a few technical hiccups, but, we’re getting together all the details for Retreat Yourself next READ ON

What happens in a retreat?

Karine Dec 04 2009 Retreat Yourself News

2010 has not started yet, but already I know what I will be doing May 27-31, 2010! Do you? Because our experience at the Edenvale Retreat Centre  was so great last year, we booked our retreat with them again this year. Edenvale is a wonderful site with everything we need. The staff is amazing, the food healthy and tasty, and the location is charming. Our team of facilitators will also be amazing this year. We are very fortunate to have the expertise and the support of wonderful ladies. READ ON

Retreat Yourself West, the breeze of the West Coast

Karine Sep 15 2009 Retreat Yourself News

Last Monday, we got back from our second and last retreat of the year, taking place just outside of Vancouver at Edenvale Retreat Centre, from September 3-7, 2009. 23 courageous retreaters joined our team of professionals and peer supporters in the adventure. Again, it was a very powerful weekend. Coming back, I always feel a bit weird and out of it for a couple of days. I think it's mainly due to being in this wonderful and comfortable bubble where people truly are beautiful. Being READ ON

Congrats to Karine on her first (and fabulous) Retreat

Lesley Aug 07 2009 Retreat Yourself News

I wanted to take some time today to congratulate our wonderful Program Director, Karine Chalifour. As most of you know Karine was an import from the great city of Montreal. She has attended our retreats and conferences in the past, as a very kind and professional facilitator. But in February of this year, she decided to make a big change in her life and move to St. John's to become a new member of the YACC team. And we are so glad she did! Two weeks ago Karine hosted her first Retreat READ ON

Retreat Yourself West yes I do, no I don’t?

Karine Aug 07 2009 Retreat Yourself News

September 3-7, 2009 in Vancouver…Did you register yet? If you are on the fence about registering. Here is a testimonial from one of our retreaters from our last Retreat Yourself weekend. Hope it inspires you. "Can I get a hey hey!" By the time I arrived at the retreat on Thursday afternoon, I wanted to leave. I’d talked more about cancer in that afternoon than I had in the last eight years since I was diagnosed. It was all around me. Every time I turned around, I was faced with it. READ ON

Thank you Hope & Cope!

Duncan Jul 31 2009 Retreat Yourself News

For the past four years, Hope & Cope, a volunteer-based organization located in Montreal offering support to patients living with cancer, has helped YACC organize Retreat in Quebec with their generous donation. Not only the organization helps financially, but through the support of his Executive Director Suzanne O'Brien, this organization has helped us grow by providing their expertise, counsel and participation to many of YACC's events. Suzanne herself, as well as other staff members of READ ON