3-Day Cancer Retreat in Union, WA

With Melissa Layer, MA, LMHC and Chris Adams, MD

November 14 - 16, 2025

Date and Time Details: Check-in starts Nov. 14 at 10:30 am and the retreat ends Nov. 16 at 3:15 pm

Location: Sacred Waters Center

Address: 7362 East State Route 106, Union, WA

Contact: Michelle Gustafson
mgustafson@harmonyhill.org
360.898.2363

Fee: Program is provided at no charge, lodging and meals are offered at our cost. Room cost varies by room type and meal package is $150 per person. You have the option to add a tax-deductible donation.

Scholarships: We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for individuals in low-income situations. Please email us at programs@harmonyhill.org to apply. 

  • – $150.00
  • Creekside or Gatehouse Room with attached private bath: $175 per night single or double occupancy – $500.00
  • Creekside Room with private half bath: $175 per night single or double occupancy – $500.00
  • Creekside Room with shared bath: $100 per night – $350.00
  • Creekside Room with shared bath: $100 per night single or double occupancy – $350.00
  • Gatehouse Room with private bath: $175 per night – $500.00
  • Lodge Room with shared bath: $75 per night – $300.00
  • Lodge Room with shared bath: $75 per night single occupancy, $100 for double occupancy – $300.00
  • Lodge Room with shared bath: $75 per night single occupancy, $100 for double occupancy, $150 per person for meal packages – $300.00
  • Lodge Room with shared bath: $75 per night single occupancy, $100 per night double occupancy – $300.00
Join waiting list
Join waiting list

A 3-Day Cancer Retreat at Harmony Hill

Having a cancer diagnosis can feel isolating and overwhelming. At Harmony Hill, we hope to help you redefine your experience of cancer by joining a community of support, rest, and renewal. Participants are welcome to attend with a companion, such as a spouse, family member, or friend.

What to Expect

Our 3-Day Cancer Retreats offer a respite from the stresses of daily life with a cancer diagnosis in a nurturing environment for mind, body, and spirit.

Retreats include:

  • Small group sharing sessions

  • Gentle movement and meditation

  • Poetry and art activities

  • Practical tools and resources for healing and well-being

Our compassionate faculty, staff, and volunteers support participants in exploring self-care, resilience, and meaning. While spirituality is often a thread of conversation, it is always approached in a non-sectarian way. Please note that Harmony Hill does not promote or advocate for any specific medical treatment model.

3-Day Cancer Retreat Agenda

Bringing a Companion

Many people choose to attend with a loved one. Companions are warmly welcomed and are considered full participants in the retreat.

  • Companions may be spouses, family members, or close friends.

  • Their registration includes all meals, lodging, and activities.

  • During registration, you’ll be asked to provide their name and email so they can complete their own registration.

Early Arrival Option

You may choose to arrive a day early on Thursday, November 13 (check-in from 4–7 pm). Please note: no meals are provided for early arrivals. The first meal of the retreat is lunch on Friday.

Accommodations

  • Bedding and towels are provided.
  • Room type can be selected during registration (photos may not reflect the exact room you’ll stay in).

Meals

  • All meals are included.

  • We can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

  • For other dietary needs, a fridge and microwave are available for your use.

The Sacred Waters Center is located in Union, WA, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from SeaTac Airport. Here is a link for more information about the retreat location: The Sacred Waters Center.

Approximate driving times: From Seattle – 2 hours. From Tacoma – 1 ½ hours. From Olympia – 45 minutes. From Bremerton – 45 minutes

Disclaimer: Harmony Hill is a non-medical retreat center. Harmony Hill staff, faculty, or volunteers provide no medical assessment or treatment during any of our retreats or programs.

Is This Retreat for You?

Common reasons people attend include:

  • Wanting a community that understands the cancer journey

  • Learning ways to live more fully in the life you have

  • Pausing to reflect, rest, and breathe

  • Supporting a caregiver—or being supported as one

Participant Eligibility

  • You have been diagnosed with cancer and are under a health professional’s care

  • You (and any companion) are 18 years or older

  • You can attend the full retreat (no partial attendance)

  • You can walk or use a mobility device

  • You can manage daily activities independently or with your companion’s support

  • You can arrange your own transportation to and from the retreat

Scholarships

Partial scholarships are available for Washington State residents in low-income situations. To apply, please email: programs@harmonyhill.org. 

Cancellation Policy

  • 60+ days before retreat: full refund (less 10% processing/admin fee)

  • 59–16 days before: 50% refund

  • 15 days or less: non-refundable

  • Registrations are transferable at any time

Important Note

Harmony Hill is a non-medical retreat center. Our staff, faculty, and volunteers do not provide medical assessment or treatment.

If you have questions, please call us at 360.898.2363.

About the Leaders

Melissa Layer, MA, LMHC

Melissa is an integrative psychotherapist and interfaith spiritual director in Port Townsend, WA. Her journey with breast cancer, as well as midwifing her parents, husband, and others through end-of-life, has potently informed her about how a broken heart may become an open heart. Melissa’s connection with Harmony Hill began 14 ago when she began volunteering […]

Learn more about Melissa Layer, MA, LMHC

Chris Adams, MD

Chris is a faculty member at Harmony Hill, and has facilitated at Cancer Retreats, Mindfulness, and Grief and Loss Retreats since 2004. She currently co-facilitates a Cancer Wellness Circle at Virginia Mason. As a family doctor who practiced integrative and mind-body medicine for many years, she was inspired to join the Harmony Hill faculty to […]

Learn more about Chris Adams, MD

Category :