Idea acf1085:

More Cottages for More Cancer Survivors

Posted October 13, 2009

• Posted by: Seana O'Neill
• Organization: Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative
• Location: Sudbury
• Category: Promote Well-being
• Cost: Medium ($10,000 – $50,000)

Many believe that feeling better is part physical and part mental and that your mind and spirit can help your body heal. Imagine being lent a lakeside cottage for a week after you or a loved one has just finished devastating cancer treatments. Much needed time away from doctors, appointments and schedules to simply spend a week with family and friends amongst the tall pines. The Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative cottage lending program was created with this in mind. Since 2003, the Cottage Dreams program has hosted over 4000 visitors and can offer many more cottage visits with your vote. Please support our idea of executing a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the Cottage Dreams program to potential visitors, volunteers and cottage donors in Northern Ontario communities. Some of Ontario’s most popular and beautiful cottage communities are located from Sudbury/North Bay to Thunder Bay to Kenora, at the western edge of Ontario. There are several very busy cancer treatment centres in Sudbury, North Bay and Thunder Bay along Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and Lake Superior but the residents don’t yet know about the Cottage Dreams program. Currently, there is a higher degree of recognition in communities from Muskoka through the GTA to Windsor but it is our dream to offer as many cottages as we can to Northern families. Our idea will see a Public Relations publicity campaign put into place to utilize all forms of media (radio, magazine, newspaper and television) as well as a poster campaign to hospitals, cancer centres, schools, service clubs, libraries and pharmacies. This campaign will make Cottage Dreams a recognized and accessible program that will attract new applicants, new cottage donors, new corporate sponsors and new volunteers.
This campaign will cost $1500.00 a month and will take place from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. The total cost will be $18,000.00 and could help us double our visits next year!

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  One Family's Cottage Dreams Memories
  David had brain cancer and together with his mom, dad and brother visited a cottage on Lake Muskoka through Cottage Dreams.
  October 13, 2009 @ 3:51 PM

  
  
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  Fun at the Lake
  A 2008 family enjoying a sunny day at their Cottage Dreams cottage.
  October 13, 2009 @ 3:53 PM

  
  
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  Little Erica goes North
  This is a card Erica sent to us after her time at the lake.
  October 13, 2009 @ 3:55 PM

  
  
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  Its Not Only For Kids
  One of our happy visitors telling his fish story!
  October 13, 2009 @ 3:55 PM

  
  

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• Bill

  What an outstanding idea,and what a great organization! I have lent my cottage to Cottage Dreams and can tell you first hand that this program has a very meaningful impact on cancer survivors and there families.Being able to share our cottage with those going through a difficult time also had a bid impact on my own young children who gained a stronger sense of what it means to give back to the community.This has been a very positive experience at all levels.Keep up this great work.
  October 14, 2009 @ 11:14 AM EST

  
  

• Andrew

  CD is a small, well-run organization but desperately in need of funding. I have met Cancer survivors who have benefited from this program and clearly, their time away had a huge psychological benefit, let alone the positive physical impact. Please vote for Cottage Dreams and help enrich the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
  October 14, 2009 @ 12:37 PM EST

  
  

• Joy

  I have donated my cottage in past years to 4 different families. Seeing their excitement and enjoyment after enduring so much hardship is all the thanks I need. Cottage Dreams is an impeccably run organization and works in a niche not provided by other cancer organizations. I urge you to support this very worthwhile program.
  October 14, 2009 @ 5:02 PM EST

  
  

• LA13

  I was gifted the visit of a cottage visit. I am a single mom with four young children and after battling breast cancer a cottage visit with the kids and my parents was a true blessing. I will be forever thankful to my cottage donors, sponsors and Cottage Dreams. It gave us a chance to heal, reconnect and make new memories. Thank you Seana for your wonderful vision. I hope that all families will be as fortunate as I was and money is needed to make those dreams come true. Please vote!
  October 14, 2009 @ 6:46 PM EST

  
  

• midnightdawn

  I was left a widow at the age of 42 with 3 children, my husband and my high school sweetheart passed at the age of 45. We always dreamed of a cottage, it was going to be "one day". He never saw that day. I made sure that day would come. Today, the children and I are now proud owners in the Muskoka's, we share our family dream with Cottage Dreams. How I wish we knew about the organization when my husband was ill? How it so would have helped our level of happiness and decreased our levels of mayhem? We didn't know. Unfortunately, everybody knows or will know somebody who could greatly benefit from this worthy, selfless organization that does affect cancer patients/surviors and their families in such a GREAT Possitive way! A story to share: The family to whom I donated the cottage to this year had for the first time in a long time, a week of fun, laughter, relaxation, fishing, swiming, hiking and just pure pleasure - so much so, that they contacted me asking to rent the cottage
  October 15, 2009 @ 12:16 AM EST

  
  

• midnightdawn

  (continued from above) I told them they could have it, and to donate the funds to Cottage Dreams. My only regret, we didn't know about this worthy program. We didn't have the opportunity to create more priceless memories whilst my husband was still with us. We didn't know. PLEASE VOTE! Unfortunately we all know or will know someone who could benefit from Cottage Dreams. PLEASE VOTE! We didn't know. I wish we did.
  October 15, 2009 @ 12:24 AM EST

  
  

• Bruce&Ginny

  We are volunteers with Cottage Dreams, having started our relationship with the donation of a week at our Haliburton cottage in the first year of the program. In donating and volunteering we have to tell you that the experience is extremely rewarding in every way to every participant. We witness first hand the generosity of the cottage doners we visit and the excitement of the applicants and their families and support groups when we explain the program details to them. It all comes together due to the dedicated efforts of Seana O'Neill and her amazing team. We are proud to be a part of this very unique organization which brings so much joy to those that truly need it. Please vote for Cottage Dreams to ensure the growth of this incredible initiative and thus allow those in need to experience Seana's dream.
  October 15, 2009 @ 8:19 AM EST

  
  

• healing

  Healing is precisely what my husband and I have seen the nearly 20 times we have donated our cottage to survivors. Couples, family,friends,in-laws, grandparents-adults and children have gone through incredible traumatic times yet are able to laugh and relax with each other again in these settings so removed from former stresses. How can you not vote for Cottage Dreams?
  October 15, 2009 @ 9:43 PM EST

  
  

• Evil Queen

  A little over 3 years ago my husband was diagnosed with very aggressive Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Life as we knew it changed forever and our world spun out of control. His hospital stay, life saving treatments, endless tests, doctor appts., home care visits, and numerous complications took their toll. Words can simply not express our sincere thanks to everyone involved in the Cottage Dreams program. It gave us a week away from all that is "cancer", time to rest, relax, and just enjoy being a family again. A vote for Cottage Dreams means another cancer patient will have that chance.
  October 15, 2009 @ 10:25 PM EST

  
  

• johnsr55

  Our family has been honoured to be involved with CD both as donors of our cottage and as volunteer site representative. The program is a wonderful way to provide an opportunity to people who have gone through a life altering experience to relax and enjoy the beauty of cottage life. A friend from work was able to utilize the program and she was thrilled to have a week of recovery at a doated cottage. The letters we receive from our CD visitors bring tears of happiness to our eyes.
  October 16, 2009 @ 7:58 PM EST

  
  

• DonnaG

  I have had the honour of hearing a number of Cottage Dreams visitors speak about their experiences. Being diagnosed with cancer is a huge blow. Going through years of painful treatments, suffering financial difficulties, losing important time with family and friends puts an unbelievable strain on everyone involved. The revitalizing difference a week away at a donated cottage makes to these cancer survivors and their group of supportive loved ones is absolutely inspiring. What a wonderfully unique and necessary program this is ... I encourage everyone to vote so the program can be offered to even more survivors.
  October 17, 2009 @ 9:29 AM EST

  
  

• CottageDream

  It has been an honour to work with all the staff and volunteers every day and who feel as strongly as I do about making a difference this way. I created Cottage Dreams with this hope as the driving force and boy, have we made people feel better. Thank you for all of your support and taking the time to be a part of this idea and program. Please vote every day!
  October 18, 2009 @ 8:19 PM EST

  
  

• tj08

  After 2 1/2 yrs of treatments and a bone marrow transplant, a getaway to relax and reflect is just what the doctor ordered! Thank you to Cottage Dreams for an oppourtunity to do just that. This is a wonderful organization that helps people in a way only a survivor such as myself would understand. Your support and votes for this group are needed to expand and promote in order to provide this "dream" and more cottages are needed to help more people so please vote for Cottage Dreams. Remember to vote daily until Nov 1. Thank you from a 3x survivor and cottage getaway recipient.
  October 19, 2009 @ 2:29 PM EST

  
  

• Oscar W

  This is a terrific enterprise. I hope you get all the votes you need. You deserve the boost. Good luck.
  October 20, 2009 @ 11:35 AM EST

  
  

• Patricia

  Our entire family has benefitted from the Cottage Dreams program. Our son is under regular treatments for skin cancers and long term effects from brain tumour treatments. This wonderful program has given us the gift of a week together away from all of the medical stuff, and helped us to have time to just focus on being a family. The kids get to be just kids... we don't even think about the word "patient". They spend most of their time in, at or on the water, doing things that boys should be doing in the summer... swimming, boating, snorkelling, fishing, jumping... My husband was thrilled to spend so much time with his boys and out in the paddle boat. It is a great break for all of us! We sincerely appreciate this amazing program and are also involved as volunteers. Our son is an Ambassador for the program and is only too happy to "spread the word" about Cottage Dreams and what it has done for him. Thank you so much Cottage Dreams team.... Thank you.
  October 21, 2009 @ 11:04 AM EST

  
  

• Effie

  Good luck! I hope you achieve all you want.
  October 31, 2009 @ 8:58 AM EST

  
  

• gayekearns

  What a great cause....I am a big supporter! All the best.
  October 31, 2009 @ 1:03 PM EST

  
  

• kimC

  I have donated my cottage to this great cause and believe in this cause deeply.
  November 1, 2009 @ 8:29 PM EST

  
  

• Lukemsurvivo

  I volunteer for Cottage Dreams and can truly say what a great organization it is. After undergoing Cancer myself, and not having the honour of staying in one of the cottages as Cottage Dreams wasn't around when I was ill, I can tell you that it means a world of good to someone who has to endure treatment after treatment. Please vote and support them. Thank you.
  November 1, 2009 @ 9:19 PM EST

  
  

• Oscar W

  Here we go again, Guys. Hope we make it in with the winners this time. (SELF NOTE: Remember to vote EVERY DAY). Good luck, all.
  November 2, 2009 @ 10:39 AM EST

  
  

• sonjipalooza

  I had great difficulty expressing my gratiude to such an awesome organization and and to those who are kind enough to offer their personal cottages as a recovery incentive. There is no single word in the dictionary that can describe the appreciation for what Cottage Dreams (and all those involved) have done for so many of us. As I watched the sun come up over the lake at the cottage I stayed at I wrote a song called " A Gift from the Angels". To this day when I play this song it gives me goosebumps and I get a little teary. LOVE YOU COTTAGE DREAMS. THANK YOU x ..........
  November 3, 2009 @ 8:12 AM EST

  
  

• Cottagedream

  This is an amazing organization that brings so much happiness when there has been so much sadness. Hopefully the word will get out more so that others can share their rewards in life.
  November 3, 2009 @ 11:52 AM EST

  
  

• WaywardBill

  I am going to help you win this grant... :) ...!!!
  November 3, 2009 @ 1:30 PM EST

  
  

• TCM

  Great organization doing great work
  November 3, 2009 @ 2:00 PM EST

  
  

• ellpell

  It's a "joy" to support this great cause!
  November 3, 2009 @ 5:00 PM EST

  
  

• wendywhiner

  Goos stuff!! We need more of this..
  November 4, 2009 @ 6:09 AM EST

  
  

• Barb K

  There is nothing more nuturing and healing than being out in nature when you are feeling well... even more so when you are recovering from a Life Threatening Illness. Relaxing by the lake helps boost the immunity system,. The relaxing and fabulous pyschological wellbeing cottage life promotes for the whole family is so very valuable . Cottage Dreams recognizes the needs of cancer patients and reaches out to many of the families that have been through diagnosis treatment therapy ...and now the waiting and healing stages. It is a great joy to see such fabulous work being done by Cottage Dream. Cottage Dreams offers many of these families a great place to help them recover and recharge while spending wonderful family moments together. With more help from you we can help more families rebuild their lives together.
  November 4, 2009 @ 6:13 AM EST

  
  

• linda

  i own a b&b in muskoka and have been lucky to be a small part of this organization. our b&b takes cancer clients not able to take a week off work. we have been lucky to do this twice and hope to be involved many more times. it has been life changing for us
  November 4, 2009 @ 3:33 PM EST

  
  

• Believe

  How blessed we are to have someone who came up with idea of Cottage Dreams. Every aspect of Cottage Dreams is a link in the circle of the CELEBRATION of LIFE. From the organizers to the donars to the volunteers to the recipients...it all exudes such a positive energy for community. A winning vision that deserves recognition for sure. I hope that people can see the significance of what you are trying to achieve. You certainly have my vote. I hope and pray that you win this contest so that you can get the word out so that more people can benefit from what you and all involved with the organization have to offer. Best of luck.....
  November 5, 2009 @ 10:53 AM EST

  
  

• Paul

  Our family is honoured to support such a great organization as Cottage Dreams.We have donated our family cottage a number of times for the past few years. Understanding that you can bring joy and comfort to families is such a rewarding feeling.So many times we all give to charities, maybe we write cheques , volunteer time,etc.......but this is different, it's personal.You are contributing by gifting your family cottage ,knowing it is making such a big difference to families whose loved ones have been affected by cancer.We feel privileged to be able to help support Cottage Dreams.It is an incredible organization.Keep up the great work !!!!
  November 5, 2009 @ 6:25 PM EST

  
  

• Nancy

  Unfortunately we were unable to experience "Cottage Dreams" as when we received the call to go my husband was heading for surgery to remove two malignant tumors in his lung. After reading comments and experiences of cancer patients and people who have donated their cottages it makes me realize what amazing people and organization this is! A big "thank you" to those people donating their cottages and of course to Seana O'Neill, Founder & President. You are amazing! I have voted and will continue to each day. I hope to help you win this grant!
  November 5, 2009 @ 7:28 PM EST

  
  

• ALEXANDER

  |Cottage Dreams is a fabulous organization and although circumstances did not permit us to get to the cottage arranged for us, our family was grateful for the opportunity to have been considered to re-connect in such a wonderful setting. THANK YOU to everyone who makes this possible for everyone involved. Best of luck with this opportunity.
  November 5, 2009 @ 8:29 PM EST

  
  

• Jacqui

  This past June, my Mother was fortunate enough to recieve an absolutely breathtaking cottage in the Muskokas, and brought along myself, my 2 sisters, and our partners. Having all 'left the nest' prior to her cancer diagnosis, and commuting 3 hours to support and help care for her during her treatment, the cottage was exactly what we needed to reconnect, enjoy each others company, and relax without the 'cancer' overtones. It was such an amazing gift- and seeing the relaxed smile on my mom's face each morning as she conquered the lake on kayak was the most healing of experiences. Thank you cottage dreams!
  November 6, 2009 @ 9:15 AM EST

  
  

• rlh555

  I was lucky enough to be chosen by Cottage Dreams for a visit in the summer of 2007. We stayed at a beautiful cottage for a week in July and had a fantastic time. It was a blessing to spend quality time with my family as I continued on my road to recovery. What a vast difference that summer was from the summer before... In the summer of 2006 I spent all of my time in a hospital bed or a chemotherapy chair while in 2007 I was able to spend a week with my family and lounge around on deck chairs over looking the lake and lying on rafts in the lake while my kids were swimming. Thank you cottage dreams! Keep up the great work!
  November 6, 2009 @ 11:59 AM EST

  
  

• ematton

  Cottage Dreams makes so many lives richer - memories created, never forgotten.... thank you everyone for making our cottage stay possble in 2007!
  November 6, 2009 @ 1:04 PM EST

  
  

• thomasd

  As one of the beneficiaries of the Cottage Dreams program I can tell you this is a superbly operated program that provides a very special service to people whose lives have been touched by cancer. I have suffered a great deal in the past two years through the treatments and surgeries associated with throat cancer. Without my friends and loved ones I would not have found the strength to carry on. It was my teenage son who found out about CD's program when he visited a social worker during a particulary intense time in my illness. Because of CD I was able to say thank-you to the special people in my life who support me. The cottage owners in Muskoka were great and I cannot measure my appreciation for this special experience, except to say it is an exemplary example of social action where all involved benefit.
  November 9, 2009 @ 4:55 PM EST

  
  

• HorsyMom

  The trauma, fear and stress that whole families go through when a loved one is diagnosed and being treated for cancer is substantial beyond compare! No one can truly understand the depth of it unless they see it firsthand. This organization is wonderful! For a couple of weeks families can relax and have some happy memories and renew their spirits!! What better way to help fight cancer and make families whole again!! We are truly blessed to have people willing to donate their cottages ! God is smiling down on us! Please help to continue this wonderful gift!
  November 11, 2009 @ 6:18 AM EST

  
  

• MaryM

  I lost both my parent to cancer and for me our cottage was my sanctuary. When I read about Cottage Dreams in a book, I thought that it was a great idea and last summer was the first time we donated our cottage and it gave us just such a wonderful feeling that we were able to share our piece of paradise with someone who really needed it. We will be doing this from now on.
  November 11, 2009 @ 9:11 AM EST

  
  

• JEyton-Jones

  We were extremely fortunate to have been able to experience the generosity of Cottage Dreams. We stayed at the most beautiful cottage for 5 days and we will never forget this time. The Cottage Dreams staff were so caring and helpful and the cottage owner was quite generous in offering this opportunity which we would not have been able to experience without her involvement. After spending a year while my husband recovered from cancer and surgeries, this truly was a time we could all relax and enjoy life again! These really are treasured memories we will always have and be grateful for.
  November 17, 2009 @ 8:36 AM EST

  
  

• MooMoo

  Great idea. I can see how people can be benefited from this. Memories are the best gift for many of those unfortunate ones.
  November 17, 2009 @ 11:27 PM EST

  
  

• mikekierce

  CD is an awesome and very well-deserving organization. Hope this helps!!!
  November 25, 2009 @ 1:53 PM EST

  
  

• Yvonne

  Cottage Dreams goes to great lengths to provide these incredibly deserving families with a wonderful cottage experience. Every detail about the cottage, and its surroundings is carefully considered to ensure that stays are worry free and that these families can simply enjoy their time together in a beautiful and carefree environment.
  November 25, 2009 @ 1:57 PM EST

  
  

• Zoe

  Cottage Dreams is a wonderful organization. As I cancer survivor, I was so very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the program. The week away at a charming cottage was so needed & appreciated. Cottage Dreams has a solid platform in place to make all of the arrangements and ensure that the process is as easy as possible. The concept is very special, unique and caring
  November 25, 2009 @ 2:13 PM EST

  
  

• Still waters

  I registered my cottage a little late for 2009 however it will be available to Cottage Dreams program in 2010 to host a cancer treatment visitor.
  November 25, 2009 @ 2:18 PM EST

  
  

• Stephanie

  I spent this last year fighting my cancer. I feel my whole family including my three young children missed out on our usual summer fun. I think this is a great organization and look forward to maybe having the opportunity to experience such a great program.Thankyou to Cottage Dreams.
  November 25, 2009 @ 3:08 PM EST

  
  

• Wendi

  This is one of the best things that I was able to do with my family after my treatments, my boys at the time were 2 and 4 and they still ask about that "special cottage". It was a wonderful, relaxing and family oriented week. Thanks so much and please vote for this worthy program.
  November 25, 2009 @ 3:44 PM EST

  
  

• omissmarn

  We donated our cottage for the first time this past summer and will definitely do it again. We are very very lucky to have good health and a cottage and sharing our good fortune is such a small thing to do to help these very brave people. Keep up the good work. I will vote every day.
  November 25, 2009 @ 8:30 PM EST

  
  

• Robertson Re

  I have been offering my cottage for use for 4 years. It is so wonderful getting a note or letter from the healing families. That really is proof of the the great need that exixts for the program and makes my reason for donating so strong.
  November 25, 2009 @ 10:46 PM EST

  
  

• the weep

  Seana Keep up the great work and what you have accomplished so far has contributed to the quality of life of those that needed it the most.
  November 26, 2009 @ 7:38 AM EST

  
  

• CountySign

  Seana and her team work tirelessly to provide some inner peace to families whose lives are in turmoil. Cottage Dreams offers a wonderful opportunity, implemented with compassion and professionalism, and truly deserves whatever funding can be directed its way!
  November 26, 2009 @ 6:18 PM EST

  
  

• Jamie

  What an absolutely fantastic organization. Having watched family and friends battle cancer, I can see the benefits of this program for the entire family. I hope the program is able to continue and meet the needs of those people directly impacted by this dreaded condition.
  November 27, 2009 @ 1:14 PM EST

  
  

• kateylu

  Thanks Jamie :)
  November 27, 2009 @ 1:24 PM EST

  
  

• kateylu

  I'm looking forward to this opportunity. Having spent the better part of my past two summers recouperating from treatments, I am looking forward to a chance to have a summertime relaxation vacation situation with family and/or friends to share it with.
  November 27, 2009 @ 1:27 PM EST

  
  

• Mary W.

  My husband and I were both diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas last year. Our daughter returned home from College our West to be with us. The time we spent in Muskoka was directly related to our recovery from surgery and Chemo. Realizing that a complete stranger was offering his family's beautiful Lake-side 'cottage' to us, was overwhelming and the whole experience gave us renewed hope and faith in humanity! Seana, thank you for realizing your dream so that our otherwise unattainable dream could happen. We are deeply moved beyond words. God bless everyone involved. Mary W.
  November 27, 2009 @ 1:33 PM EST

  
  

• lydia

  We spent a week in a Muskoka cottage this summer. It's a wonderful experience and realxing. It helped me recovered well after all the cancer treatment - surgery, chemo and radiation. Thanks Cottage Dream and all the people involved. Lydia
  November 27, 2009 @ 9:53 PM EST

  
  

• jrm

  Our week spent in the Muskokas will fill our lives with wonderful memories! An unbelievable experience that allowed our whole family to unwind after the trauma of cancer and the road to recovery had consumed our lives. We will be forever grateful for Cottage Dreams.
  November 28, 2009 @ 10:56 AM EST

  
  

• roundhouse12

  I note that Cottage Dreams is planning to expand. I have a vacation property in British Columbia and some time ago contacted them about it. I was recently emailed and asked if I was still interested in donating the property. Said I was. I am also involved with another AVIVA project. Search Roundhouse and if you like the notion, we'd be happy to have your vote. We just might make it with a bit more support. Only one day left though but every little bit helps.
  November 28, 2009 @ 9:12 PM EST

  
  

• Bob Stinson

  I wanted to vote far more often than I did, but I found your website very difficult to work out! It wasn't accepting my Logg-In many times and I often just gave up in frustration. Hope the few times tha I was able to vote will make a difference for a very worthy cause.
  November 29, 2009 @ 12:35 PM EST