CP-5

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.

Since there appear to be a lot of new members to this discussion, this may be a repeat for many, but here goes....

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.

The very first Palooza was held in January, 2005. Three members from here met in Biloxi, Mississippi. That same year, 2005, in October, I planned the one in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kerry and her husband graciously hosted nightly gatherings in their suite, and we all had a ball. That Palooza had a combination of 9 members/caregivers from this site attend. At that one we learned the importance of scheduling activities while at the Palooza since after meeting in the suite, it wasn't even like we were all there for a purpose since everyone went off in their own direction.

This past April, 2006, CP-3 was held in Austin, Texas. Kerry and her husband hosted the get together. She set up a tour of Whole Foods (organic store), planned nightly bat watchings (popular bridge location in Austin), arranged a tour of this web site's home in Austin, threw a party at her beautiful home, and extended hospitality like only a southern gal could! There were, I believe, 14 members/caregivers from this site that attended. Last week, CP-4 was held in BEAUTIFUL Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lisa Rose and her husband hosted this event. We visited the Titanic Museum, several Irish pubs, the local casino, Peggy's Cove, and walked the lovely waterfront including a sail on a Tall Ship. It was breathtaking!

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. It's almost impossible to arrange a place that EVERYONE will agree to, so those that have attended in the past felt a place is chosen by those who attended the last Palooza. This is the group that not only SAYS they will attend, but ACTUALLY DOES.

At this past Palooza, it was agreed that only one "official" Palooza will be planned a year. This way, everyone knows when it's coming and can plan accordingly. It's nearly impossible to make 2 events a year for financial and prior obligation restrictions.

With all that stated.....

Colon Palooza 5 will be.........

Held in October, 2007 (exact date to be determined, probably Oct 10-14).....

in.........

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE!!!!!

How's THAT for a curveball? The reason for this location is....

(a) Great airfares from almost every city under the sun (even Canada!)
(b) Central location
(c) Lots to do, majority walking distance
(d) Pleasant weather
(e) Not too expensive

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