Harmony Hill offered its first Extended Cancer Retreat as part of the Cancer Program in 1994. This program was inspired by the internationally acclaimed Commonweal Institute. Our founder, Gretchen Schodde discovered Commonweal through viewing Bill Moyer's 1993 PBS documentary, Healing and the Mind, and soon after was invited to participate in Commonweal's first training workshop.
In 2004, the Harmony Hill Board of Directors took a daring step and approved the Cancer Program to be offered at no cost to participants. Due to the overwhelming need for this program, most of our Extended Cancer Retreats now have waiting lists. Our Extended Cancer Retreats have expanded in recent years to include specialty retreats for women with breast cancer, sexual minority women and caregivers only.
To help meet the demand for our Extended Cancer Retreats, we initiated a new one-day workshop in 2004, Tools for the Journey: Living with Cancer, giving people on the waiting lists practical resources and tools, as well as providing a one-day program option for those unable to attend a three-day retreat. These workshops have been expanded to include specialty offerings for caregivers only and for men who have been affected by a prostate cancer diagnosis. Occasionally, Tools for the Journey is offered away from Harmony Hill’s campus.
Added in 2005 was Thriving Beyond Cancer, a series of workshops each focusing on a special topic related to issues faced by cancer survivors. Workshops have included such topics as Grief and Loss of loved ones, journaling, art and movement.
The Cancer Program is only part of the Harmony Hill story. Since our founding, Harmony Hill has been dedicated to inspiring wellness for the general public. Our Wellness Program includes extended retreats for women looking for a lifestyle change, Ta’i Ji retreats with Master Chungliang Al Huang, one-day workshops with gardening experts, weekday yoga classes and nutrition classes.
In 2009, Harmony Hill announced our newest offering, the Northwest Center for Nurse Renewal, for nurses and other health professionals. This special program offers retreats and workshops that teach renewal techniques and offers support to nurses, promotes teamwork and prevents burnout among these health professionals. This new program, as well as our Wellness Program and facility rentals, generates revenue that enables us to keep the Cancer Program free to those that attend.