Wind River Cancer Wellness Retreats & Programs
  • Home
    • Mission
    • Our Team
    • Calendar
    • 2022 Highlights
    • Alumni Quotes
    • In Loving Memory
  • Programs
    • Outreach and Virtual Cancer Wellness Programs
    • Cancer Wellness Retreats
    • Tea Time
    • Spanish Tai Chi and Meditation
  • Resources
    • Cancer Resources
    • Wind River's Relaxation CD
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Donate
  • Sponsors
  • Blog
  • Contact

What's Happening

The latest on events, retreats and more...



Click below to have our latest posts sent to your email:

Signup to Receive Blog Posts

Tom Sawyer Volunteer Day

9/30/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture

Always a great day of fun, sweat and laughs!  Clearing fallen trees and debris, moving mulch and gravel, burn piles, and more to help the property SPARKLE for our survivors at our FALL Retreats.

SIGN-UP here

We ask for 3 hours of outside property work and then we celebrate with lunch by the creek. Please register in advance.  We will be keeping the groups smaller this year than in the past

FRIDAY October 7th
Location: 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782– roughly 90 minutes from Charlotte, NC
Time: 10AM - 1PM property work, 1PM-2PM Lunch, (lunch provided)

​SIGN-UP here

We will email you a reminder, directions, what to bring, etc.   And all dates are weather dependent.
0 Comments

Attention all 2 - 10 year olds!

9/28/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
No seriously!   We are so delighted to announce the opening of a new opportunity for our kids in the Charlotte area (Highland Creek location).  Bella Ballerina Highland Creek!   

Bella Ballerina specializes in storybook and fairy tale themed dance classes for children ages 18mo-10years old.  ​Where dancing through storybooks comes to life.  Seriously, kids dress-up professional instructors guide them through wonderlands filled with dance and imagination!

Can you help us spread the word???    Dance classes, recitals, winter dance camps and more!

www.bellaballerinahighlandcreek.com/

HIGHLAND CREEK, NC13010 Eastfield Rd Suite C200
Huntersville, NC 28078


 Wind River Alum Lauren DiFrank, a 10 year lymphoma survivor, former 3rd grade teacher, cheerleading coach, Mom, wife, and more, opened this kid's dance studio on September 27th and we could not be more excited for her and her dream comes true! 

As Lauren now says, "Are you ready to come twirl with us?"   ... and yes, my first question was when do the adult classes start.  She laughed!  One thing at a time!

0 Comments

Sleep ... it does a body good!

9/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
A friend of ours, Joanna Lindenbaum of Applied Depth Institute, shared this great tip to help us sleep better at night!  Give it a try - I did and love it!!!  (Shannon)
​

"My naturopath wanted me to get outside within 15 minutes of waking up every morning for about 15-20 minutes in order to support melatonin production for better sleep. 

For the last week, I've been doing this, and it has been magical time for me. I go outside upon waking without any technology, sit outside, take a few minutes to take in the morning...and then take another 20ish minutes to read fiction, just for the fun of it! So instead of starting my days with work, with scrolling through the news...or even with meditation or journaling, I start my days with total and complete PLEASURE. With an activity that seems indulgent and more like a reward for the end of the day instead of something to start the day with. 

And it is just incredible. And exactly what I needed without even knowing I needed it. And oddly, not a hard habit to get off the ground. 

Plus, I am sleeping better.

I highly recommend!"

JL

​
_________________________________________________

And if you want a little extra in the sleep ideas, check out our short experiential Sleep Support videos by Becca Odom Wellness


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1AQmov7KZ8 - Part 1

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz_yQmyOJ4k - Part 2




0 Comments

Pub Chat with Dave

9/18/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

PUB CHAT
New Wind River program with Co-Founder Dave called “Pub Chat”


As many of you know Shannon spends a lot of her day working on new programs and chatting with survivors on the phone. I, on the other hand, spend most of my day happily fixing things and doing physical labor on the property. But I always stop for the day around 4:30 so I’ve decided to make myself available from 4:30-6:00 (M-F) for Chat Time with you!

We already have a “Tea Time” (click here), but this new program is an opportunity to chat with a guy and get a different perspective – imagine a conversation over a pint at the local pub. I expect our Chats to last about 20-30 minutes and we can talk about ANYTHING you like: treatments, being a caregiver, self care, mindfulness or topics unrelated to cancer (work, travel, music, biking or literally anything at all)!

To make it super easy, just drop me an email at dave@windriverservices.org to set a time and day, and I’ll send you my cell #. After that we can do any future scheduling via text for simplicity. Here’s a toast to our first chat!

0 Comments

Young Colon Survivors - Meet Up Tonight in Charlotte

9/12/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture


Young Colon Survivor Meet and Greet.
Monday
 September 12th
​

Resident Culture Brewery. 332 W Bland St. Suite "C", Charlotte. 
6:30pm to whenever

​Bring a friend/spouse/partner!
0 Comments

PARTNER SHARING CORNER:

9/9/2022

0 Comments

 
Here are some great September education classes (via Zoom) being offered by the Integrative Oncology Team at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte.  These are available to survivors and/or caregivers of LCI.

Hot Topic: The Not So Sweet Truth About Sugar & Cancer - Tues. Sept. 13 at 10:30-12pm

Lymphedema Education - Weds. September 14 at 4:15 pm
​
Sleep 101 - Thurs. September 15 at 3:00 pm
The MIND-BODY-SPIRIT Connection: An approach to boost the healing process. Find out about the evidence   on how this approach influences the brain. body, and emotions. Learn ways to use this connection to reduce stress, improve sleep and fatigue, help with feelings of depression and anxiety, boost immune system and healing. Dr. Hariharan will share all of this and teach you about the LCI resources available to you. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 12 pm
Talking with Kids about Cancer - Tues. September 27 at 3 pm


To register:  Email: lcisupportiveoncology@atriumhealth.org and include
Information needed to register:
  • Your name 
  • Email address
  • Phone Number
  • If you are a patient, care partner, or staff member
  • The LCI location you visit most often
0 Comments

Welcome to the Wind River Team

9/5/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Teri Barron is being added officially as one of our wonderful Wind River Wellness Practitioners!  Please welcome her as she brings us guided meditations (especially in Nature), survivor mentoring and much more!

Teri is a Wind River alum and lung cancer survivor. She is a North Carolina native and lives in the country outside of Raleigh at Camp La TeDa, with her husband David and their two cats, Atti and Ace (short for attitude and action).


"Being a part of the Wind River family is a wonderful privilege." Teri’s husband says, as a survivor, she is part of an exclusive club that no one voluntarily joins. Now that she is a member of “the club” she couldn’t be more grateful for Wind River and all the love and support she has received throughout her journey.

Out in nature is where you can usually find Teri. She enjoys gardening, kayaking, bicycling, camping, walking the trails around her house, listening to live music, traveling and spending time with her grandkids.

Above all, Teri considers herself a healing artist. Former massage therapist, yoga teacher, birthing doula, office manager and more.  Presently, she is working on her Reiki Master Level Certification. “I am passionate about helping others find their own healing- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually”.
0 Comments

Lung Cancer Retreat - Applications OPEN

8/13/2022

0 Comments

 
Wind River brings together cancer survivors who want to further explore living more fully and authentically -  mind, body & spirit. Join us for an in-person Wind River Lung Cancer Wellness Retreat in partnership with the Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI).

September 23, 24, and 25, 2022
Raleigh, NC
Friday 11am through Sunday 3pm.

- participation across all three days is required
- lodging is provided



Includes lots of healthy outside activity (Drumming, Tai Chi, Nature Walks), healing plant-based foods, lots of survivor connections and more! And there is no charge thanks to the Lung Cancer Initiative!


APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Lung Cancer Initiative Advocacy Summit

8/9/2022

0 Comments

 
​You don't want to miss this week's Lung Cancer Initiative Advocacy Summit. Cheryl Lecroy will be one of the amazing speakers!

Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley where we will discuss topics including:
-Research and treatment updates,

-How your story may be someone else's lifeline,
-Making informed decisions after a lung cancer diagnosis,
-Taking care of your mental health, and more!
Also, join us for a special networking reception on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
This event is for anyone who has been impacted by lung cancer and who wants to advocate for change.

​Register today: https://bit.ly/2022AdvocacySummit.
Picture
0 Comments

Wind River's Pearls of Wisdom

6/30/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Coming July 5th, we will bring our 8 part summertime series on Wind River's Pearls of Wisdom featuring nuggets of gold from fellow survivors!  Join us for short inspirational weekly messages with suggested fun action items from others facing similar life challenges!

Share your contact information below if you are interested in receiving weekly pearls of wisdom from fellow survivors to inspire you in your daily choices of finding more happiness, peace and vitality in all things.

REGISTER HERE: 
 Wind River's Pearls of Wisdom - Summer Series

0 Comments

24 is COMING

6/26/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
24 Hours of Booty

Cancer Support Fundraising event - bike or walk with Wind River Team.  OR join us at our table as a volunteer in the Survivor Tent! 

This will be Shannon and Dave's 20TH BOOTY ANNIVERSARY!   JOIN US 


July 29 and July 30th, 2022: 
​We will be onsite starting at 4PM on Friday July 7th.  The Survivor's bike lap lines up at 6:15PM and the event officially kicks off at 7PM July 29th and goes until 7PM July 30th!!!
Queens University
Charlotte, NC

Details and Registration for the Team Here


And interested in volunteering with our table, or have questions, email us for details!




​
Picture
0 Comments

Resiliency Workshop

6/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

HeartMath with Lori Ives-Godwin
​

In-Person event (with covid test) at Wind River, Tryon, NC

Date: June 25th - WAIT LIST
Time: 10am - 3pm 
Details and REGISTER HERE

0 Comments

Is Healing Touch something new to you?

6/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Is Healing Touch something new to you? 

Did you know it can help with deep relaxation. lowering both pain and anxiety and even factor wound healing! 


We at Wind River have been offering "Healing Touch" sessions to survivors through our retreats for over 15 years. Last week were able to even offer an advanced 16 hour workshop to 6 survivors who are also healthcare practitioners thanks to our certified instructor and friend Shirley Ballantyne, BSN, RN, HTC1-2.  And over the last 2 years, we have been offering remote "Healing Touch" sessions with the same successes!  Tell Me More! click here

We'd love to share more with you!  Again, sign up below to receive a phone call to answer your questions and see if a "Healing Touch" session is right for you.

Tell Me More! click here

0 Comments

WIND RIVER'S SUMMER RETREAT - SURVIVORS NOURISHING SURVIVORS

6/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Wind River is hosting a special virtual retreat June 16th - June 18th for survivors currently in treatment (or recently completed).  

​This Wind River retreat is about heart-connections, letting your creativity flow and of course, laughter!  

JOIN US - CLICK HERE

Participation in ALL events is important (via Zoom). 
  • Thursday, June 16th (6pm - 7:45pm): Survivor Sharing through Art
  • Friday, June 17th (6pm - 7:45pm): Nourishing the Soul in the Kitchen
  • Saturday, June 18th (9:30am - 11:30am):  Connection time over Tea    

We invite you to carve out time for self-compassion, harmony and healing with us. 

CLICK HERE
0 Comments

Smoothie Bowls

5/25/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Smoothie Bowls and Cool Treats

Friday, June 24th
6:30PM-8:00PM EST - VIA ZOOM
SIGN UP HERE: 
Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie Bowls bring The Big Chill for Hot Summer months. This customizable Whole-Food treat is actually GOOD for you and SO very Delish!!!  
​
Join Cheryl and special guest (& smoothie specialist and Wind River Survivor Alum), Jennifer Spragins to learn to make this amazing summer treat.  Mangos Strawberries Blueberries Cherries OH MY!!! (and even zucchini)...you may never go back to ice cream again. (A high powered blender will be needed to create your smoothie bowl)

Cook along with Cheryl & Jennifer in your kitchen, or watch, listen and learn.  Everyone can ask questions along the way!    Upon signing up, Cheryl will email you the shopping list if you opt to cook together.


SIGN UP HERE: Smoothie Bowls with Special Guest Jen Jen
0 Comments

Mushroom Madness at Wind River

4/10/2022

0 Comments

 
Super excited to share our mushroom log making workshop again at Wind River.  The air was crisp and filled with survivor laughter and giggles as we talked about impregnating log with mushroom spores!  Cheryl Lecroy and Dave Pschirer explained about the mighty mushrooms power on our bodies for healing, the resiliency of the mushroom itself and much more. Then folks got to work on their logs.  Wood ships flying everywhere!!!

We had first-timers to Wind River and "old" timers to show them the ropes!  Lunch and time by the creek and fire, were, yep, a dash of Wind River magic.

Thank you all for sharing your hearts!

... couldn't make it?   We cannot inoculate logs all year-round (it is a seasonal thing) but Forest Bathing (aka personal time by the creek) is available now.  
Register Here - Forest Bathing. And if you cannot make those date, no problem, we will gladly work with you on a more convenient date!  We believe in flexibility and spontaneous living!   April and May is the best time to get away and just be!
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

NC Survivorship Caner Summit 2022

4/10/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
YOU ARE NOT ALONE - Moving Forward Together

​We wanted to share information on the North Carolina Cancer Survivorship Summit.  This year’s summit is FREE and will be 100% virtual. 

The North Carolina Cancer Survivorship Summit brings together cancer survivors, cancer patients and caregivers to share their experiences, learn the latest cancer treatments, research, and psychosocial issues, learn self-advocacy skills, and enhance the empowerment of survivors throughout their lives.
​
The Summit help survivors feel more in control of their life, make informed decisions about care, find treatment options suitable for each individual, build confidence to face the challenges ahead, sustain relationships with others, and feel hopeful and apply lessons learned to their daily life. The N.C. Cancer Survivorship Summit is for patients/survivors and caregivers only.

Steps to Register:
1. Go to: https://ncpha.memberclicks.net/cancer-survivorship-summit
2. Scroll down to the heading “NC Comprehensive Cancer Program Survivorship Summit” 
3. Click tab “Register here for Summit”
4. Scroll down to New User and enter your email address, you will then need to create a password
5. Click “Register Yourself”
6. Complete the registration form and click "submit" at the bottom
0 Comments

Making Magic Kid's Camp - WNC

4/7/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
While this is not a Wind River event, we want to make you aware of a wonderful programs that supports Western NC area children through and beyond their parent's cancer. Camp Kesem at Western Carolina University invites you to join them for their our annual Make the Magic.

Date: April 23rd, 6PM (Sinner, Drinks, Dessert)
Location: UNC- Asheville
Tickets: $50 each 
-  https://donate.kesem.org/event/camp-kesem-at-western-carolina-university-make-the-magic-fy-2022/e386565
Need two tickets? Wind River is going to purchase a couple for those that cannot afford it right now, but want to attend! email us at shannon@windriverservices.org


AND, want to register your child for camp? Applications are now OPEN. More details and eligibility can be found at: https://www.kesem.org/

​
0 Comments

Come into Nature ... and BREATHE  (April and May)

4/5/2022

0 Comments

 
  At Wind River we are BIG believers in the power of Nature to quiet the mind. Get away from it all for a couple of hours. Bring a lunch or snack and carve out some personal time to find a calmer, clearer, more peaceful state of mind.  We call this "FOREST BATHING"

Register Here - Forest Bathing

... and we have listed a few dates on the form, but if you cannot make those date, no problem, we will gladly work with you on a more convenient date!  We believe in flexibility and spontaneous living!   April and May is the best time to get away and just be!



You are welcome to come with a family member or guest, but no dogs are allowed. Masks are required only when around people not in your party.

This is unstructured time for you to do what you feel serves you best. Sit by the creek and listen to the birds, relax in a hammock, write in your journal, meditate, pray or take a walk on the trails and just let go for a while. We may be on the property working on a project or you may not see us at all - no matter, this is your time and there are plenty of great spaces on the property for contemplation and meditation (or singing, drumming or art if that's your thing)!

If it is raining, then it will be rescheduled.

Shannon will text you a confirmation and details including address.

Register Here - Forest bathing


0 Comments

Get Your Rear In Gear!

4/5/2022

0 Comments

 
What an AMZAING 2022 Get Your Rear In Gear race in Charlotte!

Our fabulous Wind River posse came out in mass and helped other survivors feel welcome in the survivor's tent. Lance Hatfield was our survivor superstar, arriving at 5:45AM and staying all day helping everyone with event needs.  And our Christy Williams was honored with Sue Falco award for serving survivors - what a special moment!

Special thank you to Colon Cancer Coalition for helping to bring brilliant SUNFLOWERS to the survivors.

And Wind River is eternally grateful to CCC and the Charlotte Get Your Rear in Gear for their ongoing support, helping us bring programs to colon survivors and their families at no cost to them.  

​
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Author

    Wind River

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Archived

THANK YOU to our many supporters and sponsors for making this possible!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Wind River Services is a501(c)3 not-for-profit affiliate organization.    Written Permission is Required for Re-Print or Electronically Post of any part of this website including but not limited to text, videos, and pictures.  
Copyright 2007 - 2023