John Stoddard Cancer Center - Cancer Patient & Survivor Self-Care Retreat

Explore the natural healing path of Shinrin-yoku or Japanese forest bathing, art therapy, Tai Chi and a writing circle in this immersive one-day retreat. The day will also include time for quiet, stretching, music, conversation on self-care and reflection time. This event is free to cancer patients and survivors. Lunch and snacks are provided. We want all attendees to be able to participate to the best of their ability. Please tell us how we can accommodate you.

Space is limited!

Contact Gina Mandernach at 515-241-8505 with questions. Please register by Monday, October 6.

About Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku):

Forest therapy, inspired by Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese philosophy of "forest bathing," boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, prevents and relieves stress and anxiety, and increases cognitive functioning. Guided forest bathing walks are appropriate for all ages and abilities: less than a ½ mile is covered on each walk. Guides use techniques to support participants in entering a state of embodied awareness, moving through a series of “invitations” to support participants in tuning into each of their senses, allowing participants to move into a liminal space, and experience resulting wellness benefits.

About Art Therapy:

Art Therapy, facilitated by a master-level clinician, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. ~By the American Art Therapy Association.

About Tai Chi:

Tai Chi is an evidence-based exercise program that has been proven to reduce falling. Tai Chi works on balance, coordination, and finding your center to help prevent participants from injury. 

About Writing:

Participants create a safe space and then write together for timed intervals to writing prompts. Writing prompts inspire stories from participants' lives. After each timed writing session, participants will have the opportunity to read their stories to the group, which is healing on many levels.

About the Instructors:

Brandy Case Haub, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, is the owner of Intertwined: Nature + Forest Therapy. Brandy received her training and certification through the Association of Nature + Forest Therapy and has been guiding nature therapy experiences in central Iowa since 2019. Brandy’s passion is bringing nature into culture by supporting individuals in rediscovering the restorative and curative effects of time spent in the natural world. Brandy was deeply honored to travel to Japan in the fall of 2023 to experience Shinrin-yoku in the forests where the practice originated 40 years ago! Intertwined serves groups, individuals and organizations in central Iowa offering guided forest bathing experiences. 

Sam Erwin, MS, MA, ATR, is an art therapist and spiritual director. She is invited to classrooms, conferences, retreats and small groups as a speaker and facilitator. She presently is contracted with Broadlawns, Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Stoddard Cancer Center for inpatient, outpatient and substance abuse art therapy.

Becky Robel, BS, CPT, CGFI, is the founder, instructor and trainer of Tai Chi Iowa. A Certified Parkinson Disease Fitness Specialist, NASM Certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor. With more than 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, she is also certified and insured to lead evidence-based fitness programs designed to empower people with Parkinsons disease and other chronic conditions. Additionally, she serves on the Iowa Fall Prevention Coalition and teaches classes at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines.

Ana McCracken received her B.S. and MFA in Creative Writing from Iowa State University and is the founder of the Ames Writers Collective and the Fifth Street Writers. Since 2021, the Ames Writers Collective has provided outreach writing programs to cancer patients and survivors, adolescents, and adult 50+ writers. Her writing and poetry is published in literary journals and anthologies. A certified Amherst Writers & Artists and Wild Writing facilitator, she serves on Poetry Palooza, the San Francisco Litquake advisory board, and the Willa Cather Foundation board of governors.

and Spirit Art Move.