| Ezer Mizion coordinated and hosted a two day retreat for women dealing with cancer. The group included women who have cancer, women whose husbands are ill and mothers of children with cancer.
Participants enjoyed two days of pampering, a variety of interesting and stimulating activities, and a chance to share a refreshing experience with the women they are used to meeting only in a hospital setting.
The Utopia Park greeted them with ideal weather, where they strolled through the park's expanses and observed the breathtaking blossoming of orchids and other beautiful and fragrant flowers.
From there, they proceeded to a tour of the Zichron Yaakov Winery, arriving towards evening at the Nir Etzion Hotel. Activities continued into the evening, as the group gradually warmed to each other. It did not take long for the women to get comfortable, open up and share the difficult challenges each one is experiencing as a result of the illness with the other women.
The next morning, the group went ranger riding in the Bet Elchem Ha'glilit area which elicited smiles from all the women - even those who were hesitant about going out on the bumpy trail. After a special soap workshop, they set off to an elaborate lunch at the Vineyard Restaurant in Zichron Yaakov. Moving remarks were made by the participants at the closing event of the trip. The women unanimously agreed that this retreat and pampering experience had infused them with renewed energy. They felt fortified in their struggle with serious illness, and infused with optimism for the future. |
