Celebrating Cancer Recovery Together

Celebrating Cancer Recovery Together

Natasha Akai, Amy Mathewson

Cottage Dreams, Seana O'Neill

Chris Beyers - International Development Studies

TP-649

2012

Online

The purpose of this research project is to determine and review the current state of the cancer recovery initiative program provided by Cottage Dreams organization for its participants, cottage donors, and the greater community. Cancer recovery is a long process; to have the opportunity to escape to a cottage vacation is important for the mental health of cancer survivors as it reconnects them with family, friends, and the self. The hope is to search and identify ways in which the organization can improve communication with the public to gain more participants, cottage donors, and funding donors. The methodological process included desk research, phone interviews, surveys and questionnaires, and a review of literature around the interests of cancer survivorship, holistic healing, and charity fundraising to help expand those areas mentioned. After analyzing the data, recommendations for Cottage Dreams are outlined that relate to the ways the organization can use to reach a wider target of cancer survivors, cottage owners, and volunteers. Findings show that cancer survivorship and the feeling of being a survivor take years to be defined. Furthermore, an outlet away from medical institutes is critical for physical, mental, and spiritual healing of the self. Finally, people are likely to donate due to intrinsic motivations and feelings that many experience from helping others, giving back, and personal experiences and also due to their extrinsic motivations such as rewards and/or recognition.