Come in as strangers and leave as friends.
That is exactly what happened to Amber, Anna, Anne, Bernadette, Chris, Claire, Dale, Debra, Jody, Karen, Karla, Keesha, Margaret, Mary, Samantha, Shannon, Tara, Teresa C, and Teresa H.
In November, 2018 Teal Diva hosted our 3rd Gynecologic {K}ancer Survivor Retreat.
We started out with an invitation to 15 women and somehow our list grew to 21 before we settled at 19. The selection process is incredibly difficult on us and sometimes, well....we just can't decide. I will tell you a lot of prayer goes into the selection process.
Everyone had their own reasons for attending. Perhaps she no longer wanted to feel like a fish out of water. Perhaps she was new to this world and needed to feel normal. Maybe she simply needed to feel loved. As isolating as this disease can be, maybe she no longer wanted to feel alone. Maybe she was looking for her purpose. She may have just needed rest. Maybe she came for the massage. Whatever the reason, she trusted Teal Diva to provide it.
The Location
The retreat took place at Sea View Inn located in Pawleys Island, SC. Walking into Sea View Inn is like taking a step back in time. They promote togetherness. No Phones in common area. No TV's at all. No WiFi. It is situated between the marsh and the ocean with breathtaking views on either side of the Inn. I don't know what it is about the ocean, but there is definitely healing power there...I can't speak for everyone, but I know I sure felt different leaving than when I arrived.
I have been to a few retreats and know the healing power one can get from them. But you only get out of it, what you put in. So everyone who committed only had one rule upon arrival: participation!
What we promised in return for participation was a long weekend in an amazing setting.....and pampering! We promised a massage. We promised good food. And we promised to give everyone plenty of down time to relax or walk on the beach or do yoga....or whatever they desired.
Here is a sneak peek into our weekend.....
Each lady received gifts. Now, I'd love to share the contents with you, but that may ruin the surprise for when you arrive {as some gifts were so popular, we have decided to continue offering them}.
The only time we officially met as a group is after dinner. Once our official meeting time ended, some went on to bed. Some would journal. And some....well, gathered on the back porch in a rocking chair to talk, laugh and share stories with the sound of the ocean in the back ground.
Now, I can't go giving away all the secrets. You will have to come and experience the retreat for yourself.
The 2019 location will be announced early 2019 and registration will be open soon after. Spots will fill up fast. We will have a waiting list so no worries if you do not make it on the initial guest list. The best thing you can do is prepare now so you will be ready to apply.
Teal Diva Retreat Requirements
**Gynecologic {K}ancer Survivor
**Willing to participate
**Willing to room with others
**Willing to share your story
**Positive Outlook/Attitude
**Travel approved by doctor
**Must be able to pay for travel accommodations to and from the retreat
**Follow Teal Diva on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or whichever you have
**If you nominate someone, make sure they know they have been
nominated and understand who we are and what we do.
Follow Teal Diva on all social media platforms so you don't miss the open registration announcement. Hope to see you soon!
Help sponsor our 2019 retreat...
If you would like to be a sponsor of our 2019 retreat, please contact us for further details. One of our sponsors this year, BB&T Enterprise Fraud Management, pictured below, donated all of the gift baskets and most of the content for each as a community service project.
Thank you...
BB&T Enterprise Fraud Management
Green With Envy
Hazel + Birch
Hibiscus Brand Management
LaLuz Speaks
Origins
Sage Hollow
Serenity, Courage and Wisdom
annnnnd....
Aaron Domm Gastroenterology
Balfor Beatty
Caris Life Science
Diesel Doctors
D R Horton
Enterprise Rent A Car
Grier Interiors
Lavendar Boutique
Sherry Strong
Teal Butterfly Challenge
