Shay's Warriors' June retreat in Palm Springs inspires 25 cancer survivors
Shay Moraga, founder of Shay’s Warriors, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. By forming her nonprofit foundation, the Coachella Valley resident found a place where she felt connected with other people like her, where she could not only share her story, but she could inspire others to do so as well.
“Cancer changes you because every bit of trust you had in life is questioned in an instant and every instant after," she says. "Just because you are 'cancer free' doesn't mean you are 'mentally cancer free.' Cancer shows you your mortality like looking in the mirror. It puts life into perspective, because not everyone is a survivor.
“Sharing my story really helped because the more that I shared, the more I felt like I healed and connected with others like me. People understood.”
It was after attending a yoga retreat that Moraga found the inspiration and vision to host a local getaway that cancer survivors could attend at no cost.
“I was told it was risky and a big thing to do," she says. "My heart and soul told me this would help survivors physically and emotionally — especially after treatments. Survivors need a reset. That is when the 'I Am Hope' survivors retreat was created.”
When the pandemic put the first planned retreat in 2020 on hold, Shay’s Warriors immediately pivoted and delivered “Love Bombs of Hope,” gift boxes full of self-care and self-love items that survivors could use anytime.
Shay's Warriors seeks to inspire cancer survivors and their families by offering emotional and educational peer support in the form of a live virtual educational series twice a month plus podcasts, blogs, inspirational music and merchandise.
To attend the retreat, one had to be nominated. A committee was formed to review all 90-plus nominations because there was only funding for 25 attendees. Nominees had to be between six months and five years of survivorship and finished with active treatment.
Breast cancer and other reproductive cancers were the focus this year, however anyone could be nominated so long as they had a willingness to share their story. After all, this wasn’t a free weekend of pampering, it was a weekend of connection and emotional healing.
The retreat took place June 24-26 (June is National Cancer Survivor Month) in Palm Springs at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows and Ingleside Inn. Moraga invited Cecily Elmas, a nationally recognized life coach, to attend.
“The retreat is kept intimate,” Moraga says, “because with survivorship, there is a lot that goes around, and we want to give each attendee the opportunity to connect and walk away friends for life. It’s a weekend of self-care, joy, gratitude and an opportunity to heal."
The weekend began Friday evening with a meet-and-greet at the Ingleside Inn, followed by a mocktail and welcome reception at the Avalon. There were introductions, mingling and a family-style dinner. To end the evening, a grounding ceremony was held with a sound bath.
Throughout the weekend, morning stretch meditation and yoga was offered, and sessions were held throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Saturday evening included free time by the pool, a taco bar and celebration with a DJ and lots of dancing. Sunday included sessions, closing ceremony, lunch and a fond farewell.
The retreat's presenting sponsor was JSP Tool Box. Premier sponsors were The Gardens on El Paseo, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Coyote Grill Palm Springs, Rancho Relaxo, USCAP, SkinLab, Eisenhower Health Lucy Curci Cancer Center, H2O Closet, Country Club Cleaners, EV Realtor, Little Bar, Milk Makeup, Athletic Brewing Company, Julie’s Hallmark, Lululemon Athletica, Saje Natural Wellness and The Corker Collective.
Special thanks to board members Aileen Alverez, Rebecca Curtwright, Christina Miller, Angela Prescott, Dr. Sonja Fung, Marisa Rivera, Denise Orfield, Lindsey Wright, Jason Parr and Victor Lamkay.
Moraga summed up the weekend by saying it "was about finding connection and understanding. It was and is about moving forward, feeling supported, uplifted, seen, heard and loved. This weekend was that and so much more. This weekend was built with so much tender love. I'm so grateful to these women who trusted me to hold a safe space for them. Grateful for those who have supported Shay's Warriors, because life after cancer matters.”
For more information, visit shayswarriors.org, call (760) 895-1705 or email shay@shayswarriors.org.
Kathleen Bennett is the founder/principal of Resort Marketing, an award-winning company based in Palm Springs with the experience and expertise to assist in achieving the dreams and goals of each client. Since establishing her firm 25 years ago, Bennett consults in the fields of hospitality, business and nonprofit organizations. She is on the executive committee for the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars and still finds time to volunteer in the community.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Shay's Warriors' Palm Springs retreat inspires 25 cancer survivors
