Retreat for cancer survivors returns

PORT ANGELES — Survivors Outdoor Experience will offer a retreat for cancer survivors in May for the first time in three years.

This year’s event will be on one day only, on May 21 at the Nature Bridge Campus at 111 Barnes Point Road on Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.

It will mark the 10th Healing Adventure.

“We were preparing to host our 10th Healing Adventure in Pittsburgh in 2020 when COVID came along,” said Jack Ganster, founder and director of Survivors Outdoor Experience (SOE), in a press release.

“And we all know what happened after that.

“Of course, we didn’t realize it [COVID] would take so long to run its course,” Ganster added.

When COVID-19 case numbers dropped from earlier highs in Clallam County, Ganster and SOE board members said they felt the time was right to bring back the program, this time in the region where SOE was founded.

“Folks are ready to move forward. We’ve seen interest and have inquires,” Ganster said.

New for 2022 is a one-day format instead of an entire weekend.

“We decided that people would feel more comfortable for now if they weren’t sharing living space overnight,” Ganster said.

The retreat is free, but space is limited to a dozen people.

To reserve space — or for more information — go to www.survivorsoutdoor experience.org or contact Ganster at 360-477-1619 or jhgisjack@yahoo.com.

SOE is an educational and recreational organization that has created programs to provide cancer survivors an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Ganster, a mountaineer, founded the weekend after surviving brain cancer. He was diagnosed 17 years ago.

“The program provides informative presentations balanced with recreational activities to assist participants in gaining strength, confidence, and a sense of the future,” Ganster said in the release.

The 10th SOE Healing Adventure will include a series of presentations: Who is a Survivor?, Sharing our Story, Nature’s Prescription, The Companion’s Story, Self-Advocacy, What now? Navigating Forward and Healthy/Practical Cooking.

Dr. Heath Foxlee, a radiation oncologist, will present for the sixth time.

“I love helping with this program,” Fioxlee said.

“It’s just a wonderful idea to bring folks together to share their stories and to learn more about moving forward.”

The Healthy Cooking program will finish with a meal.

“Food brings us together, sharing a meal is a great way to feel connected,” said Julie Jacobson, chef and presenter.

“And so does nature. It’s just perfect to combine all of these elements.”

More in Entertainment

Port Angeles Community Players to host auditions

Auditions for the Port Angeles Community Players’ production of… Continue reading

“Obstruction Point” by Anne Pfeiffer of Port Angeles is part of “Small Expressions,” the wide-ranging show which will open Friday at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend.
‘Small Expressions’ opens Friday in Port Townsend

One of the most wide-ranging exhibitions in recent memory… Continue reading

Actors, from left, Justin Stapleton, Mario Arruda and Sean Stone rehearse “Artificial Emotions,” a short play written by John Painter and directed by Bill Stone, far right. It will be the first of eight plays in Olympic Theatre Arts’ New Works Showcase through Sunday. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Olympic Theatre Arts offers New Works Showcase

Olympic Theatre Arts will offer eight new mini shows this… Continue reading

Song swap set Friday at Studio Bob

The second Song Swap is set for 7 p.m.… Continue reading

Samite, pictured during his Field Arts & Events Hall performance last fall, is returning to Port Angeles for a matinee and evening performance this Saturday. (Field Arts & Events Hall)
Samite, ‘Resilience’ return to Port Angeles this weekend

One-man play includes soft voice, African instruments

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Anne Johnson.
Stephanie Anne Johnson to play at the Palindrome

Stephanie Anne Johnson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.… Continue reading

Gingerbread kits available for library contest

Gingerbread kits are available for the 30th Uptown Gingerbread… Continue reading

“Sky Light” is among Jeanne Toal’s paintings at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery.
‘Soulful’ artist’s show in its final days in Port Townsend

Artist Jeanne Toal’s work has sparked an unprecedented response,… Continue reading

Clallam Mosaic accepting registrations for cruises

Clallam Mosaic is accepting registrations for the Seafair Special People’s Holiday Cruise… Continue reading

Music, art on tap for Peninsula weekend events

Music and stage performances, art exhibitions and holiday bazaars highlight weekend events… Continue reading

Studio Bob to host anniversary party

Studio Bob will celebrate one year of management by… Continue reading

Community Players to host auditions for January show

The Port Angeles Community Players will conduct tryouts for… Continue reading