There was no harder call to make than to postpone our 2020 Beautifully Flawed Retreat. I think throughout this past year, many can relate to holding out hope for some scheduled event to remain on the calendar, and then the reality of it not happening coming to fruition. My greatest concern was two sided: many of the attendees for this year’s retreat faced their limb loss this year and that, coupled with the pandemic, their worlds were turned upside down. I felt determined to provide a safe haven for them! This summer as the numbers relating to COVID-19 began to rise, and restrictions were all over the place, I began to feel a heavy responsibility for the health and safety of our girls, some having just finished cancer treatment. As the burden grew, I knew that we needed to push pause on this year’s retreat.

I was so nervous to tell the girls the news, I just didn’t want to bring them disappointment. I was met with so much grace from the girls, and each of them understood why we were making this call. I have so humbled by them, but not just through them, but also by all the love and grace shared from each of you in this time. As we reached out to those who gave toward this year’s retreat wanting to do right by all of you, each of you chose to invest in the next retreat, or to allocate those funds towards the work we are currently doing at FOBH. I was reminded of the beauty of humanity and was so blessed to read the encouraging words shared by each of you. Thank you all!