OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK –– Openings are still available for the 2014 Healing Adventure, a free retreat for cancer survivors sponsored by Survivor’s Outdoor Experience at the Olympic NatureBridge campus May 16-18.
Retreat founder Jack Ganster, a mountaineer and 10-year survivor of brain cancer, said the program is designed to allow those diagnosed with cancer a restful weekend where they can learn through expert presentations different methods for surviving with cancer.
‘Hope’ for the future
“It takes a lot of effort to live as a survivor, especially at the beginning,” Ganster said.
“This program is designed to allow folks to relax after their diagnosis, to gain strength, hope and a sense of the future.”
The nonprofit provides the program for free to participants and their companions, Ganster said.
Funding comes from the Climbing for a Reason challenge.
Sponsored mountain climbers climbed Mount Olympus and donated their raised funds to support the retreat.
Presentations include Ganster’s “Who is a Survivor?” along with “From Surviving to Thriving” by Dr. Heath Foxlee, “Now What? Navigating Forward” by Linda Klinefelter, “Getting Well with Hypnosis” by Christine Jacobson, “Healthy Cooking with Local Foods” with chef Dave Long of the Oven Spoonful and “Exercise is Good Medicine.”
Music, excursions
Twisted Roots will provide music for participants, and NatureBridge staff will lead hiking and canoeing excursions.
For more information, visit www.survivorsoutdoorexperience.org or contact Ganster at 360-477-1619 or jhgisjack@yahoo.com.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Joe Smillie can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or at jsmillie@peninsuladailynews.com.
