Wind River
Cancer Wellness Retreat
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Fall 2009
Wind River
Cancer Wellness Retreat
What a gift! We arrived at Wind River, eight women from four states with the bond of cancer, and we left with a sense of peace and renewed strength to get us through whatever parts of the journey lie ahead. - Stephanie
Spring 2009
Wind River
Cancer Wellness Retreat
Hi Shannon, these last couple of weeks I have been trying to find the best words to use when trying to describe my time at Wind River and it is so hard to find the right words. I was telling my husband and he was surprised for once I was speechless. What you and Dave do for people is just amazing. For you guys to take your time and to open your home to others is just a God send. I get in a quiet place at home and I can still hear the creek and the birds. I will never forget my time at Wind River. Denise, April 2009
Endless thanks - such beauty and love you've shared with us! Blessings, - Participant, Spring 2009
Almost a month now since our retreat. ... I am trying hard to integrate all my new insights into my life. I had a session with Sloan Kettering's meditation specialist, and he talked about the difference between pain and suffering--he made the point that it is possible to have pain without suffering. That was helpful to me--to put into succinct words what I was already beginning to understand, and reach towards. I was in pain, for example, the whole retreat weekend, but I don't think I experienced even a moment of suffering. Now, to find a way to live my life that way--at least most of the time. .... many many thanks Susanne, April 2009
- Karen, April 2009
- Lucy, April 2009
Fall 2008
Wind River
Cancer Wellness Retreat
"It is with heartfelt thanks that I leave Wind River Retreat this afternoon. Thankful for compassion that you show to all of us on this strange journey we have found ourselves traveling; for your resolution to make your lifestyle change that make this time away possible; and for freedom - the freedom to make choices of how to spend our time with you and the freedom to feel like myself again! To be Laurelynn again and not "the cancer patient", or the old bald pale woman. There is a new lightness in my step and joy in my soul that I will continue to nourish. ... "
Love Laurelynn, October 2008
"I thoroughly enjoyed to stream, waterfall, and cool temperatures. The new recipes will definitely become a mainstay within my cooking habits. Many thanks to Chef Laura and Deep TIssue Specialist Sanja for making the extra effort to make our weekend FABULOUS!!!"
Shelia, October, 2008
"Thank you VERY much for the wonderful, uplifting, enlightening retreat! I enjoyed the break and have been able to apply much of what I learned in my daily life. I am still working on some of the things, but the retreat was a great start for meditation, and a return to vegetarian eating. I appreciate everything you did to make the retreat a FANTASTIC experience!"
- A Forever Friend, October 2008
Latina Breast Cancer
Retreat Weekend
October 2008
"This is Anabel I hope you understand my English. I want to say thank you of both of you for everything you did for us this weekend and I hope every smile we left here can be a prayer for you and I wish health for both of you. We have to leave but we are leaving loving you. Again, thanks for this wonderful heaven and paradise!"
Anabel, October 2008
"Life is beautiful but it's more beautiful that together you had a calling for touching many lives. God does not make things just for coincidence. I will pray that everyday you will be the bridge, the shine, the light, for to put batteries in many hearts."
- Aida, October, 2008
2008 Summer
Cancer Wellness Retreat
"I am so glad I came to Wind River. From the moment I walked into your home, I was met with hugs, big smiles, and caring support. You helped me focus on the things to be thankful for and enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you so much for being my two Angels."
Samantha, June 2008
"Since I have brain cancer, my writings and spelling are not what they should be so just hear that this weekend has changed my negative mind and experiences at home. Thank you so so much for what you are doing," have done and will do.
Susan P., June 2008
April 2008
Cancer
Wellness
Retreat
I CELEBRATE my recovery but fear a re-occurrence … I now understand that I have a lot to look forward to as I continue my journey. I better understand that I am not alone and don’t have to be the strong one. I can invite and accept love and support from family in friends." April 2008 Participant, Cancer Wellness Retreat
"I AM so grateful to have had the privilege to meet and bond with my new friends and share the love that so obviously knits us together … the love was truly contagious. " Cinda, April 2008 Cancer Wellness Retreat
"I found that the big STOP sign that the Cancer put in front of me was just a reminder to re-evaluate the meaning of Life, that it was an opportunity for change, to live life differently and in a way, it will be more happy, peaceful and enjoyable. The big stop sign now has turned GREEN and my life is just picking up and taking a new turn. Thanks a millions for the sweet encouraging talks, hugs, laughter, cheer, meditations, beauty, tears, etc. I’ll carry this with me as a treasure forever. Keep on shinning your bright lights."
Petra, April 2008
Your generosity, compassion and love is inspiring. I walked away from this experience with new friends, and an appreciation of Acceptance.
Linda, April 2008
Much love and thanks for the ripple in my water!
Mary, April, 2008
March 2008
Cancer Wellness Retreat
I left your home feeling the power of good healthy food and the warmth of companionship sought and found among strangers. I admire you both for your desire to serve others .
Julie O, March 2008
"It was an amazing experience! One that I will always remember to take with me throughout life. Wind River Retreat was everything that I hopd for. It was about developing developing a circle of friendship and the bonfire warmth of laughter, the best medicine yet!!! It was about eating an abundance of the various colors of nutrition and health. It was about expanding opportunities in yoga each morning and about creating calmness by the creek ... It was about sleeping in the moonlight of enlightenment with the Buddha each night and ultimiately it was about hiking the beautiful trails of inner Annabelle and finding my Annabellenss! Thank you for helping. - Annabelle, March 2008
You have embraced me with kindness, knowledge, and Acceptance. Julie M., March 2008
I have learned to take time for me. Which I do not do to often. God Bless You - Susie Q., March 2008
Inaugural Cancer
Wellness Retreat
September 2007
Shannon - I haven't felt like I could take a deep breath in almost a year, and this weekend I felt relaxed and happy. Now when I find that I don't feel like I can take a deep breath, I just use what you taught us in yoga
- Jeb, September 2007
"Thanks for knowing the need for this experience. Thank you for being so approachable and so generous, so genuine, so accomodating, so flexible and so engaging ... Thank you for sending me home a more peaceful person than the one who arrived on your doorstep. Keep it real!
- Ellen, September 2007
“Dearest Shannon & Dave - your retreat facilitates immense feelings of joy, love and connection. I connected with ‘like-others’, an invaluable gift, and I connected with myself, the ultimate spiritual experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” - Kelly, September 2007
Dear Dave and Shannon -- I feel like I have awakened again! All my joy and creativity are dancing around again like little healed blood cells I envision with smiling faces attached to each one. I had no joy anymore and felt as if I had nothing to look forward to - all that has changed. What an amazing group of women you brought here. I see life long friendships in the making. - Ann, 09/07
Shannon and Dave - What an amazing weekend! My body, mind and soul have been re-energized. This experience will guide me back on the path of healing that I have missed in my life for a while. I love the laughter and sharing and the new friends I made while here. You two have the kind of compassion that the world needs. I want to be just like you! I am grateful I was able to be a part of the very first retreat. Love, Peace and Happiness, - Missi, September 2007
“Words cannot begin to describe the feelings of this weekend. What you two bring to the earth is incredible. Your simplicity, love and kindness wash over your home.
You inspire me to be my best, most authentic self.”
- Jamie, September 2007