Get Involved
It takes a generous community to create respite! There are many ways to make a difference for cancer patients, families, and caregivers. Share your talent and expertise: volunteer; participate in and/or sponsor an upcoming event; or donate to the organization or specific programs.
Welcoming all caring, committed volunteers! Whether you’re a holistic practitioner; a talented artist, musician, or craftsperson; an astute business expert or fundraiser; or a willing organizer/logistic magician—there are many ways to contribute.
Volunteer
From sporting events like our golf tournament and horseracing, to family fare like Jess Fest, we put the fun in fundraising. You can sponsor an event or just come and have a great time.
Participate
Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Some provide matching funds to support employee volunteer hours. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift!
Contact your Human Resources department to see if your donation is eligible for a corporate match. You can also try using the Double the Donation app.
Corporate Matching
General Donations can be used for program and operating costs, such as program supplies, retreat meals, and other essential expenses.
General Giving
Abby’s Angel: Donate to provide a wagon to a pediatric cancer patient.
Ears Over Fears: Support with a donation or by sponsoring supplies through Amazon.
In-Person Cancer Retreats: Donate to support.
ReTreat Yourself: Donate to support.
Virtual Bingo: Donate to support.
Program-Specific Giving
Our Impact At A Glance
Respite Retreats is serving more patients, families, and caregivers than ever before—while ensuring our programs and services continually deliver high participant satisfaction.
Increase in number of day retreats from 2023 to 2024
100%
20%
Increase in number of people served from 2023 to 2024
98%
Participant satisfaction rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few common questions. Click the down arrow beside each question for the answer. Have a different question? Email us at contact@respiteretreats.org.
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You are eligible if:
You are currently a patient who has cancer, or you are within 6 months of being cancer-free.
You are the caregiver or family member of someone battling any type of cancer.
You are able to obtain written proof of cancer from a treating facility.
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Retreats are offered at no cost and include all programs and meals. This is made possible through fundraising efforts, grants, and the support of our amazing community.
Travel to and from the retreat is the participant’s responsibility.
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We offer two programs specifically targeted to pediatric cancer patients and their families: Abby’s Carts of Courage and Jess Beard’s Ears Over Fears.
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We offer a variety of one-day in-person wellness retreats. Our one-day retreats are held for adults with cancer, their caregivers, or family members. In addition, we offer retreats for men, caregivers, and metastatic patients. Retreats are tailored to meet the needs of participants and offer individual and group activities focused on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Activities may include meditation, journaling, gentle chair yoga or Pilates, art, bingo, and a full range of other holistic and uplifting activities.
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No. However, we encourage you to be open to experiencing new things in our safe, nourishing environment. We have a lovely rest area for those who may need a break or do not wish to participate in a portion of the retreat.
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Selections are made as applications come in.
Retreat acceptance notifications are emailed one month before the retreat.
All notifications are communicated through the email address provided in the application.