ESCAPE

We believed that healthy programs need healthy leaders. In order for both individuals and programs to grow, flourish, and prosper they need to be nurtured. ESCAPE offered the opportunity to do so.

ESCAPE brought together advocates from around the country who are involved in cancer-related projects to:

• network with other community advocates, both novice and veteran;
• experience methods of self-care through the integration of mind, body and spirit;
• discover the many dimensions and applications of survivorship care planning; and
• share experiences and gain insight, tools, and skills for the growth and sustainability of programs, projects, or organizations.

We addressed the following questions and concerns shared by many advocates:

• How to work with existing organizations?
• How to incorporate survivorship into our advocacy work?
• How to involve, supervise and retain volunteers?
• How to sustain and grow a program/project/organization?
• How to deal with dying and loss?
• How to care for ourselves while caring for others?

The program agenda included plenary sessions and workshops, and informal networking groups. The morning session on the first day will concentrated on self-care and survivorship care planning, while the session on the second day focused on community advocacy and sustainability. Afternoons were be open for exploration of the many healing activities at Miraval. Please see the agenda for more specific information. To visit our speaker page with biographies and presentation information, see ESCAPE Speaker Bios page.

Miraval Resort outside Tucson, Arizona was home to ESCAPE. It is an integral part of the entire experience. It is described as a top-rated all-inclusive destination retreat that focuses on healthy and balanced living. Their core philosophy of “mindfulness” permeates every aspect of all they offer. Their programs and activities are the basis for our self-care agenda.

Preliminary evaluations are positive and generally, all returned home better equipped to utilize their precious time and limited energies to give back to their community and continue to help make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and loved ones across the country.

For more information, contact:
Sherri Romanoski
BAG IT
sherri@bagit4u.org