Laura’s Journeys invites patients and their traveling companions to share their experiences about trips they’ve recently taken. Please tell us what made your journey special or not-so-special? What advice would you offer to other patients contemplating this trip? Additionally, we welcome any other general travel tips for patients that you would like to pass on to visitors to this site.

Please email your comments to: bparness@gmail.com, and we will post to this section of the site as soon as possible. Please limit to 400 words. All comments are subject to editing and will be posted along with your initials and state where you live.

The following post-journey note was sent by Gerolyn Martinez, who won a seven-night stay at the Marriott Vacation Club Fairway Villas resort near Atlantic City.  She travelled with her husband in October 2011.
 
The vacation was amazing. The resort was very quiet and family oriented. Everyone, including staff and guests, were so nice.  When you leave New York, you forget that people who don’t know you say, “good morning.” The unit itself was really beautiful. In fact, it was so nice that we said that it was the type of apartment we’d want. We took advantage of a lot of the amenities that the resort offers.  I regularly went to the spa, pool, sauna and whirlpool, and my husband loved the gym. 

My husband and I were looking for something relaxing and laid back, and this fit the bill perfectly.  Everyday we had a little agenda to do.  We hit various restaurants in nearby Atlantic City, including a Cuban one in the Tropicana where we also went dancing on Friday night.  We also went to the outlets in Atlantic City, the movies and took short drives during the day. We timed our activities so I would have enough energy to enjoy our evenings out. 

We hadn’t gone away for a full year, and were looking to get away around the time of our wedding anniversary.  When you go through something like cancer treatment, you don’t want to be in a crowded, hectic environment.  Our mindset was to have a nice little escape in a relaxed environment and this was exactly what we needed.   

The following post journey note was submitted by patient Frances Smeal and her daughter, Roberta Eaton, who traveled together on Norwegian cruise lines on a one week trip from New York to Bermuda in October 2011.

Frances – We had a great time.  The food was excellent.  I enjoyed playing Bingo, Deal or no Deal, and taking in the shows every night, some of which were fantastic.  Best of all, I felt good the whole time I was away. 

Roberta – The cruise was phenomenal.  My mom worked her whole life and never had a real vacation.  I made sure she did everything that she would enjoy on the ship.  She went in a whirlpool for the first time in her life, ate in a French restaurant which was excellent, went to every show, and every Bingo game (she even won $54!).  While we were in Bermuda, we went on a 4-1/2–hour excursion in a cab from one end of the island to the other.  She had a terrific time on the excursion and was laughing her head off from our very funny cab driver.

The following post-journey note was submitted by the winner of a one-week stay at a Marriott time share in Palm Beach, Fla. in May 2011.  Out of respect for the patient’s request for privacy, we have omitted his name from this post.

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Palm Beach, Florida courtesy of Laura’s Journeys.  We want to thank you for the wonderful opportunity to get away from the pressures of disease and treatment. We spent seven days at a Marriott time share apartment located on the beach.  Perhaps the best thing about this trip was that we could do as little or as much as we wanted.  With three pools, restaurants on site and a kitchen in the apartment, just spending a day by the pool was a great way to relax and certainly some people seemed to do just that for the entire time.  We chose a bit more active approach since we had a rental car and decided to see the sights.  We took a day trip to Fort Lauderdale and took a river cruise to see the Millionaires’ mansions. We also did the drive through the nearby Jungle Safari and drove up the coast a ways to see the beach-front communities. We found several restaurants favored by the locals--great seafood and barbecue--and ate there several times. This vacation was a much needed escape. After taking it, I can really appreciate what Laura’s Journeys does for people. Again, we can’t thank them enough for this trip. This is certainly a great charity and a great way to help patients with cancer. 

The following post-journey note was sent by Jaime Wynn, who won a one-week western Caribbean cruise. Jaime traveled with her sister in March 2011.

I have entered several drawings for Laura’s Journeys at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital while I was awaiting my treatment. Just filling out the form and dreaming of what it would be like to take a trip to a relaxing destination was a pleasant distraction. When I got the call from Bill Parness that I had won a cruise to the Caribbean as part of Laura’s Journeys, I was overwhelmed with joy. Not only would I get to take a break from New York’s harsh winter, there was the excitement of having won a monumental prize and feeling like a winner. My sister, who has been my primary caregiver, joined me on this journey. It was a pleasure to share this gift with her. She accompanied me to countless doctors’ appointments and now I could include her on a much more pleasurable experience.

Laura’s Journeys flew us to Florida to catch the cruise in Ft. Lauderdale. As soon as we stepped out of the airport and stripped off our winter clothes, our vacation began. The cruise stopped in many wonderful locations, including Grand Cayman, Roatan - Honduras, Cozumel – Mexico, and Princess Cays. We swam in clear aqua waters at each destination. In Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras, we climbed a mountain, learned about local medicinal plants and ate delicious sweet potato cakes made by locals. In Mexico, we the toured the Mayan ruins of Tulum and learned about their history and cosmic view of universe.
On the ship, the crew left chocolates on our pillows every night. We went to special formal dinners and indulged in all kinds of wonderful food. I balanced it out by eating big healthy salads every day at lunch.  I was also able to participate in a breast cancer walk on the boat, doing seven laps around the deck with other passengers.

Since my return, friends, doctors and co-workers have all noted how tan and healthy I look. In my meditation practice, I have noticed that I can turn off the buzz in my mind much more easily. This trip reminded me how to relax and enjoy. The cruise was good medicine. No one wishes for disease, but it is nice to note some of the positive by-products of the cancer experience. Taking this awesome trip and meeting kind friends like Bill are examples of the silver lining.

The following post-journey note was sent by the wife of a patient who won a two-night stay in Lenox, Mass. The patient, who requested anonymity, and his wife traveled to the  Berkshire Mountains town in November 2010.

My husband and I rarely go on trips that aren't destinations to visit family (parents in Florida; daughter in Chicago, etc.), so it was a real pleasure to just go away by ourselves.  Since he had just recently finished both chemo and radiation, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a total change of scenery and to NOT THINK!  Just to not think at all.  We could wander the countryside, meet new people, sit and read by the fire, discover new towns and just drive, drive, drive.  

We were surprised at how close Lenox was, but what a very different feel it had to suburban NY. We seemed a world away. The Summer White House was a beautiful inn with lovely owners who made us feel instantly at home.  There was a feel of having been dropped down into a different time altogether, when life was slower, and you weren't tied to the Blackberry/computer/ipod, etc.
We had a really interesting and fun visit to the Norman Rockwell museum and strolled around Stockbridge on a day when everyone could take off their winter coats!  It added to the sense of freedom!  We ate at several incredible restaurants, as well.

The trip was the first time in quite a while where we could act as if all was well and life was good.  Let's hope that continues to be true!—Submitted December 2010

The following post-journey note was received from Joanne Gibson, the winner of a one-week cruise from New York to New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces, completed in September 2010.

How can I thank thee, let me count the ways...well, at least get this email to you! 
 
I had an extraordinary time.  My first cruise ever and I loved it.  I realized this was the first real vacation I've had in 20 years, and I can see why Dr. Sara recommends traveling in between treatments.  It was absolutely wonderful to be away, to be in another world.  I loved being at sea, and the ship excursions were awesome.  Boston, Salem, Marblehead were fascinating and beautiful. Maine’s Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain (the highest point of the eastern seaboard) were absolutely gorgeous.  I also loved Bar Harbor; it’s truly beautiful and we had great tour guides.  The Lobster Bake in Bar Harbor was awesome.  I finally learned how to pull apart and eat a whole lobster, which was the best I ever had—so sweet it didn't need butter.  Delicioso!  The homemade blueberry pie was to die for and I even drank ale for the first time.  We also lucked out with weather.  It had been pouring rain when we got to Bar Harbor and I almost didn't get off the ship, but then decided to do so and the sun came out when we got there.  Every day on the cruise I had more and more energy.  By day-6, I was up to a walking tour of Halifax, Nova Scotia, which I loved.  All the beautiful views I saw are with me forever, especially sitting on the deck and just taking in the infinite scope of the ocean and the waves. 

We had rough seas coming back the last day, running into the tornado and storm that had moved on from New York.  I sat on the promenade deck talking to a new friend and we had a great time watching the waves and enjoying the warm air after a week of cold.  But I had the right clothes, so I was comfortable.  I had a memorable time.  And importantly, it was great to enjoy my food again.  After day-3, I just ate to enjoy myself. My digestive system, which was severely challenged by the chemo, is back to normal.  I think all those desserts helped! 

The following post-journey note to Laura’s Journeys founder Bill Parness was sent by LaVerne M. Jones of Manhattan, winner of a two-night stay in Lenox, Mass. LaVerne and her sister traveled to the scenic Berkshire Mountains town in late-July, 2010.

I think I have calmed down now.  First, because I was so excited since I have never won anything before and, second, to have received such a generous gift.  

The trip to Lenox was marvelous; I felt like a kid again and, at 80 years old, you know that was special.

During my three days and two nights there, I tried to visit all the restaurants in town, including some recommended in your letter. Frankie’s Italian Restaurant was especially great. I must admit that I tried to eat everything on the menus (gained a few pounds too - didn't know one could gain weight in such a short time). I also saw concerts and visited antique shops. 

The following memoir was submitted by Rodney Carroll, winner of the Laura’s Journeys trip to Greece. He and his family traveled in late-May, 2010.

On May 24th. my wife, Shirley, son Emilio and I locked up our house and set out on a Carroll Family Adventure to Greece.  

While there, I learned that Greece is a very spiritual place that takes and gives to those who believe.  I was told to release a spiritual weight and I would receive a spiritual present in return.  I did just that on the island of Delphi, which is not only beautiful but serene and ended up being the perfect place to reflect. All of this spirituality is new to me, but I am always willing to try something new, and it ended up helping me immensely.

Our trip involved plenty of family activities for us to enjoy. On the first day we went on a boat cruise to three islands. We also got to try fabulous traditional Greek food. Shirley and I fell in love with the fresh grilled octopus and squid and Emilio, a self-proclaimed vegetarian, with baby squash, carrots and rice with Parmesan cheese. 

During the trip, I had a lot of time to reflect on the reasons that I was here. I began to understand why Bill Parness started “Laura’s Journeys” and why Natalie Ashley was inspired enough by the program to donate her vacation apartment and other travel services to the cause.  It’s so important to just be able to get away for a little while during the stressful daily battle with cancer, and the routine that comes with it.

Personally, I had long ago come to terms with having cancer.  It was at first hard to believe that someone like me, a professed health and gym rat, could have been chosen to carry this torch. I consider this trip a re-enforcement of the peace I have made with my illness. I also believe that it allowed my wife to see that I am still the same old me.  We sometimes get so wrapped up in the day-to-day affairs of running around and taking care of the kids that we forget to step back and appreciate the important things in life. We finally got the chance to relish in the important moments, such as watching the sunset while sipping a Frappe or playing with our son in the ocean.

It is my hope that I have gotten out of this trip what Bill and Laura would have wanted. Becoming an ambassador for “Laura’s Journeys” proves how much I truly got out of this experience. Being able to be my normal, upbeat, positive, humorous self and being so well received by the doctors and, most importantly, by my fellow survivors has given me a newfound strength and spirit that I firmly believe was my spiritual present from Greece.

NOTE: A complete account of Rodney’s Journey appeared on the Harlem World Blog. To read it, go to: http://harlemworldblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/feature-my-greece-experience-why-i-will-never-be-the-same/

The following post-journey note was received from the winners of a one-week stay in May 2010 in a vacation home on Merritt Island, Fla. The home was shared by two patients from Roosevelt Hospital. Out of respect for the patients’ request for privacy, we have omitted their last names from this post.

Thanks so much for a wonderful rest from our day-to-day living and all the stress that goes with it. We really enjoyed the lovely house and pool on Merritt Island, and were blessed with wonderful weather and to be somewhere neither of us had ever been before.

Our hosts, Richard Lemon, David Lemon and Tim Murray, were gracious and
helpful to us. The house with Jacuzzi and pool was wonderful, and we loved exploring Cocoa Village and the beach as well. The people were very friendly and we always found interesting things to do.

It was a wonderful and relaxing vacation for which we deeply express our gratitude.

Thanks, Laura’s Journeys!

Cindy and Lorrie – Submitted June 2010

The following pre-journey note was received from the fiancé of one of the winners of a one-week Caribbean cruise from Laura’s Journeys. Out of respect for the patient’s request for privacy, we have omitted all names from this post.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how very much I appreciate all that Laura’s Journeys has done for us, especially for my fiancée. Looking forward to, and planning for this cruise has brightened her spirits very palpably, and I daresay it's given her more strength than ever to deal with the hardships of chemotherapy and recovery.—Submitted November 2009

The following post-journey note was received from the winner of a one-week Caribbean cruise, completed in February 2010. She is the fiancée of the writer of the note posted above. Out of respect for this 39-year-old patient’s request for privacy, her name has been omitted from this post

I can’t say enough how much my fiancé and I have appreciated the opportunity to travel during the course of my treatment, and how wonderful it was to have such a trip to look forward to after my chemotherapy. 

Prior to this trip, I was an experienced traveler, but never took the opportunity for the kind of travel where everything was just taken care of for you.  So I really had no idea what to expect, or just how restorative it would be.  That’s why, while the gorgeous ship, Caribbean sunshine and fantastic ports of call were wonderful in their own right, what ultimately made the difference was being able to enjoy them while being relieved of the daily grind, knowing all the while Laura’s Journeys and my whole medical team fully supported my travel, health, and healing.  Now, there’s no question in my mind that for folks like me who have been engaged in a marathon push to wellness, this kind of restorative and easy travel really makes a difference. 
How much of a difference?  Let’s just say that was me, kickboxing on the cruise, four weeks after chemotherapy.  To say the least, I feel strong and on top of the world, fully prepared for my next phase of treatment and more confident than ever to totally and permanently heal from this illness. 

Laura’s Journeys was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time; I couldn’t recommend the program more highly.  Thank you and your sponsors again and again.—Submitted March 2010