Success of retreat leads to appeal for more

The success of a Pearl Beach holiday home used as a retreat for women with breast cancer has led to an appeal for others to make their homes available.

The Otis Foundation is looking for holiday home owners on the Peninsula who are willing to share their properties with people living with breast cancer.

The Foundation provides short-term retreats at no charge.

"With 4500 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in NSW alone, there is increasing demand on our current Pearl Beach retreat," said the foundation's general manager Ms Kristen Simpson.

Ms Simpson said the organisation was inspired by Judy Burley, who lived with breast cancer until she passed away aged 36.

Judy had a vision to deliver the peace she found in nature to others faced with a similar challenge, she said.

Since The Otis Foundation opened its doors in 2003, it has continued to grow and now offers retreats across NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

Ms Simpson said the retreats offered time out to relax, reconnect and regroup for those dealing with the challenges that come alongside serious illness.

Each property had been hand chosen for its location, in an environment that allowed guests to draw on nature for strength and comfort, she said.

The Pearl Beach property is donated by the property owners for six months of the year (since 2010), when they are not using it as their holiday home.

"We currently have a very long waiting list for Pearl Beach, so we are in need of another retreat either in Pearl Beach or any one of the other beautiful locations on the Central Coast," said Ms Simpson.

"Holiday home owners say the guest book at each property is the greatest form of repayment.

"The messages each tell a story and convey a gratitude and appreciation of the generosity and the spirit with which these retreats have been provided."

With inquiries, contact the Otis Foundation on 03 5444 1185.

Media Release, 14 Feb 2013

Kristen Simpson, The Otis Foundation