"Within yoga, we can find support, camaraderie, healing, joy, and peace."

Kelly Keller, PRY Retreat Attendee

Attendees are women breast cancer survivors in every shape, size and age. Some are more newly diagnosed and others have been thriving for decades. Some are very active in yoga, and others are beginners. Many are local to North Carolina, but we've had women join us from around the globe. Everyone is welcome!

During this three-day retreat, a gifted group of teachers will lead you through a gentle yoga program that includes pranayamas, restorative poses, traditional hatha classes and meditation. Everyone is able to participate, from those of us who have never experienced yoga, to those who practice yoga on a consistent basis. In addition to the yoga instruction, therapists of different modalities will be on site to offer expressive arts and individual counseling.

Retreat Location:
https://montreat.org/
318 Georgia Terrace Montreat, NC

Montreat Confrence Center is nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They are a private, non-profit conference center with roots in the Presbyterian Church.

Registration:
To register, click the following link: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e5lXzllX9Jp4hDw

Retreat Cost:The cost of this retreat is $350. The actual cost is $550, but thanks to our donors, we are able to not only lower the cost of the retreat, but also offer scholarships. To inquire about scholarships, call 919-684-4997 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Schedule for 2024:

FRIDAY, August 16

1:00 - 1:30pm      Pink Ribbon Yoga Registration
1:30 - 3:30pm      Opening Circle (Attendance Required) 
3:30 - 4:30pm      Montreat Check-in

Breakout Sessions
4:30 - 5:30pm       Pink Ribbon Yoga (gentle) or Breath Work
5:30 - 6:30pm       Dinner
7:30 - 9:00pm       Bonfire Social

SATURDAY, August 17

7:00  -  7:45am     Pink Ribbon Yoga (gentle)
7:30  -  8:30am     Breakfast
9:30 - 11:45am     Yoga Off the Mat Workshop
noon - 1:00pm     Lunch
1:00  -  2:00pm     Free Time
2:00  -  3:00pm     Sexual Health and Intimacy: Ask the Expert
3:15  -  4:00pm     Guided Meditation or Chair Yoga
4:00  -  5:15pm     Pink Ribbon Yoga or Meditation
6:00  -  7:00pm     Dinner
7:30  -  9:00pm     Yoga Dance

SUNDAY, August 18

11:00am               Deadline for Hotel Checkout
7:00  -  7:45am     Pink Ribbon Yoga
7:30  -  8:30am     Breakfast
9:00 - 10:45am     Yoga Off the Mat Workshop
10:30  -   Noon     Closing Circle
noon - 1:00pm     Lunch

Opening Circle:
This is an orientation for the Pink Ribbon Yoga Retreat where you will be introduced to the Pink Ribbon Yoga group. Our intentions for this restorative retreat will be shared. This portion will be led by Jean Costa, MSW, RYT, Certified Spiritual Counselor.

Pink Ribbon Yoga Class:

Yoga not only builds flexibility and strength, but helps to balance the body and mind while promoting healing. During this class, instructor April Parker will be guiding you toward optimal health, both physically and mentally. She is a strong believer in the mind/body connection and the ability to use that connection to work through adversities in life’s journey. April is a registered nurse and a yoga/fitness Instructor with over 25 years experience leading, guiding and teaching people from ages 16-90+. In her downtime she enjoys hiking, weightlifting, yoga (of course!), and an occasional Netflix binge.

Bonfire Social:
What better way to unwind than sitting beside a fire, watching the sunset, while cooking smores. We hope this time will be filled with making new memories and building lasting bonds with new and old friends.

Yoga Off the Mat:
Through focusing, creative art making, and journaling, art therapist Kathrine Cays will invite participants to recognize and connect with their inner power and healing life energy in the natural living world. Participants will be encouraged to explore paths of gratitude and love. No prior artmaking experience is required.

 Meditation:
Science has proven that regular meditation can have powerful long-lasting effects. Meditation helps to activate our rest-and-digest system and begin the process of ushering our body back to a more natural and calm state. Our body begins to heal and grows stronger and more resilient. You feel more balanced and comfortable in your skin. Instructor, Kelly Keller will lead us through this practice and will provide practical advice for how to incorporate meditation and mindfulness into a busy life. 

Yoga Dance:
Dance is the hidden language of the soul.  Whether you love dancing in secret or in public, whether you are a hip-hop lover or a Tap-dance enthusiast, you've been exposed to the joy of dancing and know how satisfying it is. By incorporating yoga, you will take your dancing experience to a whole new level of passion and expression.

Closing Circle:
Jean Costa, MSW, RYT, Certified Spiritual Counselor, will host Pink Ribbon Yoga retreat attendees as they come together for a closing circle ceremony to reflect on the retreat experience together.