Trips That Give Back to Breast Cancer Survivors

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Photo: Thinkstock

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The deadly disease is the second most common type of cancer among women — in fact, statistics show that it will affect one in eight women in the United States. That’s a lot of women. While there are endless streams of gift guides and pink ribbon events that donate proceeds to cancer organizations, these travel businesses are going the extra mile by offering special services and deals for patients and survivors. The good news is, these are pretty cool programs. The bad news is, they’re actually few and far between. As a survivor myself, I was surprised and a little saddened by how few programs there were to choose from. Travel is cathartic, so while we appreciate the donations and fund-raising, maybe there should be something more for those of us fighting the fight or adjusting to a new normal after battling for our lives. We certainly are a bunch that could use some extra love. So hats off to these companies offering these deals. Hopefully, by this time next year, we’ll have more to add to our list.

Related: The Road Trip That Help Me Beat Breast Cancer


1. Mondrian London

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Photo: Mondrian

Cancer patients or survivors who will to be in London this month can head over to the Mondrian London’s award-winning Aqua Bathhouse & Spa for a special massage that helps women who are experiencing discomfort and lack of confidence after breast surgery. The Bust Blossom therapy massage, performed by female therapists trained in the Jing Massage Institute, helps ease muscle tension in the chest, improves the mobility of the shoulder girdle (which can get tight after a mastectomy), and helps detoxify the tissue through circulation. To make the experience comfortable, portions of the treatment are done with guests laying on their back and side, nestled on a Hydrotherm Water cushion. Only Dr. Jackson’s Natural skincare line is used. For each treatment booked, the guest will receive a free gift. The treatment is 50 minutes long and costs $100.

2. Send Me on Vacation

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Photo: Thinkstock

No one needs a vacation more than a woman recently out of cancer treatment. That’s exactly why Send Me On Vacation exists. The non-profit started by Cathy Backus in 2010, takes breast cancer survivors on dream vacations that help rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits. This October, 10 survivors set sail on a weeklong cruise to Bermuda. The theme, “A Mermaids Journey,” is a workshop at sea that begins with discovering your inner beauty, strength, and grace, which is the first step in believing you can recover from the life-altering effects of cancer. In November, a group of 15 survivors will board a Carnival Cruise line with a destination to Cozumel. Survivors recently treated for breast cancer who have been financially devastated by the cost of treatment apply for a spot on the November vacation or a for future program.

3. Hyatt’s Indian Wells Resort and Spa, California

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Photo: Hyatt

Breast cancer awareness month is a time to celebrate survivors and encourage those currently in the battle — and no one does this better than Indian Wells Resort and Spa in California. This month, the resort’s Agua Serene Spa is offering a the Pink Lotus Spa Package (100 minutes; $198, normally, $250) which combines two of three 50-minute, stress-relieving treatments: Swedish massage, an Antioxidant Cleanse Facial, or Foot Soothing Pedicure. The treatments are paired with a natural Pink Lotus Botanical Elixir made in Indian Wells, Calif, which strengthens the body’s response to stress and contains healing ingredients. Additionally, the spa is paying tribute to all survivors with “Survive Now Thrive” discounted spa services. Family and friends can share the name of a survivor who could use some pampering, which gives them the opportunity to be immersed in a day of total wellness. All survivors will be emailed a credit of $35 to use towards a spa service of choice and one chosen guest will receive a full day of spa services with lunch. Email the first and last names of survivors, along with a phone number and email address and the subject line: “Survived Now Thrive.” Winner will be selected and prize awarded November 5, 2015.

Related: The Travel Industry Is “Going Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

4. Southwest Airlines

It’s hard enough to battle breast cancer, but to have to travel to get treatment makes it a harrowing fete. Southwest Airlines is swooping in to help with their Medical Transportation Grant Program, which provides complimentary, roundtrip tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation organizations. Through this program, Southwest donates tickets to some of the top cancer hospitals in the country and allows them the freedom to determine how to distribute the tickets to patients and/or caregivers. To date, more than 41,000 tickets in 26 states have been distributed since the program’s inception in 2007. Check out the website for a list of affiliated hospitals and to learn about eligibility.

5. Condominium Rentals Hawaii

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Photo: Thinkstock

Bucket lists take on a special significance to someone who has survived breast cancer. When you get a second chance at life, you want to be able to see and do all the things you didn’t before you got sick. For survivors who’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii, Condominium Rentals Hawaii is offering an exclusive, discounted rate to survivors and patients who book a trip during the month of October for travel at any time. The company is also donating a portion of each online booking it receives in the month of October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

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