Kids Cancer Care and Survive and Thrive Cancer Programs announced last week that they have teamed up to offer a free weekend retreat for young adult cancer patients at the Kids Cancer Care-run facility Camp Kindle.
The retreat or “weekend hangout” will take place between March 20-22 for young adult cancer patients between the ages of 18 and 39.
The hangout has been organized due to recent research that indicates the needs of the population are not being adequately met by health care systems worldwide, according to Kids Cancer Care and Survive and Thrive Cancer Programs.
Mike Lang from Survive and Thrive Cancer Programs organized the hangout in partnership with Kids Cancer Care and Camp Kindle, which is located northwest of Cochrane.
“Our part of the partnership is bringing the kids and the location,” said Christine McIver, founder and CEO of Kids Cancer Care.
“It’s a pretty incredible place,” she said of Camp Kindle.
McIver said that there haven’t been enough events like this to date, and these adult cancer patients are definitely “under-served.”
“Everyone has a unique set of challenges,” said McIver. “The best thing about it is that they’re in a place they don’t have to be judged.”
Activities can include things such as sharing stories, hiking, camping and yoga.
“It’s just things you would do with your buddies,” said McIver.
McIver expressed that young adult cancer patients all have a “unique set of challenges” from attempting to start a career, to beginning school, or to finish school.
“I think it’s really important to understand what each other is going through.”
To sign up visit survivethrive.org/folio/weekend-hangout-2, and also visit campkindle.ca for information about the activities available at the camp, as well as the organizations involved.
“We rely 100 per cent on the generosity of others to make what we do work,” said McIver.
