Maryland-Based Non-Profit to Offer People Fighting Cancer Ways to Relax and Refuel
Published on CityBizList
Planned center in Howard County will cater to body, mind and spirit
Longtime Howard County resident Wendy Letow knows firsthand what it’s like to fight cancer, including the toll it takes on others offering non-stop support and care to their loved ones. Having triumphed in her fight, she and her husband, Larry Letow, have helped to inspire a growing movement. The result is Respite Retreats, a non-profit whose board of directors, volunteers, and supporters are on a mission to offer a new kind of experience for those in need.
“I’ve been the patient and I’ve been the caregiver,” said Wendy Letow. “Both are exhausting and deplete you of the energy you need to fight or care for someone who is fighting. Patients, caregiversand family members need to replenish these critical reserves. During my fight, I wish there had been a place to refuel, along with my caregivers. That’s exactly what Respite Retreats is going to offer.”Based in Ellicott City, Maryland, the new non-profit will create a special experience focused on relaxation and self-care. To disconnect from everyday life with cancer, Respite Retreats will offer patients holistic therapies and fun activity, all designed for deeper healing, personal introspection and connection with one’s self.
“Caregivers want to be available for loved ones, but that often means they don’t take time out to care for themselves,” said Wendy Letow. “Our retreats givecaregivers an opportunity to rejuvenate while still being close to their loved one. We also plan to help family members such as children or siblings who sometimes feel neglected or forced into a caregiver role that they are not qualified or prepared for.”
By inviting all of those affected to participate in fun activities, Respite Retreats will provide much-needed support and hope—including helping family members feel less isolated.
Respite Retreats has plans to build a retreat center in Howard County with overnight accommodations. Until then, its retreats will be offered at sites such as the Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center in the heart of Howard County. To raise funds for the new center and to ensure participants are able to attend at no cost, the organization has begun a fundraising campaign. To participate or otherwise get involved, visit respiteretreats.org/.
About Respite Retreats
Respite Retreats was founded in 2018 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing respite for those affected by cancer.Respite Retreats currently offers one-day retreats at various locations in Maryland. Although no two retreats are alike, each one offers individual and group activities focused on healing the mind, body and spirit. Group retreats range in size from 20-30 participants, and target patients, families and caregivers. Retreats offer holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, music therapy, sound therapy, guided imagery, journaling, art therapy, massage, acupressure, Reiki, nutritional education, and fun activities. For more information, visit respiteretreats.org/