Party, CP-5, Oct 2007

I know many of you have already seen this and responded, but I want to keep it on the "front burner" not the back one.

Thanks!!

Hmmmm....WHAT IS CP-5?
Is it a new chemo? A strategic move in the game "Battleship"? A vegetable drink?
No, it's none of those....

It's a full-blown celebration of life! The technical term is COLON PALOOZA 5. It's a gathering of friendship and support created by the members of this discussion board. It's a way to meet in person the people we feel we already "know" through our discussions on this board.

A while back a few of us who post often thought it would be a great idea to actually meet in person. Through this site, we've all shared everything from treatments and feelings, to belly laughs and recipes. We thought it would be a great way to put faces with names on this site.

These get togethers end up strengthening the bonds between folks who are somehow tied to cancer. Whether they had it, have it, or are related to someone who has, it brings everyone together. The reason we have a "host" for these events is to do the following:

(1) Arrange for a block of rooms at the same hotel for the reason of keeping the group close together and to get a great rate on the room. The hotel chosen is usually very gracious when they hear about the reason for our "event" and go that extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. It would make NO sense to have everyone stay at various hotels because that defeats the purpose of meeting in the first place.
(2) Plan events for the group. Usually, the first day is for travel, with a casual meeting in the hotel bar or restaurant in the evening. The second night is meeting in the host's suite for drinks and appetizers. Lots of hugs and tears (of joy, appreciation) are exchanged. The next two days are various tours and attractions, followed by heading back home on the 5th day. They tend to run from Wednesday to Sunday.
(3) Do a thorough search of the location to find the most to do, in safe areas, accommodating a group of people. If everyone was left on their own to head off in their own direction, that would also defeat the purpose. Granted, we're not tied at the hip, and nobody is forced to do any of the events. There is a lot of "down time" for naps, venturing off on your own, and doing what you want to do, but there is an outline of an itinerary which is wonderful.

No formal invitations are extended. This is for everyone to attend.

Colon Palooza 5 will be held in October, 2007 (exact date to be determined, probably Oct 10-14),in NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE!!!!!

So, there you have it. Now, you can either write it off as something you have no interest in doing.....OR YOU CAN GET ALL GIDDY AND HAVE SOMETHING VERY AWESOME TO LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT OCTOBER.

There is plenty of notice for people to arrange their financial and health situations to enable them to make this trip.

Itinerary to follow over the next few months.

Alright....bring on the feedback!

Stacy

P.S. Go to www.colonpalooza.com to see some pics of past paloozas.