Stowe, Vermont

A small town known for its skiing and tourism, Stowe is also well-known in the cancer community. Stowe residents open their town each May to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers for the Stowe Weekend of Hope—a three-day retreat filled with workshops and lectures on the latest in cancer research, prevention, healing and support.

Events for this year’s weekend from May 4-6 include yoga, journaling, meditation and a candlelight vigil. For those new to the Stowe experience, lodging is free in one of the many inns or bed and breakfasts that dot the landscape. For returning guests, discounted lodging is offered. Survivors who need transportation to the event can look to Amtrak, which provides a limited number of free passes on the “Train of Hope” traveling from Washington, D.C., with stops in Philadelphia and New York City. Registration is available at www.stowehope.org, or call 800-GO-STOWE (467-8693) for more information. For those who can’t attend this year, the 2008 Stowe Weekend of Hope will take place May 2-4.