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Sha's Warriors describes free support retreats and programs for cancer survivors in Rancho Mirage
Summary
Presenters from Sha's Warriors told the council their retreat and monthly programs have supported hundreds of local cancer survivors with free services and announced a May 2 fundraising tea to underwrite retreats.
Sheay Maraga and Maddie Bautello briefed the Rancho Mirage City Council on April 2 about Sha's Warriors, a nonprofit that runs free retreats and monthly survivor-support programs in the Coachella Valley.
"Cancer knocked on my door and I had to answer it," one presenter said, describing a personal diagnosis and how peer support at the retreats helped recovery and survivorship. The group said the retreat model (a 4‑day, largely donor‑funded program) has served more than 215 retreat participants and that monthly programs are free to survivors across the valley.
Maraga and Bautello outlined the organization's programs — peer support groups, "move to heal" classes held weekly at Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center and community locations, and a new program for male survivors called "Yo Bro, I'm Brave Too." They said Sha's Warriors has produced more than 150 educational videos and delivered more than 2,000 move-to-heal classes cumulatively, all free to attendees because of donor support.
The presenters thanked the city for hosting the retreat locally (noting a prior partnership with the Ritz-Carlton) and promoted a pre‑Mother's Day high tea fundraiser on May 2; proceeds will underwrite retreat attendance for local survivors.
Council members and the mayor praised the organization's work and several council speakers described personal or family experiences that reinforced support for the program.
