Terri Jackson
2017 Participant/Breast Cancer Survivor
April Carolina Beach, NC
I, myself Deaf, have been battling the metastatic breast cancer since 2011 with the ongoing chemotherapy. With my husband Scott’s work, appointments and stress, I felt it was time for me and my family to be re-connected and refreshed. That was the reason I went ahead to apply for this retreat.
I am TOTALLY blown by this retreat in Carolina Beach, NC and did not know what to expect exactly! Both my husband Scott (also Deaf) and my son Tyler (hearing), age 18, accompanied me. At first I was nervous about attending the retreat just because of the communication barrier. I had requested a sign language interpreter for both opening and closing nights, and to my surprise, my request was granted. The interpreter did a fabulous job interpreting for us, and I felt inspired to be able to be the part of the retreat. What’s more is that Jill Sauer, my volunstar, is so caring and amazing! I love her!! During the week we had no interpreter since I did not request just because I knew we would communicate just fine on our own with other families and volunstars. She made sure that Scott and I were comfortable and even encouraged us to mingle with other families, even though others did not know sign language. Scott, Tyler and I went ahead to mingle with others, and I really enjoyed getting know them better. Scott and I are able to read lips some and Tyler helped us by interpreting some. I am glad Jill pushed us beyond extra miles to make this happen!
With the daily activities, fabulous meals cooked by Carolina Beach community, acquainting with other families, a stay at a beautiful front oceanview beach house, and the fabulous crew of volunstars, we were able to relax and enjoy to be re-connected and refreshed as a family. No chemo, no appointments, no blood work, no cooking, no cleaning, nothing all week!! I was finally able to put my guard down to relax. That’s hard to do at home. I cannot ask for anything more! One more thing– another reason why I am blown is that EVERYTHING is donated! I said, “What?! How is that possible?”. Carolina Beach community and Little Pink House of Hope made this happen. What I have learned from this is to give back so that’s what I will do next. Giving back is a wonderful method of the healing process. Thank you, Little Pink House of Hope!!!