There is no going back to before
When treatment ends, everyone expects the one diagnosed, and the circle-of-care, to get back to “normal”. Back to work. Back to life. But anyone who has walked through cancer knows: there is no going back to before.
The journey doesn’t end just because treatment does, as much as we want it to.
Cancer is a journey focused almost entirely on physical healing, and physical healing matters deeply. But it can’t be the only goal. The ripple effect of pain and change caused by cancer — from diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond — has a way of touching the whole person. Every area of life’s been impacted: emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, relationally, socially. That’s why true holistic, internal healing is essential and desperately needed.
And healing happens best in community, when we bring things out of darkness and into the light. There is something special and sacred when you gather with others who’ve journeyed similar paths. Walls come down, burdens are lifted, joy resurfaces, healing slowly begins, and breakthroughs happen — as people risk being known, seen, and still loved despite the messy, imperfect, confusing, hurt bits that are underneath the surface. In community amongst peers, there is no longer a need to explain, minimize, or hide one’s pain — you are simply understood.
Life’s been forever changed, as cancer leaves wounds that extend far beyond what is physically evident, for all parties involved — that’s why unlocking YOU exists.
Our Mission
To create opportunities for anyone impacted by cancer to heal, hope, and thrive again.
Inspired by Christian values and principles, we offer life-giving retreats and life-coaching to address the emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, relational, and social impacts of cancer that are grounded in compassion, love, joy, and respect for every person’s dignity and well-being. While our values are rooted in Christianity, our doors are open to everyone – regardless of faith or background, and participation in anything is always voluntary.
Our Vision
One day, a retreat within reach of everyone cancer touches – across the U.S. and around the world:
- Individuals diagnosed with cancer
- Circle-of-care (spouses, family, friends, coworkers, etc.)
- Kids facing cancer and their families
- Anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer
- Treatment teams and Oncology professionals
Each retreat is intentionally designed to provide a safe space for healing, connection, and restoration amidst peers who’ve journeyed down similar trails. These are more than retreats, they are turning points.
Lives are being changed
Since 2023, we’ve hosted 3 retreats in California where the impact for 73 people has already been incredibly powerful and profound. Community has been built, marriages restored, wounds healed, experiences shared, hearts touched, faith rekindled, hope rediscovered, and key ah-ha’s unlocked. One attendee found tears for the first time in 40 years, someone else felt truly loved for the first time in her life, and another attendee shared that the retreat helped them choose life instead of ending it. When one person experiences healing, the ripple effect reaches families, friendships, workplaces, hospitals, churches, and entire communities – for generations to come.
There’s a place for YOU in this too
Share
Share about Unlocking YOU to anyone in your world who’s been impacted by cancer, that they might know about these resources for healing – even if they “look” or seem fine. You never know what’s underneath the surface.
STAND WITH SOMEONEAttend
Come as you are. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, years past treatment, caring for someone you love, or grieving a loss, there’s a retreat being prepared with you in mind – a place to rest, be known, and unlock what you need for the road ahead.
UNLOCK REJUVENATIONGive
Your generosity makes these retreats and soul-nourishing resources possible – keeping registration within reach and covering scholarships for those already stretched thin by the cost of cancer.
HELP SOMEONE THRIVEPartner
Life coaches, speakers, cancer centers, insurance companies, businesses, foundations, churches, retreat centers – if you or your organization wants to help the cancer community heal, hope, and thrive again, let’s talk!
START A CONVERSATIONVolunteer
From behind-the-scenes to retreat support, volunteers are the hands and feet of Unlocking YOU. If you’re looking for a place to share your administrative, research, creative, marketing, or any other kind of talent, we’d love to have you!
RAISE YOUR HANDPray
Especially when navigating any kind of trauma in life! Regardless of who you pray to. Submit a prayer request or join us in praying for the cancer community that Unlocking YOU has the honor of serving, because we believe that prayer has the power to change things.
ACTIVATE HOPEMOMENTS FROM PAST RETREATS