“Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there’s a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living.” –Anonymous

More than 50 adults with cancer and their children attended Angel Foundation’s recent annual Winter Retreat at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. With a theme of “dreams” (dreams for today, tomorrow and the future), the day was filled creating dream theme crafts such as sleep masks, soaps, lip balm and tie fleece blankets.

Volunteers donated both services and goods at the retreat such as baked goods, materials for fleece blankets and even massages for the guests.

As is often the case in Angel Foundation activities, the guests weren’t the only ones who appreciated the day. According to one volunteer:

“I did my best to not eavesdrop but I couldn’t help hear the stuff your guests are going through. It literally put my whole attitude in perspective. I think of myself as a very upbeat and positive person, but you still get stuck in the grind of day-to-day work and hear yourself starting to complain about things. And after hearing the struggle some of your clients have, I woke up in (the days after the retreat) just ready to show gratitude for the things I have in my life. Your clients were so inspiring to me. … I am so thankful they have such a great organization like the Angel Foundation to be able to help them!”

For more information about Angel Foundation programs for families facing cancer, call (612) 627-9000 or go to www.mnangel.org.