by Ask Zipy on 06-25-2019 in Vacations, Costa Rica, Beaches
Little Pink Houses Of HOPE
Today, Zipy had the honor of meeting an incredible group of people who are visiting Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica from all parts of North America. What makes them incredible is the fact that breast cancer has invaded their lives and through “Little Pink Houses of Hope” a non-profit organization, they are having an opportunity to enjoy a simple pleasure, like a vacation in the tropics and partaking in the activities Manuel Antonio has to offer.
In 2009, after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, the hardest day of Jeanine Patten-Coble’s life, she struggled as to how to share the news that mommy was going to die with her husband and her 11-year-old son. She was so distressed with this news, she went for a jog to clear her head and try and find the words to break the news to her family.
While on her jog she came across some abandoned houses and for a while was so intrigued by what she saw that she forgot the illness she was facing. As she was walking away, she was struck by an intense pain and shortness of breath that was both fearful and humbling (ruach/ruah), (means breath of life in Jewish)“ At that moment Jeanine realized that God was speaking to her that this was something others would benefit from during their struggle from this illness. Jeanine is thankful that God showed up in her life in such a big and powerful way to put her on this mission”. Three years later Jeanine became the founder and president of Little Pink Houses of Hope.
The Little Pink Houses of Hope is not just any non-profit organization, its purpose is to embrace families in a going through the breast cancer journey in offering holistic retreats and celebrating each other and life. Jeanine explained that the organization offers 16 family retreats and 4 couple retreats annually, Costa Rica being the first international couple retreat. The criteria are that the primary applicant must be in treatment to be accepted by a panel to participate in the retreats. Jeanine shared that the Little Pink Houses are open to both genders and diverse family structures. Jeanine further explained that Little Pink Houses offers ‘organic environment of support”. She believes in the ability of individuals to create a world where selfless giving and living, an authentic life can be done together. She spoke of many couples not knowing marriage without diagnosis and for many, these retreats are their first honeymoons and forming everlasting relationships with their new friends.
The eight couples had the opportunity to be hosted by many local businesses in Quepos / Manuel Antonio. They are staying at a Large Beautiful Villa in Manuel Antonio, sponsored by Dean Paquette and his lovely wife Anne Michele, owners of Z Gastro Bar at the Marina and Z Poolside Restaurant in Manuel Antonio.
They spent a full day at the beach where they were pampered by Melanie Moss and her husband Miguel with Aguas Azules who provide the beach chairs, umbrellas, water, and all the water sports including their infamous parasailing. Before Zipy departed, Jean, Doris the volunteers, and Jeanine were getting ready to have thrill soaring through the Manuel Antonio sky while the couples were enjoying lunch prepared by Alejandro’s Private Chef Services. This private chef for their entire stay.
Stay tuned for many more updates on the activities of these eight cancer survivor couples during their stay here in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.