This year’s Stowe Weekend of Hope will see the addition of a number of new, exciting, and important features:

• A comprehensive educational symposium, all under one roof at a Stowe conference facility, to minimize the stress of moving from location to location. This central event will also encourage a greater communal energy, combining internationally acclaimed speakers, holistic hands-on healing practitioners, guided nature walks, breakfast and lunch stations right on the premises, nutrition-oriented cooking demonstrations, “meet the author” book signings, and more.
• Performances and training by Circus Smirkus.
• Vermont Philharmonic classical concert at Stowe Community Church on Friday evening
• Opening ceremonies and dedication by Governor Jim Douglas at the newly built Jewish Community Center of Greater Stowe.
• Closing ceremonies featuring music by Primitive Soul, Elisabeth von Trapp, and Tammy Fletcher. Elisabeth and Tammy will perform individually, and as a duet.
• Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of the legendary Maria von Trapp will also host a brunch at the Trapp Family Lodge on Sunday morning.

Cancer is one of the most serious health problems in the U.S. Data from the American Cancer Society shows that an aging population will cause continuing increases in cancer deaths in this country. According to the ACS’s annual Cancer Facts & Figures, more Americans than ever, 1.33 million, were diagnosed with cancer in 2003 (the most recent year with complete data available) and more than half a million died. One in three people in the United States today will be affected by cancer.

The Stowe Weekend of Hope helps to combat the disease by educating and inspiring people with cancer and those who love them. The event is unique because, unlike most national events, which focus on only one form of cancer, the Stowe Weekend of Hope is for people with all forms of cancer. The event brings hundreds of cancer patients from dozens of states and Canada together to learn, gain support, and find inspiration in the beautiful, healing environment of Stowe, Vermont. Cancer survivors and their families are lodged in hundreds of complimentary hotel rooms donated by Stowe lodging owners.

Amtrak generously provides a “Train of Hope,” departing from Washington, D.C. and stopping along the route of THE VERMONTER including Philadelphia and New York City, on its way to Stowe. Complimentary passage is provided for a limited number of cancer survivors.

In addition to the diverse educational offerings, the weekend will provide many inspirational and healing events. On Saturday evening, the Stowe Community Church will host an ecumenical candlelight ceremony that will combine music, inspiration, meditation, and spirituality. Closing ceremonies take place on Sunday at the Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow.