Rotarians Hear How Respite Retreats Helps ‘Cancer Families’

Wendy Letow, the Founder and President of Respite Retreats, told Columbia-Patuxent Rotarians how the local nonprofit provides cancer patients and their caregivers with an opportunity to think about and do something that gives joy. She was a recent guest speaker at one of the club’s weekly meetings.

Respite Retreats aims to be a quiet place where patients, family members, and caregivers can rest, relax, and step away from the difficulties of a diagnosis that affects not just the patient, but everyone who loves them. The nonprofit intentionally supports the entire family system. Wendy said all programs are uplifting and therapeutic, serve all ages and all types of cancer, and offered at no cost to participants. The goal is to meet people where they are in their journey (physically and emotionally).

Seven programs are offered, including in-person “day” retreats, virtual programs and to-go programs. In-person programming mostly takes place at the Respite center at 6021 University Boulevard, Ellicott City. Half-day and mini-day retreats give participants time and space to disconnect from the identity of “patient” or “caregiver,” helping families reconnect with one another on a personal level like they were before hearing the words “you have cancer.” The retreats give them a “gift of respite”—a chance to reset, refuel, and continue their fight with renewed emotional strength.

Virtual programs like Bingo are fun for the entire family, hosted on Zoom for about one hour per session. Players can join from all over the U.S. and even outside the country. They can compete for Amazon gift cards, which adds fun and sometimes intense family competition. This creates a connection experience, giving comfort in seeing a loved one on the screen during a shared activity. There are about five bingo sessions per year, serving hundreds of people affected by cancer annually.

“Retreat Yourself” is a to‑go program sponsored by Columbia-Patuxent Rotary. Boxes filled with uplifting and therapeutic items people can use on their own time go to cancer patients and caregivers. Contents may include cozy blankets, slippers, tea, puzzles and puzzle books, anything that might offer comfort and distraction. Distribution is primarily handled at seven local hospitals via social worker partnerships. Roughly 90% go to cancer patients, with about 10% to caregivers.

There are programs specifically for children, also. Jess Beers Ears Over Fears creates an easy, appropriate way for children and adults to talk about the fears surrounding cancer. Abby’s Carts of Courage provides sturdy wagons to children with cancer to help them maneuver through their journey (physically and emotionally).

Wendy described a number of fundraisers for Respite Retreats that support its mission throughout the year, raising awareness and creating a lot of visibility for the organization. Ways to help include referring cancer patients, caregivers, and families; volunteering at a retreat or event; donating an item or basket for fundraisers; hosting an event; and connecting on social media. Wendy said she “wishes for a day when Respite Retreats is not needed,” but until that day, they are committed to serve.

Columbia-Patuxent Rotary is the largest and most active of the seven clubs in Howard County. It mees at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays at JAM Eateries. Visitors are always welcome.