A multicolored background with a gradient from purple to green, featuring a repeating pattern of awareness ribbons in a light, semi-transparent style.

WELLNESS RETREATS

for those affected by cancer

An older woman wearing a purple headscarf and glasses, creating a watercolor painting of purple and blue flowers during an art workshop, with multiple floral paintings on the wall behind her.

Respite Retreats offers one-day retreats and mini retreats at our center located in Ellicott City, Maryland. Each retreat provides necessary respite to those affected by cancer through a range of holistic therapies and activities focused on healing the mind, body, and spirit.

During your retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a variety of therapies and activities, which may include:

  • Yoga

  • Meditation

  • Music Therapy

  • Sound Therapy

  • Reiki

  • Nutrition Demonstrations

  • Bingo & Other Games

  • And lots of Fun!

  • Guided Imagery

  • Journaling

  • Art

  • Acupressure

Please note: Each retreat is unique, and not all activities listed above will be offered at every session. Activities are subject to change dependent on facilitator availability.

Group of elderly people practicing yoga in a meditation pose in a room with a window and blue curtains.

Our fundraising efforts and generous community support allow us to offer these retreats at no cost to participants. This gives individuals the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer and instead focus on healing, personal reflection, and deepening their connection with themselves. All meals and program activities are included. If you require transportation assistance, please note it on the registration form, and we will do our best to accommodate based on available resources. Please reach out to Program Director, Erica Sullivan at ESullivan@respiteretreats.org  with any questions.

A Special Note to Applicants:
This retreat is for you. You and your family deserve the chance to take a healing break from the realities of cancer. You matter, and your community has come together to offer you this experience as a gift. Please don’t hesitate to apply.

One-Day Retreats…

  • Are offered at no charge to adult cancer patients & their caregivers and includes all programming, materials, light breakfast, and lunch.

  • Each retreat provides necessary respite to those affected by cancer through a range of holistic therapies and activities focused on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Our group retreats range in size from 12-16 participants.

  • Retreats begin at 9:30AM and end at 4:00PM unless otherwise noted.

  • Take place at our Respite Retreats location, unless otherwise noted.

    Respite Retreats

    6021 University Blvd

    Suite 175

    Ellicott City, MD 21043

Day Retreat Upcoming Dates

March

28


April

11


April

25

May

9

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Turf Valley Resort

Respite Retreats

Respite Retreats


Respite Retreats

Mini-Retreats…

  • Are offered at no charge to adult cancer patients & their caregivers and includes all programming, materials, and snacks.

  • A five week series of 2.5-3 hour sessions which run from 5:30PM- 7:30PM unless otherwise noted.

  • Each session includes holistic experiences in a nurturing group setting, with a maximum of 8 participants per series. Participants are welcome to sign up for one, several, or all five sessions- whatever feels right for their journey. Attendees may also bring a guest, such as a caregiver, friend, or family member, to share in the experience.

  • Mini- Retreats take place at our Respite Retreats location, unless noted otherwise

    Respite Retreats

    6021 University Blvd

    Suite 175

    Ellicott City, MD 21043

Mini- Retreat Upcoming Dates

April

1


April

15


May

20

5:30 PM - 8:00PM

5:30 PM - 8:00PM


May

6

5:30 PM - 8:00PM

5:30 PM - 8:00PM

Respite Retreats

Respite Retreats

Respite Retreats

Respite Retreats

Woman practicing yoga outdoors in a park while sitting cross-legged on a blue mat, meditating with her eyes closed.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga & Meditation create balance and a sense of harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. We bring yoga and meditation practitioners to Respite Retreats to help patients and caregivers find a sense of calm and well-being.

Person receiving a massage outdoors, lying on a white surface, with hands pressing on their back.

Reiki

This complementary therapy works to balance energies throughout the body and can assist with stress reduction and relaxation.

A person holds a large brass singing bowl in one hand while another person strikes it with a mallet.

Sound & Music Therapy

Sound and music have been used as healing therapies for thousands of years. Research has shown that sound therapy provides a feeling of calm and relaxation. Enjoy the soothing sounds created by an experienced sound therapist.

Person painting watercolor swatches with a brush on a white sheet of paper.

Art

Art therapy has been shown to combat depression, reduce stress and improve overall well-being while providing a creative outlet.

Person receiving a massage on their shoulder while sitting in a professional massage therapy room.

Massage

According to the National Institutes of Health, massage may provide benefits to cancer patients in the reduction of nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, and anxiety.

A pink journal with the word 'JOURNAL' embossed on the cover, placed on top of a white marble surface, with two pencils resting on the journal.

Journaling

Journaling helps improve mental health, helps you explore your emotions, and reduces stress.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 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.

  • Participants and caregiver attendees must be 16 years old or older.