STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION
51 Main St., Box 1320
Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7321
www.gostowe.com

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jo Sabel Courtney, (802) 253-7321 extension 219, josc@gostowe.com

STOWE VERMONT TO HOST 8TH ANNUAL STOWE WEEKEND OF HOPE CANCER EVENT

Stowe, Vermont (April 9, 2008) –. The world-famous resort town of Stowe, Vermont will host the 8th Annual Stowe Weekend of Hope, May 2-4, 2008. This event has become one of the most inspiring and educational events for cancer survivors in the country today. Jo Sabel Courtney, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the event states, “We believe that The Stowe Weekend of Hope is unique, as it covers all cancers, reveals the generosity of an entire community, and has enhanced the lives of thousands of past attendees and their loved ones. Our mission to inspire, educate, and celebrate the lives of people living with cancer is realized year after year.”

Presented by the Stowe Area Association and The Vermont Cancer Center, the event is for people with all forms of cancer. Nearly four-hundred cancer survivors and their families from 25 states and 3 Canadian provinces, and representing 37 different cancers were lodged in hotel rooms donated by Stowe lodging owners last year. Amtrak donates an entire car of The Vermonter to passengers who might otherwise be unable to attend due to physical or financial restraints. The Vermonter travels the Eastern Corridor of the U.S. and there is presently a wait-list for seats.
On Friday, May 2 an abundance of enlightening and life-balancing forums such as yoga, meditation, macrobiotic cooking classes, sketchbook journaling and equine therapy will be offered. Governor James Douglas is expected for the sixth consecutive year at the Opening Ceremony.

On Saturday, May 3, presentations will be given by leading oncologists and medical researchers from New England and from the Vermont Cancer Center; the University of Vermont; and Fletcher Allen Health Care Division of Hematology and Oncology. More than thirty workshops will inform on subjects such as Antiemetics; Reading Your Pathology Report; Confidence After Cancer; New Technologies in Radiation Therapy, and Caring for the Caregiver will be offered for both survivors and caregivers. The Stowe Community Church will host an ecumenical Candlelight Service in the evening.

On Sunday morning, May 4, celebrants gather at the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the von Trapp Family of Sound of Music fame, to dedicate the Flags of Hope and Healing created throughout the weekend. Through the reading of the Lakota Healing Prayer, dance, song and remembrances of those who have passed, all are gathered for the Closing Ceremony.
Hotels rooms for first-time attendees are complimentary, and most workshops, seminars and inspirational events are free. For returnees, discounted rooms are available. For more information and to register please visit www.stowehope.org.
ABOUT STOWE, VERMONT: Located at the foot of Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the quintessential village of Stowe, Vermont has been hosting travelers for over 200 years. A true four-season destination of international renown, Stowe offers over 70 unique and boutique shops, 50 restaurants and 40 lodging establishments ranging from full service resort spas to quaint bed and breakfasts. A real rarity in today’s world, virtually all of these businesses are locally owned. For more information on Stowe, please call 1-800-GO-STOWE or visit www.gostowe.com or www.stowe.travel.
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