Healing Odyssey retreats for cancer survivors are back

Wearing a harness and stretching out arms while hanging over a cliff. Talking about residual fears and releasing emotions. Practicing yoga and walking through a nature path that has stepping stones. Reading encouraging phrases.

For women recovering from cancer and the side effects of treatment, activities like these offer much-needed breaks to refresh their spirits and lend camaraderie and support.

For 19 years, Healing Odyssey had organized spring and fall weekend retreats for female cancer survivors who were able to participate in a therapeutic recovery program.

The Lake Forest-based organization had helped more than 1,000 women since 1994, but after 45 retreats, the organization disbanded in 2013 because of a lack of donations.

“It was disappointing because we knew how effective the structure was,” said Donna Farris, Healing Odyssey’s founder and executive director, who led women through meditation, nature hikes and group discussions.

Now Healing Odyssey is being revived and relaunched, thanks to a donor whose family member had benefited from a retreat.

That benefactor is Ross Roskamp, a partner in senior services company Freedom Management Co., based in San Juan Capistrano.

Roskamp and his wife also had a close friend who participated in the group’s second retreat and died from ovarian cancer 11 years ago.

The couple began attending Healing Odyssey fundraisers and hosting wine tastings to raise proceeds for the organization. When the group disbanded, Roskamp said, he wanted to donate more.

“I really liked the results,” Roskamp said. “We’d get letters back saying how much it changed people’s lives. I looked at so many charitable groups to help, but I always liked the efficiency and how much of the funds go to the program. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate organization.”

Financial assistance is offered to Healing Odyssey participants so that no one is ever turned away for lack of money. Registration is $450 and includes lodging, meals, materials and a ropes course.

Rayna Davis, Healing Odyssey director of finance and operations, said she went to one of the retreats after surviving breast cancer.

“I was an emotional mess,” said Davis, a Huntington Beach resident. “By the end of the retreat, it changed my life. It gave me and hope and courage to forward and thrive.”

The spring retreat will be held from April 29 to May 1 at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange.

“When you start to feel empowered, the pain starts to go away,” Farris said. “You’re exhilarated.”

For more information, call (949) 707-1710 or visit healingodyssey.net.