Spotlight: Image Reborn Foundation

by KATIE BROOKS

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Breast cancer didn’t take Julie’s life, but the treatments and surgery left Julie feeling as though she had lost her identity. While on her road to recovery, she learned about the Image Reborn Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides free retreats to women who were diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter how far in their journeys they may be.

At first, Julie felt that her successful outcomes kept her from deserving a retreat. However, she eventually chose to attend and left feeling grateful for the people she encountered, the pampering, and sense a renewerd of empowerment. “It is so helpful to be with others who have walked the road you have walked and visited the places you’ve been,” Julie said about the women she met at the retreat, some newly diagnosed and others long since physically recovered. “We developed an instant sisterhood and bonded so quickly. Months later, many of us are still in regular contact with one another, following each other’s lives, children, successes, and setbacks.”

Image Reborn was founded by a breast cancer survivor and a breast reconstructive plastic surgeon who understood that complete healing from breast cancer requires more than surgeries and treatments. Cancer patients and survivors also need encouragement, companionship, and spiritual rejuvenation. The facilitators of Image Reborn events use their knowledge and experience to address the specific concerns of women with breast cancer.

Attendees of Image Reborn retreats participate in customized activities such as discussion groups, education sessions with experts in breast cancer or nutrition, physical activities such as yoga or snowshoeing, meditation, crafts, and professional massage. In addition, custom and wholesome meals are prepared by Image Reborn’s private chef. These opportunities for relaxation and growth allow the 8-14 attendees a space to heal both personally and collectively.

The retreats hosted by Image Reborn take place in either picturesque Park City or popular Salt Lake City. Those who sign up may choose whether to attend a day-long retreat or a weekend retreat. While a $100 deposit is required to reserve a space, that deposit is refunded for those who attend. Attendees are responsible for travel to the location, but travel scholarship are available for those outside of Utah by one of Image Reborn’s partner organizations, the American Brazilian Aesthetics Meeting (ABAM).

As a nonprofit, Image Reborn relies on generous donations to contribute to the lives of women like Julie. The retreats are funded through corporate sponsorships and donations from ABAM, the Playing for Life Foundation, Rodizio Grill, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and private donors.

In addition to monetary donations, community members can help by donating items such as retreat accommodations, health and beauty products, and auction items for Image Reborn fundraising events. Chances to attend a retreat as a volunteer may also be available. Advocates of Image Reborn and their mission can learn more.  

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