Parents’ Getaway Weekend 2025: A Time to Breathe, Connect, and Heal

On November 15–16, parents from across the region gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Tysons Corner for one purpose: to breathe. Parents’ Getaway Weekend is one of Special Love’s most cherished traditions—a space created for parents, by parents—designed to offer comfort, community, and a moment of peace in lives often defined by uncertainty.

This weekend brings together parents of children and young adults with cancer as well as bereaved parents. It offers a rare chance to step away from the daily demands of caregiving and grief, reconnect with themselves (and each other), and find support among others who truly understand.

This year’s theme, “The Art of Steadying: Connection, Coping, and Caring for Yourself,” beautifully captured the heart of what unfolded throughout the weekend.

A Saturday Filled with Healing and Wholeness

Following a Friday night social for those who arrived early, Saturday began with a warm welcome from Special Love’s Executive Director, Elena Jeannotte, and long-time parent and Board Member Shari Fisher, LCSW. Their words set the tone for the day—a gentle reminder that this was a space to be vulnerable and feel supported and cared for.

Art Therapy: Finding Expression Through Creativity

Danielle Eichner, MA ATR-BC, LCPAT, Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional, guided parents through a hands-on session rooted in reflection and emotional expression. In the quiet of the room, parents found space not just to create, but to process—something so often pushed aside in the pace of medical appointments and daily life.

The Art of Steadying: Tools for Coping and Connection

Next, Lindsey Wamsley, LPC-S, TBRI®-Practitioner, Pediatric Behavioral Health Therapist III, Oncology at Life with Inova Peterson Cancer offered practical tools to help parents ground themselves, cope with ongoing stress, and tend to their own well-being. Her session reminded every parent in the room that caring for themselves is not selfish—it’s essential.

After a shared lunch, the afternoon shifted into activities designed to encourage creativity, connection, and calm.

Crafting, Conversation, and Connection

The group spent the afternoon building and decorating birdhouses and painting small planters, led by long-time Special Love parent Terri Tomoff. With donated succulents and plenty of laughter, parents found themselves opening up—not just with their hands, but with their hearts. These crafts became more than projects; they became conversation starters, shared moments, and symbols of resilience. And aviary residences!

Relaxation Through Movement and Sound

From a soothing sound bath to two gentle yoga sessions with instructor Vanessa Moses, the day offered multiple chances for deep relaxation. Parents described these moments as some of the most peaceful they had experienced in years.

Discussion Groups: Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations

Two facilitated group discussions provided opportunities for parents to share openly with others facing similar experiences.

• A general Parent Discussion Group, facilitated by Shari Fisher, LCSW, provided parents and caregivers in all spectrums of the cancer experience with a space for collective support.
• A dedicated Bereaved Parents Group, led by Maureen Lilly and Shari Fisher, LCSW, created a compassionate space for those navigating loss.

A Night of Celebration: Dinner, Dancing, and Salsa!

Saturday evening brought joyful energy as parents gathered for cocktails, dinner, and a vibrant Salsa Night celebration.

Our special guest, DJ NuLife (aka Malcolm Jones, a former Special Love camper and now a volunteer) donated his time and talent to the event, filling the ballroom with music, laughter, and moments of pure joy.

For many parents, this was their first “night out” in a long time, a rare chance to dance, laugh, and simply enjoy being themselves. Many were so taken with the evening that they stayed up even later at a local restaurant.

Sunday Reflections

The weekend concluded with breakfast and reflections on the weekend. Parents shared what they were taking home—new friendships, renewed strength, and a sense of equilibrium they hadn’t felt in a long time.

Gratitude to Those Who Made It Possible

Parents’ Getaway Weekend is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of those who give their time and talents.

A heartfelt thank-you to, Danielle Eichner, Lindsey Wamsley, Vanessa Moses, Terri & Bill Tomoff, DJ NuLife (Malcolm Jones), Maureen & Joe Lilly, Christine Etue, Maria & Stephen Gonzalez-Jackson, and Shari & Andy Fisher.

A Weekend That Truly Matters

For many parents, this weekend is the one time each year they can step away from the weight they carry. It’s a chance to feel understood, to feel refreshed, and to rediscover their own strength.

Parents’ Getaway Weekend isn’t just a retreat—it’s a reminder that no one walks this journey alone.