Women's cancer retreat coming to Moose Jaw on Mar. 18

Moose Jaw’s Hillcrest Golf Club will play host to a women’s cancer retreat on Mar. 18., which is being put on by Inpower Regina.  

The retreat is for all women with any type of cancer diagnosis at any stage.  

Tracy Gardikiotis, a committee member with Inpower, says in her experience these group retreats are beneficial to women who have or are diagnosed with cancer.  

“Particularly in a rural setting where women are more isolated, as they meet other women going through the same or similar diagnosis in treatment and experiencing similar side effects and feelings, it can really start to help build a strong bond and friendship,” says Gardikiotis. “They get to meet people who fully understand what they’re going through and they’re able to share and learn from each other.” 

The event kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at the Hillcrest Golf Club and will run until 4:30 p.m. Gardikiotis adds that there will be a lot to do for those attending the retreat. 

Throughout the day the retreat will offer some presentations, as well as some interactions to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being during and after treatment.

“We have some speakers, including a specialist cancer exercise professional to talk about the benefits of exercise with cancer. In particular, to discuss a cancer program that is offered through the University of Calgary and is available for patients in Saskatchewan to access.” 

In addition, a psychologist will be in attendance to provide information on emotional and mental health, along with some peer support and social activities at the end of the event. 

“Our goal is to help women understand the different things they are going through as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment, along with services and activities that can help them through that. Also, to build connections with other women and hopefully after the retreat is done those connections can continue.” 

Gardikiotis says that this event was brought to Moose Jaw thanks to breast cancer survivor, Jasmine Jackman who reached out to Inpower to host this retreat at the Hillcrest Golf Club.  

Jasmine’s 10-year-old daughter Maggie performed some fundraising to help make this a free event for those attending, along with some help from the Heidi Clay Rural Rehabilitation Retreat Initiative.  

Heidi Clay is the reason these retreats began as she was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and faced challenges living in rural Saskatchewan.  

“She faced some of the challenges of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and going through treatment in a rural setting where she was a little more isolated from other people. As well as going to treatments, the cost, and the time. She had a young family and had some difficulty managing all of that.” 

After she passed away, it was important for Clay to improve services for rural patients diagnosed with breast cancer. With the help of Inpower and Clay’s family, the Heidi Clay Rural Rehabilitation Retreat Initiative was born.  

“Our goal is to provide education, information, and support to women with cancer and their caregivers in rural settings.” 

Those that want more registration information can email Inpower directly at inpowerregina@gmail.com.

More information on the event can be found below:

Photo credit: Inpower Regina