Our Impact
The mission of Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats is to
support, empower and enhance the quality of life
for women of all stages of breast cancer
through adventure based support opportunities in a retreat environment.
Our Vision:
The Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats is a dynamic, grassroots organization of volunteers dedicated to fostering hope and enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Through the facilitation and efforts of the board of directors and local and regional community volunteers, an ongoing schedule of events/activities provide survivors with opportunities to network, to pursue personal growth and empowerment and to foster an attitude of survivorship. The organization is committed to developing the resources necessary to create a successful and stable financial picture via a marketing and fundraising plan that relies on securing diversified resources.
Our Values:
We welcome women with breast cancer from all walks of life, who are at any age or stage in their cancer journey. Our priority is to provide an inclusive, comforting and rejuvenating experience for women so that they can harness the healing power of nature to go from surviving to thriving.
What our participants are saying…
After my diagnosis in January 2023, I felt scared and in a sense, alone. Betty J. Borry Adventure Retreats gave me the opportunity to meet women with breast cancer, and made me feel that I was a part of something greater than my own illness.
Sharing our stories with one another, openly talking about our cancer almost immediately, like we had known each other forever. We were different and each of us had a unique story sharing everything including supportive words of kindness and understanding. All of this support not only made the retreat leave me with a sense of security, it made me feel that I was not alone.
The weather didn't cooperate, and the adventure had to change, so the BJB as well as the camp facilitators really did a great job on a beautiful campus. I wouldn't trade my time with them. Because we came in as strangers and left as sisters.
- Liz V. (Summer Adventure Retreat Participant)
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“I am so very blessed to belong to such a wonderful group of sisters!! Although it isn’t a group we have chosen for ourselves, I would definitely say it is one truly great thing that breast cancer gave me!”
Charli (Fall Retreat Participant)
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“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to have found this group and these amazing and beautiful women!! “This retreat was a life-changing experience. I met the most wonderful, strong and inspirational women during this weekend. I leave here with a lot of hope in my heart!”
Fall Retreat Participant
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“I am still in awe of this weekend. Never in my life have I experienced such non-judgemental, unconditional love in a room full of strangers that I now consider my extended family. Thanks to each and everyone of you for a most remarkable time.”
Adventure Weekend Participant
Breast Cancer Resources
AstraZeneca Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society) - Offers lodging and support services for cancer patients receiving treatment away from home. Website
Amy’s Treat - Works with Wentworth Douglass Hospital to enrich the journey of those living with cancer. Website
Annie's Angels - Website
Annie's Helping Hands - Offers 6 months of massage, reiki, and meditation therapies to residents of Rockingham and Strafford counties currently receiving treatments. Website
Blum Resource Center at Massachusetts General Hospital - Offers resources and support for cancer patients and their families. Website
Cape Wellness Collaborative (CWC) - Offers free integrative and complementary therapies to people facing cancer in the Cape Cod area. Website
Cam Neely Foundation/Neely House - Offers support and comfort to cancer patients and their families. Website
Community Servings - Offers nutritious meals to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. Website
Dempsey Center - Provides support, education, and integrative services to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Website
Grateful Friends - Website
Healing Winds USA - Offers sailing adventures for cancer patients and their families. Website
Ironstone Farm - Provides therapeutic horseback riding and other programs for individuals with special needs, including cancer patients. Website
Jacqui Bryan - Functional Nutritionist, Whole Health Educator, Certified Health Coach, Consultant and Speaker Website
Joe Andruzzi Foundation - Provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families. Website
Karen Wellington Foundation - Website
Magnolia Meals at Home - Provides home-delivered meals to cancer patients and their families. Website
On Belay - Provides free adventure based programs to youth, 8-18, impacted by a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. Website
Patient Advocate Foundation - Offers support and resources for patients navigating the healthcare system. Website
Pink Revolution of NH - Raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support. Website
Runway for Recovery - Focuses on supporting breast cancer patients. Website
Sailing Heals - Offers therapeutic sailing experiences for individuals affected by cancer. Website
Sam Fund - Provides support for young adult cancer survivors. Website
To Show We Care - A resource for those affected by cancer to show support and care. Website
Tough Warrior Princesses - Provides support, comfort, love, and resources to women affected by cancer, particularly in the north shore of Boston and southern New Hampshire. Website
WomenAid of Greater Portsmouth - Supports women in need, including those affected by cancer. Website
Yoga Hope - Offers monthly workshops to explore positive changes in life after a cancer diagnosis. Website
Yoga in Action - Yoga in Action is a yoga service organization helping people navigate life’s challenges by providing accessible yoga programs to individuals in various circumstances, including cancer patients and caregivers. Website
YMCA of the North Shore - Corner Stone Program for Cancer Survivors - Provides support and programs for cancer survivors. Website
Zakim Center at Dana Farber - Website