b'TEEN ADVENTURES with other moms, and focus on some self-care, saysSuzanne of BCCH. We had fun, created meaningfulTen teens travelled up to Whistler for four days. They connections, and relaxed. We played games, didstopped at the Sea to Sky Gondola, went ziplining, some crafts, did a bit of hiking, and had a wonderfultook in the mountains on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, afternoon at the Mellah Leuca Day Spa.went hiking, and explored the Whistler train wreck.Along with the teens and our Power To Be team, twoamazing oncology nurses volunteered their time andjoined us on the trip to support with any medical The experience wasneeds. This offered parents some comfort and peace transformational.of mind, knowing that if anything were to happen,their children would be cared for in the ways that Never sincethey needed to be. becoming a momhave I had such asense of belonging.- Moms RetreatParticipant, 2024A moment of interconnectedness and community-building, Marin shared, was when some of themoms of teens who had been on a TeenAdventures trip before, shared those positiveThe trip offered the teens a chance to connect with experiences with the rest of the group. Parents whoone another and experience fun and independence were struggling to find a good programming fit forin ways that many of them had never been able to their kids were able to ask questions, gainbefore. For many of these teens, because they confidence, and find encouragement from parentsexperience medical complexities, they also who had been through it all before.experience a level of parental concern that otherteens might not, notes program facilitator KylaSchenk. So to be able to come out on this trip, letloose in Whistler Village, and connect with peers whoare going through similar things offered a newfoundfreedom. Because the trip was open to siblings aswell, it was a really special opportunity for them tobond, and have this shared experience with theirsiblings, with their parental figures removedformost of them, for the first time, says Marin Puffer,Community Engagement and Education Lead.The gratitude, reflection, storytelling, tears, andlaughter that was shared was never-ending, saysMarin. Nature is healing. Nature was our host andprovided a container for this group of caregivers tofeel a sense of peace and safety, which allowedthem to truly step away and disconnect from theirday-to-day stressors and responsibilities, open upANNUAL MOMS RETREAT with one another, and form deep connections thatwill be cherished for years to come. Over the weekend of October 4th6th, moms fromall over BC came together for the first time and We are so grateful to play a role in providing theheaded to Cold Water Ranch, a beautiful lodge run space for these youth and their families to buildby the Abilitas Foundation. The Annual Moms connections, be supported, cared for, andRetreat is such a special weekend for our encouraged, and find laughter and solace in nature. caregivers. It gives them time to breathe, connect'