Beit Natan is a non-profit, volunteer-based community health resource, advocacy and cancer support center in Israel, serving individuals throughout Israel and specifically targeting those from low-income, immigrant and under-served communities. The majority of our clients are women but we serve men as well. Beit Natan’s support services provide comprehensive guidance and assistance at every stage of the disease as an essential compliment to medical treatment. Our pluralistic programs serve all of Israel, with our support services promoting recovery and enhancing the overall quality of life for those affected by this disease, as well as for their families.

It is critical to provide services beyond medical treatment for the cancer patient; to achieve that end, Beit Natan established the Therapeutic Retreats for Recovery for Women in 2000. These retreats provide an opportunity for cancer patients to receive emotional support, meet others with similar experiences, and learn coping and management skills. The programs and activities of the retreat offer a temporary refuge from the stresses of everyday life, enabling participants to recharge their emotional and physical energy and hopefully develop a new sense of self-awareness and a positive outlook for the future. Participation in the retreat has a positive impact on recovery, in addition to making a difference in the day-to-day life of the individual.

Although Israel’s national health insurance covers most medical expenses, cancer patients and their families find that they have hidden expenses and decreases in income while battling cancer. These may include the loss of income due to illness, child care and household help expenses and even travel expenses. Participants in the Therapeutic Retreat for Recovery pay a fraction of the cost of the actual program.