Parents Weekend
Caring for the Caregivers
About Parents Weekend
Parenting a child with cancer takes everything you have. Parents Weekend is Special Love's annual retreat built around one simple idea: you matter too. Each November, parents and caregivers of children with cancer gather for a weekend of rest, connection, and honest conversation with people who truly understand. No explanations needed. Just space to breathe.
Program At a Glance
Parents Weekend is designed for parents and primary caregivers of children with cancer, at any stage of the experience, from active treatment through survivorship.
No prior participation in Special Love programming is required.
Who
Parents and caregivers of children with cancer
Format
Weekend retreat (overnight)
Location
Hosted in the greater DC, Maryland, and Virginia region
When
Held annually in November
Cost
Free
What to Expect
Parents Weekend is built around what parents rarely give themselves permission to receive: rest, laughter, and genuine connection. Activities have included yoga, massages, support group sessions led by licensed professionals, and dances — a mix of relaxation and camaraderie with people who understand the unique exhaustion and resilience of caring for a child with cancer.
More than anything, it's a weekend that makes space for parents and primary caregivers to be themselves and to build the kind of relationships that carry them forward long after the weekend ends.
Sample Schedule:
Saturday
- 8:00 a.m.: Buffet Breakfast & Registration
- 9:00: Welcome Speakers
- 9:30: Art Therapy
- 11:00: Group Therapy
- 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:00: Rotating programming (craft activity, sound bath, yoga, parents' discussion group, bereaved parents' discussion group)
- 6:00: Cocktails
- 6:30: Dinner & Dancing
Sunday
- 8:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
- 10:00: Reflections from the Weekend and Closing
Hear From Parents & Caregivers
Cost & How It's Made Possible
Parents Weekend is made possible through the generosity of donors and partners who believe parents and caregivers deserve time to rest, connect, and be seen.
How to Register
Annual Timeline
Parents Weekend takes place annually each November. Registration typically opens in advance of the event — watch the upcoming events listing below or contact us to be notified when registration opens.
Questions? Contact Angela Ashman at aashman@specialove.org.
Upcoming Events
Parents Weekend 2026
November 7–8, 2026
Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner
Tysons, VA
Enrollment Steps
- Create your CampSite account, or log in if you already have one.
- Complete your application online. You can save your progress and come back if you're missing anything.
Frequent Questions
Does my child need to be in active treatment for me to attend?
No, the weekend is open for parents and caregivers with children in active treatment, parents and caregivers of survivors and bereaved parents and caregivers.
Are bereaved parents welcome?
Yes, and the weekend's programming includes sessions and support for bereaved parents and caregivers.
Can both parents or co-caregivers attend?
Yes, parents and primary caregivers are welcome to attend the weekend together or individually.
Is childcare provided for attendees?
There is no onsite childcare or coordination for parents' weekend; please make arrangements for childcare.
Are accommodations and meals included?
Yes, thanks to the generous support of the Special Love community, participants of Parents Weekend receive complimentary hotel accommodations for Saturday night as well as Saturday's meals and Sunday breakfast.
What should I bring?
Participants will receive a list of what to pack after they register.