Young Survivors Beach Retreat Club

Support for young survivors in all stages of their breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This group was formed to provide a source of education, friendship and support for the young survivors in the Middle Georgia community affected by breast cancer, whether currently fighting or in remission. The members have generally been diagnosed by the age of 50, however, there are no restrictions as to who qualifies as a 'young' survivor. Open and Closed Meeting Sessions are offered throughout the year.

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”
--Anonymous

The Young Survivors Beach Retreat Club meet bi-monthly from September to May from 5:30-7:00pm at Forest Hills United Methodist Church at 1217 Forest Hill Road in Macon.

Escaping to the beach brings thoughts of relaxation, reflection, peacefulness and fun. This group is designed to help Young Survivors escape to the shore while also leaving their footprints in the sand to help guide those who will follow them on their journey.

Nursery/Childcare provided for children under the age of 4.

Children ages 4-16 will enjoy joining meeting simultaneously with our Beach Buddies Club.

Spouses/Caregivers of our survivors will enjoy meeting simultaneously with our Men IN Pink group.

In between our club meetings, we meet for bi-monthly family socials to allow the WHOLE family the opportunity to meet the families of other survivors. This environment is very welcoming for first-time visitors and provides a more relaxed setting to learn more about one another.

The name of this group, Young Survivors Beach Retreat Club, was formed from the notion that visits to the beach provide us with a sense of peace and renewal. Due to the uncertainty that survivors face after their diagnosis, we strive to provide them with the comfort of what they feel when they are wisked away on a beach vacation!

We are proud to announce that we were fortunate enough to hold our First Annual Beach Retreat on June 3rd-6th, 2010 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The uninterrupted time together allowed survivors of all ages and stages to share their most intimate feelings, fears and concerns in a safe environment. Bonds were created that will last a lifetime.

Please see our Calendar of Events for dates of upcoming meetings and socials.

Our programs and services are offered at no charge and are supported completely by private donations.

Our Services

• Every young survivor and family has different needs and as an organization, we seek to meet the needs of each family (that may be prayers for some, friendship, notes, calls, company at chemo, etc.)
• We help connect young survivors with other survivors at varying stages in treatment and recovery through groups and activities.
• We seek to provide a balance of offerings through programs and family socials. Some of our past events have included pumpkin painting, egg hunts, hay rides, pottery, etc.
• We provide opportunities to be involved in research programs conducted locally that focus on the physical, psychological, and quality of life issues among breast cancer survivors and their families.
• We partner with local healthcare professionals to offer updated resources and training regarding diagnosis, treatment plans and post-treatment issues.
• We provide chemo care packages to newly diagnosed patients.
• We provide meal and housekeeping vouchers.
• We provide books and printed materials to survivors, their children and loved ones.
• We offer opportunities for interested individuals to help raise awareness in our local community through health fairs, fundraisers and various events.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

'Nearly 28,000 American women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year...' (statistic taken from the MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Please contact us if you are interested in joining us for an upcoming survivors meeting, social or retreat.

We also encourage you to read our Support Group Basics and Topics for Discussion.