In January of 2007, Barbara Bird was diagnosed with breast cancer. Barbara recalls, “I said to my doctor, ‘yesterday I couldn’t even spell “breast cancer” and now I have it!’” After Barbara was diagnosed, she underwent surgery, chemo and radiation. Because these treatments took such a toll on Barbara’s immune system, she ended up in the hospital numerous times.

In March of 2007, Barbara underwent her last treatment of radiation. By this time, all of her hair had fallen out. “I was really at the bottom of the barrel.” said Barbara.

Refresh Women’s Event at Warm Bach Camp was just around the corner. Barbara had attended the women’s retreat for the past 12+ years and she wasn’t going to let cancer stop her from going again. Without hesitation, Barbara packed her bags – wig and all – and headed off to Warm Beach Camp with a group of women from her church.

During the retreat, the group of women from Barbara’s church always take time to sit together and share about the things that are hard for them. Then they take time to pray individually for one another. “During the 2007 retreat, I had all my sisters praying for me to be cancer free, and I am!” said Barbara, overjoyed.

No matter where you are in life, Refresh Women’s Event is a time to be renewed and revived. “I feel like it’s a privilege to get to go to the women’s retreat, to be there on holy ground. To worship and pray with other women in Christ is invaluable. When we come, me and the women in my group don’t want to leave.” said Barbara.

This year’s women’s retreat will make 20+ years of Barbara attending Refresh Women’s Event, and seven years cancer free.

If you would like more information about Refresh Women’s Event, happening May 2-4, 2014 at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, WA, visit our website at WarmBeach.com/programs/adult-programs/womens-events