Congress Hall Giving Families a Break from Cancer

CAPE MAY – On Monday, Jan. 8, Teresa Artale, a 55-year-old liver cancer patient, will leave her disease behind in the Yonkers and travel to Congress Hall in Cape May to enjoy a respite vacation. Teresa will enjoy time with her husband and daughter while they take a break from the emotional and psychological impact of cancer.
Merriam-Webster defines “respite” as a period of temporary delay and an interval of rest and relief. This respite vacation—a time to laugh, love and create memories—is made possible through For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (FPS), a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization.
Teresa was diagnosed with liver cancer in June 2017 and was nominated for this respite vacation by her oncology team at Einstein Cancer Center. “This cancer diagnosis has been devastating for the whole family – it would be great to get away and spend time as a family,” said Teresa.
This trip is a result of a Travel Partnership between FPS and Cape Resorts. Cape Resorts has generously agreed to host four families this year at Congress Hall, Cape May and Baron’s Cove, Sag Harbor, N.Y. This support will help FPS reach their goal of serving 160 families by June 30.
FPS enables cancer patients and their loved ones the opportunity to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationships by creating unforgettable and lasting respite vacations. FPS sends patients and their families to one of the two FPS respite vacation homes near Orlando, Fla., or to other select destinations in Florida, the Caribbean and along the East Coast. Upon the patients’ return, FPS continues to provide ancillary support to patients and their families as the battle with cancer persists. FPS has aided over 7,000 individuals since 1999.
Marci Bossow Schankweiler founded For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation in memory of her husband, Peter R. Bossow, Jr., whose 15-month battle with cancer ended on September 1, 1999. All patients must be nominated by a member of his or her oncology team. For more information on FPS, visit www.takeabreakfromcancer.org.  A US- based 501 (c)(3) organization, For Pete’s Sake is funded entirely by charitable donations.