Passion Projects: Camp Breastie
This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend Camp Breastie – the first-ever gathering of more than 500 survivors, previvors, carevivors and thrivers. To put into words what this weekend meant or how it impacted me is close to impossible but here goes….
To anyone who is unfamiliar or hasn’t stalked me on social media, The Breasties is an amazing nonprofit organization that supports young women affected by breast and reproductive cancers throughout their diagnoses and high-risk journeys. Founded by four young women in their 20’s who were going through similar diagnoses, they found each other through Instagram and today the Breasties host free wellness retreats and events in different cities as well as connect women through social media -- to spread the message that whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
And, while The Breasties have been in existence since 2018, until now they have existed on a local level, hosting four annual retreats and various meetups in local communities. However, due to extremely high demand for the annual retreats, this month The Breasties decided to host their first-ever Camp Breastie in the Poconos mountains.
The weekend was filled with activities – from yoga, to panels and workshops, and even an all-out flower power party with some of the best dance moves I’ve ever seen (excluding Beyonce of course 😊). But more important than any of that, it was filled with amazing women and amazing conversations.
When the doors first opened at camp, I was overwhelmed with emotion. As I saw the women literally flood through the doors and the love in the room, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey through cancer. I remember feeling scared, anxious and angry, but mostly, I felt alone. Even though I was surrounded by family and friends who I love dearly, I desperately wanted someone to confide in who “just got it.”
The Breasties are those people. These amazing women are power houses of inner strength and courage but also, just so freakin fun to be around! I can’t remember a time when I laughed so hard and cried so much in the same weekend. To me, that’s how you know you’ve found your tribe. These strangers have become my friends and although our friendships were created out of the worst circumstances, it’s a good reminder that we are stronger together and whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
xoxo, Morgan Bellock | #mbpr #prwithpurpose