Ryan, at only 36 years old, received a devastating diagnosis of colon cancer in September 2023. Since then, he and his wife have encountered a multitude of financial and emotional obstacles. Ryan has had to take time off work for tests, procedures, and his appointments, adding to their burden. Their young son is grappling with the situation, struggling to comprehend his father’s illness. Recognizing the strain on the family, Ryan’s social worker at Alliance Cancer Specialists knew that this young family needed time together to create happy memories and smiles away from the shadow of cancer. 

In March 2024, Ryan and his family experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort. He was so grateful for the experience and shared, 

At the age of 28, Dylan has been confronted with a diagnosis of colon cancer, a stark reality that has abruptly halted her young life. Amid the whirlwind of medical appointments and treatments, her nominator at Lehigh Valley Health Network knew she needed a pause – the gift of respite would grant Dylan the opportunity to cherish quality moments with her loved ones away from cancer.  

In February 2024, Dylan and her mom, Lori, experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort. She was so grateful for the experience and shared: 

At just 27, Nadia is facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Amidst the demands of motherhood and the rigors of chemotherapy and surgery, Nadia has shown incredible resilience. Her nominator at Abramson Cancer Center knew she and her young family needed this temporary break. She eagerly anticipated a cost-free getaway to simply be a mom and allow herself a moment of emotional and physical rejuvenation.

In January 2024, Nadia, her husband, and her two young daughters experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort. She was so grateful for the experience and shared.

In February 2023, David faced a daunting diagnosis of lung cancer. His journey since his diagnosis has been marked by many challenging obstacles, including traveling two hours every three weeks to receive treatment, all while maintaining his full-time job.

Recognizing the immense pressure David was under, his nominator at Memorial Sloan Kettering saw the critical need for him to have quality time away from the cancer battle. It was a necessary break and precious time to reconnect and create memories with his wife and children. David shared that this time away would be a way to step back from the exhausting routine of treatments and work to be with his family, free from the constant reminders of his battle with cancer.

David and his family experienced a Travel Respite to Woodloch Resort in December 2023! Upon returning from respite, David’s wife and caregiver, Kristen, shared,

Andrea, age 48, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and has undergone surgery and multiple hospitalizations due to chemotherapy. This significantly impacted her family life, with her nine-year-old son anxious about her health and her husband working extra hours to cover medical costs. Her oncologist at Abramson Cancer Center in Cherry Hill, NJ, nominated her, knowing her family needed time to reconnect. Andrea hoped for bonding time with her family to create happy memories and a break from the stress and emotions of treatment.

In November 2023, Andrea, her husband, and her son experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort.

Maria, age 48, was diagnosed with sinus cancer in June 2023. Maria has leaned on her daughter as her caregiver, who has three small children and cannot work as she cares for her mom. Her oncologist at Penn Medicine nominated Maria after seeing the many struggles she and her daughter have gone through due to the aggressive nature of her cancer and the financial burden on her family. Maria hoped she would have stress-free time on respite and enjoy being with her family.

In November 2023, Maria, her daughter, and three grandchildren experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort. She was so grateful for the experience and shared:

Jen, age 40, a busy mom of three children, was diagnosed with Lymphoma in May 2023. Her oncology team from Jefferson Health in Philadelphia nominated her after seeing how cancer has affected her as a mother, wife, nurse and active member of her community.

In October 2023, Jen and her family experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort.

Amber, age 46, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She was nominated by her oncology team at Cancer Care Partnership in State College, PA after seeing how she has demonstrated courage and perseverance during her breast cancer journey despite encountering many challenges. They knew that Amber, her husband, and their four children would benefit from an FPS Travel Respite to help take away a positive memory from this cancer battle.

In September 2023, Amber and her family experienced FPS Respite at Woodloch Resort.

Connie, age 47, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022. Her oncology team at Penn Medicine Valley Forge saw that she has maintained a positive attitude despite her rigorous treatments taking a toll on her and her family. They knew Connie and her family needed a break from cancer and nominated her for an FPS Travel Respite.

In August 2023, Connie, and her family experienced FPS Respite in Jefferson, ME. She shares that they arrived “to a space of hope, fun and acceptance.”

Laura is 48 years old with breast cancer. Her 24 year old daughter is her caregiver and so many of their days have been consumed by cancer treatment and worries. Laura’s oncology team at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute knew that Laura and her children would benefit from some rest and relaxation, as well as some connection with other families facing cancer! Laura and her two children were thrilled to take a break from cancer on an FPS Travel Respite at Woodloch Resort.

Dorcy is 41 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Over the past three years she has undergone three surgeries for her cancer, along with needing to care for multiple other health conditions that have prevented her from working. Dorcy feels as though it has been one thing after another without a break.

Her oncology team at Wellspan Health and Cancer Care Associates wanted to give her family a respite to take a break from the hardships and sickness. Getting the chance to create memories with her daughter was all Dorcy could hope for. On respite at Woodloch in September, Dorcy’s family was able to bond with other people going through a similar situation which gave them a better understanding of how to cope with cancer.

Awilda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. As a single parent of two children, she experienced struggles from treatment and financial worries. She recently completed treatment and her oncology team at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care wanted to give her a chance to finally “exhale” with her kids.

Awilda told us, “We need this respite to erase the memories of cancer treatment. We need a reset and a chance to make up for lost time.”

Awilda and her children traveled to Woodloch Resort in December, where they made new memories filled with fun and connected with other FPS families.

Upon return from respite, Awilda shared with us,

Diagnosed with leukemia in 2021, cancer took a toll on Katie’s life that was bigger than she could have imagined. Katie experienced significant health problems related to her cancer including seizures and fluid around her heart. She’s experienced so much pain – socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Katie’s oncology team at Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center nominated her for an FPS Respite Experience so she’d have something to look forward to during a long treatment journey. In February, Katie and her husband, Nick, embarked on a Travel Respite at Woodloch with other FPS families. For this, they are forever grateful! Upon return from respite, Katie shared with us,

Yan is 42 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2021. It’s been difficult for her to work and her husband has had to work more hours, leaving less time for family bonding and support. Yan’s oncology team at Fox Chase Cancer Center knew some precious time away would be beneficial for the entire family! In June, Yan, her husband and their children traveled to Woodloch Resort for an FPS Travel Respite. Here’s what they shared upon their return,

Brian, 42, is a high school teacher and was diagnosed with cancer in early 2022. Brian shared that his task was straight forward- to rest, to try to eat, and to endure. Brian says that his husband, Marc, has a much more uneasy task as caregiver. Even during struggling times Marc continued to push forward, and Brian says that Marc is the reason he continues to make progress. For this reason, Brian wanted to surprise Marc by “getting back to something we have missed- making memories together.”

His oncology team at Cape Regional Medical Center Radiation wanted to give Brian and his husband a break from cancer once Brian completed radiation therapy in September. They knew that Brian and Marc love to travel, which they haven’t been able to do since Brian began treatment. Because of our FPS community, the couple were given the opportunity to travel to Woodloch Resort in October!