Cancer is a disease that affects the lives of both patient and family members, regardless of age. It often takes the family as a unit to pull together its many strengths to battle the challenges of this disease. Although the number of people whose lives are touched by cancer is high, there are few community resources available to meet all of their psychosocial needs. Therefore, the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Health University Medical Center created the Harvest of Hope Retreat to bring together childhood and adult cancer survivors and their extended families for a relaxing and educational retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for families to share with their peers their experiences and to interact with oncology professionals in a safe and stress-free setting. The retreat is free to all participants and is open to cancer patients and their families in the community.

The retreat provides programs to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those going through a journey with cancer. Many of the educational activities incorporate the literature and programs of the American Cancer Society, such as the I Can Cope series on nutrition, coping with cancer related side effects, and communicating about your illness to healthcare providers and family. Other activities include sessions on art and music therapies, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, massage therapy, spirituality, humor, and emotional health. Furthermore, several programs that provide information on cancer prevention practices such as healthy eating, exercise, and antismoking education, as well as vital information on cancer screening programs, will be available.