Towne Salute: Wendy Letow
Photography by Steve Buchanon
When Wendy Letow was working as a massage therapist in 2003, one of her patients, Bill, told her that his wife, Jennifer, had been diagnosed with cancer. Filled with compassion, Letow offered to work with Jennifer to perform therapies to help ease her pain as she underwent cancer treatment. Spending time with the couple and seeing Bill selflessly and lovingly assume the role of caregiver, deeply moved Letow and profoundly changed her outlook on life. Sadly, Jennifer passed away in 2004. However, Letow’s relationship with the couple ultimately inspired her to found The Little Things for Cancer in Jennifer’s memory in 2006.
“We often take the little things for granted,” Letow says. “But for families struggling with cancer, everyday things, such as meals and transportation, make a big difference. The Little Things for Cancer is a nonprofit program that provides funds for cancer patients and their caregivers. Being a cancer patient or a caregiver is exhausting. Both patients and caregivers need to take a break and not let cancer define them. It’s critical to take a step back, focus on self-care, and reconnect with loved ones.”
In 2016, The Little Things for Cancer merged with the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which was founded by Zach Lederer and his parents, John and Christine Lederer, and “offers a wide range of programs and support for cancer patients, caregivers, family members, and others affected by the disease.” The organization honors Zach, who passed away from brain cancer in 2014 at the age of 20.
Although the merger marked a new chapter in Letow’s journey to help people affected by cancer, it was also an extremely difficult time for her. Sadly, her mother had been diagnosed with cancer, and Letow became her caregiver. After her mother passed away, she stepped away from the organizations to take a break and focus on healing from her loss.
Letow’s husband, Larry, encouraged her to start a new nonprofit organization, but she wasn’t ready to move forward yet. After a few years, she woke up one day and realized what she was supposed to be doing. She wanted to continue to help people affected by cancer by building a center with the mission of “[providing] retreats of respite to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families, and to encourage healthy living for all.” And in 2018, Respite Retreats, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Ellicott City was officially born.
Indeed, Respite Retreats represents the culmination of Letow’s personal experience with cancer, including her own diagnosis and cancer journey in 2012. The organization offers an opportunity for people affected by cancer to focus on healing and reconnecting with themselves and their loved ones. After 12 years, The Little Things for Cancer had come full circle.
“I am very blessed to have the means to do what I do. This is my purpose in life. It feeds my soul, and I know that it’s what I am supposed to be doing.”
“Wendy is an absolute inspiration,” says Veronica Stancliff, development director at Respite Retreats. “She drew [upon] her knowledge and personal experience with cancer and as a cancer survivor to launch Respite Retreats as a way for those affected by cancer and as a cancer survivor to launch Respite Retreats as a way for those affected by cancer to take a retreat from the negative emotions related to everyday life with a diagnosis. I’ve never seen anyone more passionate and hardworking. Wendy does not draw a salary for her work; she attains joy from her passion to help others - not only with Respite Retreats but with many other local nonprofit organizations. Wendy is beyond admirable. She is my hero. She is who I aspire to be!”
Although Respite Retreats was created to provide day retreats, the COVID-19 health crisis forced Letow and her program to pivot. When restrictions were implemented that prevented in-person contact, Letow was not discouraged; rather, she and her team adapted to the situation by developing virtual retreats that would continue to benefit those affected by cancer.
Half-day virtual retreats are provided in the comfort and safety of the participants’ homes. They receive a care package filled with items that enable them to engage in fun activities such as yoga, meditation, journaling, art, puzzles, games, and much more. Virtual retreats offer an opportunity to disconnect from cancer by providing a pleasant distraction.
In addition to virtual retreats, Respite Retreats also created new programs, including Abby’s Carts of Courage, virtual bingo, ReTreat Yourself, Jess Beard’s Ears Over Fears, and Capture the Love. To learn more about these programs visit respiteretreats.org.
The founder and executive director of Respite Retreats, Letow, works alongside her husband who is the chairman of the board of directors. The couple lives in Columbia and has three children and two grandchildren.
“I' am very blessed to have the means to do what I do,” Letow says. “This is my purpose in life. It feeds my soul, and I know that it’s what I am supposed to be doing.”
For more information about Respite Retreats, visit respiteretreats.org.