History of Success

In 1993, oncology professionals Donna Farris, LCSW, a clinical social worker and Nancy Raymon, RN, MN, AOCN, an oncology nurse specialist, envisioned a three-day  cancer survivor support program that would move women quickly and powerfully beyond their cancer experience and back into living well after cancer. They wanted to create a program that would include support, survival, and coping strategies in a network of women cancer survivors.    Using innovative and creative experiential learning activities grounded in their medical expertise and psychological practice, the first retreat took place in May 1994. Healing Odyssey is incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID #35-2533287).

Today, more than 1000 cancer survivors have experienced a three-day retreat. Published research has proven the lasting impact of the retreat programs and the medical and therapeutic communities have enthusiastically endorsed the benefits of Healing Odyssey recovery programs for cancer survivors. The majority of Healing Odyssey grads come from across Southern California, although our retreats are open to everyone. Check out the map below to see the locations of our 1000+ graduates.