The mission of  the Empathy retreat is  to provide cancer patients and their  companion with  a diversion  from the  daily stresses inherent in coping with cancer.  The pastoral surroundings of the retreat gently alleviate stress while an emphasis on the healing of mind, body and soul  facilitates  a smoother transition from illness to wellness.

The natural,  restorative   surroundings and fresh air of Kibbutz Dalia, situated on the gentle slopes of the Menashe Forest in Northern Israel, is the first step in the healing process.  Zohar Be Deshe’s rustic cabins  will host 15 couples  per retreat and provide comfortable sleeping arrangements, delicious,  home -made, healthy meals and refreshments throughout the 48 hour stay. 

Participants have the  choice of a range of  activities catering to their  spiritual and mental needs:  yoga, a gentle  massage,  nature walks, an easy jeep trip to the nearby blossoming fields,  facials and hair care ,  and more.

Finally and most importantly, patients and their companions will have an opportunity to participate in a support group workshop with a mediator,   where they will experience genuine community with others undergoing  similar coping issues, and  where the sharing of information and support is encouraged and valued.  On - going support groups may be created for future contact.
All of the above activities are fully funded by donations to the Empathy Fund , founded by Amy upon her remission in 2005. This fund has been specifically created to improve the quality of lives for cancer patients and their families while in treatment at Rambam Medical Centre. Over the years Amy’s fundraising activities (which have been numerous, the most recent being from the sales of her book BREATHING DEEP)  have yielded a fully equipped family room in Hematology, as well as  5 laptop computers for patients in isolation, a mobile DVD movie library, and  art therapy for patients in the Hematology Outpatient clinic.

The Empathy Retreat is Amy’s newest project, for which she is extremely enthusiastic, and  daringly envisions the retreat running on a quarterly basis. This dream of course, is dependent on donations to make it come true.
 For more information on this retreat and Amy’s fund raising activities, please visit her site at www.amyeini.com