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.

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!

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)
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"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

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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

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
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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

​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.

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!



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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

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

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!!!  
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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

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!

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.
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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

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/

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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.  

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