Young Adult Cancer Canada’s (YACC) fifth annual Retreat Yourself Adventure is taking place in Newfoundland and Labrador from October 6-10, 2016. Twelve young adult cancer survivors and supporters from across Canada will gather in Deer Lake before travelling around the west coast for the experience of a lifetime! The Adventure is designed to help young adults affected by cancer to connect, push their limits, and continue to redefine their lives after a diagnosis.
Jordan Bishop of Upper Island Cove, NL is one of this year’s participants. Bishop was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2010 when he was 18 years old. When dealing with cancer in one’s late teens, 20s, and 30s, many young adults report feelings of isolation as one of the top issues they deal with as they are thrown off their projected course with school, work, relationships, etc. Despite being a legal adult, Bishop was treated at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, NL.
“I was often 10-15 years older than most of the other patients,” said Bishop. “I often felt isolated. YACC provided amazing programs which allow young adult cancer survivors to connect with others. I can’t even describe the difference that made in my life.”
Not only will Retreat Yourself Adventure give him additional opportunities to cultivate relationships with peers who “get it,” the program will help participants feel empowered and prepared to start the next phase of their lives. Guided group discussions help them process issues such as depression and anxiety, and activities such as zip lining and climbing Gros Morne show them they’re capable of conquering challenges.
Retreat Yourself Adventure will be the second professionally-facilitated program Bishop has attended. He also attended the 2016 Survivor Conference in St. John’s, NL.
For more information, please email [email protected]!
