Laura Odell
2023 Participant/Breast Cancer Survivor
Ocean City, MD

What a week we shared together in Ocean City, Maryland!

A week filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, joy, happiness, tears, great food, & even better company. When I got chosen for a retreat in Ocean City, Maryland I had no idea what I was in for, nor did I even know where Maryland is. I am from a very small town in Texas. I just knew my husband Chance & I needed a week long beach vacation. We have always dealt with cancer ever since 2015 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer at the age of 30. I beat it and was in remission for 5 years when it decided to come back in November 2020 at 36 years old, with it now being Metastatic Breast Cancer with Mets to my bones, liver, and the outside of my right lung. I am currently under going Chemotherapy and will be for the rest of my life!
This vacation was a much needed break for the both of us! It was so much more to me than just a vacation, it was a time for me to meet other ladies who currently understand what I am going through and gave my husband a time to talk to the spouses. Him & I just really needed to reconnect, (which is exactly what we did) We enjoyed our walks on the beach, ALL of the activities, bike rides, and even the painting. Our favorite was the Seafood Boil!!

I can not say THANK you enough for EVERYTHING that you guys did to make this vacation what it was. It was truly magical and something I, and my husband Chance will always remember.