When Jules Peters of THE ALARM received her final dose of chemotherapy seven years ago this month in 2017, it set off a life mission in her mind: use her massive platform as a member of the band to draw attention to breast cancer and connect with other women who are stricken with it (her husband/bandmate Mike Peters was doing similar, having been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma years before). Having co-founded Love Hope Strength Foundation which raises awareness and funds for cancer research, care and awareness with Mike, their advocacy has created a worldwide network of fundraisers including mountaintop concerts, a B&B in Wales for cancer patients, and the aforementioned foundation.
Last month, Jules hosted the inaugural Love Hope Strength Treat: Retreat, a free weekend event in the U.K., which provided an opportunity for women affected by breast cancer the opportunity to rest, relax, regroup, recuperate, reset, retreat, and heal. Taking place at the Waterfalls Apartments and The Red Bar and Cafe in Dyserth, North Wales, Jules and 18 fellow women patients used this weekend retreat to give them hope, build their strength and feel loved.
“We walked, we talked, we practiced yoga and pilates together. We lay side by side for a relaxing sound bath [an immersive therapy using sound for restorative purposes]. We laughed and cried, shared our inner fears, hopes, and dreams,” she describes about the impactful weekend. “It makes you feel less alone when you exchange stories and experiences. New friendships were made and promises of new adventures began here.”
Nominated to take part in this first annual event, the 18 ‘retreaters’ from across the U.K. and the U.S. were accepted via a nomination process by family, friends or themselves following a breast cancer diagnosis. All arrived with different stories and experiences but were united in their determination to remain positive. As an actual show of compassion and care, the weekend was free to all attending.
“I had breast cancer during Covid. There was no opportunity to join a support group since we were in lockdown. I felt lost,” explains Leigh Zink of New Jersey, who attended the weekend. “As a longtime Alarm fan, I remembered that Jules had written a blog documenting her cancer journey so I decided to reread it – now through a different lens. It was so helpful but I had so many questions. I reached out to Jules via email hoping she might answer some and put my mind at ease. I was so thrilled when she responded. Even better, she asked me to join a small group of other women that she was mentoring. I immediately said yes.”
The retreaters, some of whom are still undergoing treatment, were given the program brief to ‘bring open minds, warm hearts and fun pants’ to get the most out of their time together.” Treat: Retreat served as a respite away from the pressures of everyday life and an opportunity to connect with other women who were undergoing similar treatments and life challenges.
Among the relaxing mind and body reset that occurred during the weekend, the women were entertained by an exceptional acoustic performance by Jules’ husband and founder of The Alarm, Mike Peters, who performed the meditative fan favorite “Walk Forever By My Side” from the Strength album and “Heroine,” a ballad he had written for Jules as she was undergoing breast cancer treatment.
“It was a very humbling experience to play to this exclusive audience of female warriors who have all endured so much and been through similar experiences to those which I had to watch my own wife Jules’ suffer,” says Mike about his performance. “The ordeal of breast cancer leave scars that are often invisible to outsiders, but in this setting the emotion was so deep it was palpable in every word I sang for them. Respect.”
Treat: Retreat is made possible thanks to the support of the Peters family, specific supporters and the many people who gave their time to help put on a varied and full itinerary. The weekend was possibly one of the greatest restorative experiences imaginable for many of those who attended thanks to everyone’s sense of camaraderie and willingness to share details of the challenges they have faced.
“I had found a group of women who understood, and Jules could guide us since she had already been through it. It made it so less scary,” concludes Leigh. “Thanks, Jules, for all you’ve done for me/us, and to network with more women like me. It was such a special weekend, there really are no words for it. I wouldn’t miss this for the world!”
“I will be hosting another free Treat: Retreat at the Waterfalls Chapel next year in 2025,” explains Jules, looking forward to the next event, hoping to turn it into an annual gathering. “If you know of someone who has been affected by breast cancer who you feel would benefit from this weekend away, (there is no cost involved) please nominate them!”
To nominate someone for the next Love Hope Strength Treat:Retreat who has been affected by cancer in some way for the next weekend in 2025, please enter them here: https://www.lovehopestrength.co.uk/the-lhs-retreat-treat/.