Breast Cancer Survivor Retreat

June 11, 2001-- Two-million American women right now are diagnosed with breast cancer. And, one out of eight women will develop the disease sometime in their lives.

Breast cancer survivors in Utah have a new place where they can go to remind themselves that there is life after the disease.

News Specialist Lisa Conley has the story.

If you talk to a woman who's had breast cancer, she'll tell you that one of the most difficult things about the disease is dealing with life after the diagnosis. Often times adjusting to a new body image and a new mental attitude can be overwhelming.

There is a place in Utah where they understand that, and they are offering something to these women that's never been offered here before.

From the outside, the 10,00 square foot mountain cabin nestled against the hills of Park City makes for a breathtaking view.

Inside, the view is much more personal.

Women from all walks of life gathering here with one common goal--finding life after breast cancer.

Kara Brechwald/Breast Cancer Survivor: ""ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY SAY, 'GREAT, YOU'RE FINE. YOU'RE NOT SICK. GET OUT OF HERE.' GREAT. WHAT DO YOU DO NOW? YOU CAN'T GO BACK TO THE WAY YOU WERE BEFORE, YOU'RE A WHOLE DIFFERENT PERSON. BUT YOU HAVE TO REDEFINE WHO YOU ARE AND FIGURE THAT OUT."

Kara is one of many who've discovered the Image Reborn Breast Cancer Retreat in Park City. It's a new concept...a philosophy of total mind and body healing.

The weekend starts with an orientation and a chance to share your story with the other women there. The rest of the retreat will be spent healing the spirit.

Hikes to the hilltop gazebo, yoga and massage sessions.

And, there's the "Food Coach." A gourmet chef donating his time to cook for the group and teach them how to prepare easy, healthy meals at home.

The women will sleep in the bunk room, a bonding tactic that's core to the program.

"IF THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE, THAT CAMP FEELING OF BEING WITH THOSE OTHER WOMEN, YOU'D LEAVE HERE A DIFFERENT PERSON."

Pam Coffer can relate. A nurse and a breast cancer survivor herself, she attended a similar retreat in Montana. She's responsible for bringing the idea to Utah.

Pam Coffer R.N./Breast Cancer Survivor: "YOU DON'T HAVE THE TIME WHEN YOU'RE FIGHTING THE PHYSICAL CANCER TO DEAL WITH THE EMOTIONS OR THE PHYSICAL ISSUES. SO I WENT TO MONTANA, REALIZED I HAD HEALING LEFT TO DO, CAME BACK AND I WAS A CHANGED PERSON."

Pam shared her Montana experience with the surgeon who did her breast reconstruction. Salt Lake plastic surgeon Dr. Renato Saltz.

Dr. Renato Saltz/University of Utah: "I THINK FOR MANY PHYSICIANS LIKE MYSELF, WE ARE FRUSTRATED BECAUSE YOU DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN DO MEDICALLY, AND THEN HOW DO YOU THROW THESE WOMEN BACK TO THEIR LIVES?"

Now, together, the two of them run the Image Reborn Foundation.

After two successful breast cancer retreats, they say they're making a difference, one woman at a time.

The Image Reborn Breast Cancer Retreat is absolutely free.

The Foundation is, of course, hoping for private donations to keep the retreats going.

For information on attending a retreat, or to offer your support call 435-649-4287. You can send donations or ask for more information by writing:

Image Reborn
1685 North Shore Ct.
Park City, UT 84089

The program includes:

• Professional Group Counseling

• Education

• Nutrition

• Yoga

• Journaling

• Guided Imagery/Meditation

• Art, Sound and Music Therapy

• Massage

• Ligh Hikes/Snowshoeing

• Rejuvenation and Relaxation Time

Image Reborn offers extended weekend programs as well as week long programs.