| A Tribute to Jim Leavy and the Stowe Weekend of Hope for Cancer Patients and their Families at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont |
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The
Healing Companion: Simple and Effective Ways Your
Presence Can Help People Heal
When
Life Becomes Precious: A Guide for Loved Ones and
Friends of Cancer Patients
Facing
Cancer Together: How to Help Your Friend or Loved
One Kim Dixon,
Marketing Manager of Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont knew
Jim quite well. During her tenure at Marios International, when that Spa was
named The Distinguished Day Spa of The Year 2000, Kim and Jim collaborated in
the taking of pictures for Day Spa Industry News (the DSA member newsletter).
Kim provided him with pictures we periodically needed for press inquiries, etc.
Kim later relocated to her hometown - Stowe, Vermont.
When she heard
that my partner of 34 years lost his fight to cancer at the end of March after a
long battle, she thought a weekend with people who have suffered through and/or
are still experiencing similar situations would help me heal. She convinced me
to participate in this event. Well, she was right and she was wrong.
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa joined with The Vermont Cancer Network and the community of Stowe, VT, to host the 2nd Annual Stowe Weekend of Hope. Lodging, lectures and seminars were provided free of charge to survivors of cancer and their supporters. Over 1,000 participants gathered together to celebrate this Weekend of Hope, camaraderie, education and inspiration.
I personally
had the opportunity to participate in the Celebrate Life! Spa luncheon
demonstration by Spa Chef, Jeffrey Weiss. His extensive knowledge of fine dining
and healthy cuisine makes him the perfect choice for this first-class resort and
spa. Jeffrey started his culinary career at the prestigious Clas pa Hornet in
Stockholm, Sweden. After vigorous classical training through the apprenticeship
program, he was given the opportunity to train at all the various stations in
the kitchen. Chef Weiss gained the foundation of techniques that inspired
Matpalatset to invite him to be part of the pre-opening team for the new
innovative seven outlet food palace. When the restaurant opened,
Weiss was in charge of the fine dining outlet and the production kitchen. With a
strong desire to gain more knowledge of the culinary field, Weiss returned to
the United States to attend Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island.
Upon graduating with a degree in culinary arts, he joined the Hyatt Regency
Hilton Head Island and others. Needless to say the luncheon demonstration was a
huge success and the fare delicious, healthy and plentiful.
Other
workshops that took place at The Stoweflake were on Lymphedema Care, Couples
Massage and Stress Management, the latter presented by Damian O. Matthews the
spas Massotherapist and Healthy Living educator.
Gayle
Brittingham of Jurlique, the skin care product choice of the Spa Director Kathy
Wheelwright, presented the advantages of quality skin care for cancer patients.
Jurlique claims to be the purest skin and body care on earth, is rich in natural
anti-oxidants to revitalize, nourish and strengthen the skin. The products
are non-allergenic, pH balanced and promote radiant skin whatever the age or
climate. Based on the ancient arts of alchemy, homeopathy, aromatherapy and
herbal medicines, the products are made from completely natural ingredients and
herbs, organically grown and produced in South Australia. They are totally
biodegradable, recyclable, environmentally friendly, and contain no chemicals,
artificial preservatives, colors or fragrances! Jurlique products are not tested
on animals; nor do they contain any animal content.
So, why did I say that Kim was right and wrong?
She was right as participating in this Weekend of Hope was uplifting in a way knowing that many people do survive this devastating disease; uplifting because it gave me a chance to get away from the four walls with all their memories; rejuvenating because of the wonderful treatments I received; enjoyable because of the company that I was privileged to have; healthful and restful, and yes, spiritual because of being close to nature, the woods, the mountains and, yes, the snow, but only from the distance on top of the Mount Mansfield its still not the Alps!
She was wrong wherever we go, we take us and our troubles along. I missed Jim...to share with him the beauty of nature, the kindness of the people, the moments, the meals, the fireplace, my thoughts and laughter, and more.
I miss you
Jim, your creativity, your wisdom, your gentleness and kindness, your strong
conviction to truth and fairness, your insight of people and your vast knowledge
of every subject that ever came up. You never ceased to amaze me. You knew
something of everything, no matter what it was. You were the one who encouraged
me to go on when the going got tough, you were the one who created the CHARITY
pages on www.spaassociation.com,
and who suggested the creation of the SPA PERSON OF THE MONTH and subsequently
awarding the SPA PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD.
I thank you for a lifetime together. We encountered tragedies and ecstasies. We had our disagreements, but many more laughs and joyous moments. Sometimes the road was hard, but it was well worth the journey. Our life together was never dull and the happiness you brought to your children, your wife and your friends we will never forget. We will miss you and so will your friends in the spa industry. Your voice recording is still on the DSA voicemail I think Ill keep it there for a while!
About The Stowe Weekend of Hope Fund
The Stowe
Weekend of Hope Fund is run by The Vermont Cancer Network. This is a
tax-deductible fund that is used to support education cancer events in relaxed
retreat healing settings. The recent event in Stowe involved over 1,000 cancer
patient traveling to this lovely resort community from about 20 states and 3
provinces from Canada. These retreats are open to any family dealing with the
burden of cancer, and are designed to meet the diverse needs of each member of
the family.
Special attention is paid to help cancer patients learn to physically and
emotionally heal from the trauma of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Classes and
workshops address stress management, meditation, couples massage, lymphedema
massage, good nutrition, dealing with fatigue, and body image. Special
workshops are done for children with cancer and children whose parents have
cancer. Another series of workshops are done for teenagers with cancer, and
teenagers whose parents have cancer. The agenda of speakers and workshop leaders
is very diverse with top people from around the US donating their time for this
important cause.
Every family
dealing with cancer would love a weekend to be pampered and enjoy a vacation,
but due to the heavy bills associated with cancer care, they often cannot afford
one. The Stowe Weekend of Hope works with the National Society of Oncology
Nurses to identify cancer patients that most need assistance to attend this
event. Oncology Nurses around the US were able to help reach out to these
families. Amtrak donated a full car of their train from Washington, DC to
transport families to Vermont
The Train of Hope was a great success. The
organizers were even able to secure discounts on car rentals and airline flights
for entire families, and those families in need also received assistance with
food costs, all transporting needs for themselves and their support personnel.
Each family gets their own motel unit for 2- 3 days so that they can enjoy Stowe
together. Special trips were planned for them, and hosted by Weekend of Hope
volunteers.
Cancer patients from around the US participate in these unique weekends. Most
cancer educational events are designed for persons with only one type of
cancer-for example breast or prostate. It is strongly believed that there
are common bonds between all families challenged by cancer of any type, and that
all need mutual support. As far as it is known this is the largest 3-day event
for families dealing with cancer in the USA. It is also unique in that financial
assistance is provided for families to come, that would not otherwise be able to
attend.
Funds donated
to the Stowe Weekend of Hope are used to pay for families transportation to
attend the event, help them pay for food during the event, and to provide them
with direct services while attending this special weekend. Corporate
support has played an important part in helping this event to grow and reach
more families. All donations are tax-deductible and are used to directly
help families cope with cancer.
Dr. Patti O'Brien is a physician and a cancer survivor herself and the driving
force behind this unique concept of The Weekend of Hope. It brings
patients with cancer to a resort to heal physically and emotionally, share their
stories, and celebrate life with those who love them.
The Jim Leavy Fund
We have established a special fund to honor Jim Leavy within The Weekend of Hope movement. The Jim Leavy Fund will be used to support families coping with cancer so that they may attend healing retreats with the ones they love. This fund is a part of a 501C nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. All proceeds will be used directly to assist people coping with cancer to attend educational and inspirational events that promote emotional and physical healing.
Any one interested in more information about the Jim Leavy Fund & The Stowe
Weekend of Hope, or tax information for donating should contact:
Stowe Weekend of Hope/Jim Leavy Fund
Attn.: Patti O'Brien M.D.
40 Wright Court
South Burlington, VT 05403
Donations can be sent in US$ to the above address.
Thank you for your support in memory of Jim.
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Note
from Julie Register, Your Guide to Spas
I would like to compile a comprehensive list of spas offering treatments for
cancer survivors and recovery. If you know of spas that should be included in this list,
please email the information to spas.guide@about.com
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