Just for You

A Women's Retreat

March 6-8, 2009

The Umstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond – Cary, NC

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A Wonderful Women's Retreat.

Women and their daughters traveled from points farthest east and west to attend HNC's Women's Retreat from March 6-8th at the beautiful Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. The retreat was open to women with bleeding disorders, women who are carriers and teen daughters of both groups.

Throughout the weekend, the women attended presentations and workshops on topics including an overview of bleeding disorders, genetics, treatment and research, stress and emotional management, public health surveillance and communication tips on making themselves heard. Breakout groups took time to share thoughts and bond with others who face similar challenges.

After a warm welcome by Sally Wright, MSW, LCSW (UNC-CH), the group had a chance to share their stories and then take in a show at the Carolina Theatre.

Other speakers at the retreat included pioneers and leaders in the field of women with bleeding disorders including Dr. Andra H. James (Duke University), Dr. Alice D. Ma (UNC-CH) and Sally Owens (CDC). Also presenting was Dr. Tamison Jewett (Wake Forest University) who gave a fascinating description of the genetics of bleeding disorders and made this difficult topic easily understood. Our breakout groups were moderated by Kimmy Walsh-Ebsworth, Lori Kunkel, Jeannie Adair, PhD, LPC, NCC (HNC Board Member) and Alex Boeving-Allen, PhD (Wake Forest) who taught everyone some excellent relaxation and stress relief techniques.

The weekend wasn't without some fun and relaxation. Those sessions included a greeting card creation segment and a fun spa pamper party on Saturday night. Sunday morning started with a brisk walk around the beautiful lake behind the hotel followed by a terrific health & fitness presentation by Carol Ryner who took us through exercises with a band that can be done anywhere. If you see someone stretching on their shopping cart at the checkout line, you'll know they've had a session with Carol!

The hotel was first class, the food delicious and the presentations enlightening but the best thing about the weekend were all the people who made new friends. It was an opportunity for the women and their daughters to learn about each other, talk about things that often go unsaid and leave with the knowledge that nobody has to be alone during a time of need.