A Weekend of Brotherhood, Healing, and Hope
Written by Tim McDonald, Used with Permission
What I Took Away from Gathering of Wolves 2024: A Weekend of Brotherhood, Healing, and Hope
From September 5-8, 2024, I had the honor of attending and serving as a member of the planning committee for Man Up to Cancer’s annual Gathering of Wolves (GOW) retreat at Pocono Springs Camp in Pennsylvania. This year, we welcomed about 130 men, with some traveling from as far away as Belgium, Canada, and even Hawaii. For those few days, the camp became a sanctuary—a place where men battling cancer, survivors, and caregivers could come together to share stories, provide support, and, most importantly, find strength in brotherhood.
Here are a few things I took away from this year’s Gathering of Wolves:
1. The Power of Brotherhood
One of the most profound things about the retreat was witnessing how quickly bonds formed between men who had, in many cases, never met before. Cancer can often feel isolating, but GOW breaks down that barrier. The men who attended didn't need to explain themselves—everyone there got it. They understood the emotional and physical toll that cancer takes. Over the course of the weekend, we saw genuine friendships form, tears shared, and laughter fill the air.
Being surrounded by others who are walking similar paths was a reminder that we are never alone. The power of having a strong, understanding community is invaluable. That brotherhood gave these men—and myself—strength to keep pushing forward.
2. Healing in Nature
There’s something undeniably powerful about being immersed in nature. The retreat was held at Pocono Springs Camp, surrounded by beautiful woods and a lake. Stepping away from the noise and busyness of daily life gave us all the chance to reset, breathe deeply, and find moments of peace.
Many of the men shared how therapeutic it was to simply sit by the lake or walk through the forest, allowing nature’s beauty to remind them of the bigger picture. In those quiet moments, healing began—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
3. Vulnerability Is Strength
At the heart of the retreat was the willingness of men to be vulnerable. It wasn’t easy for everyone to open up, but once they did, the impact was profound. Whether sharing their personal cancer journey, expressing fears, or simply admitting how difficult it’s been, that vulnerability became a source of strength for everyone present.
As men, we are often taught to “man up” by holding back emotions and shouldering burdens silently. But at GOW, “manning up” meant something different—it meant showing up fully, sharing openly, and embracing the support of others. Vulnerability became a badge of honor, a sign of true courage.
4. The Global Reach of the Wolfpack
This year’s retreat showed just how far-reaching the Man Up to Cancer community has become. Men came from all corners of the globe, from Belgium to Hawaii, showing that cancer’s impact is universal, and so is the need for connection. It was inspiring to see men from different cultures and backgrounds come together, united by the shared experience of fighting cancer.
This diversity made our conversations richer and our connections stronger. It also reminded me of the incredible strength of the Wolfpack, which transcends geography and background.
5. Hope, Joy, and the Moments That Stay with Us
One of the most powerful moments I experienced at this year's retreat was standing with another man, watching as many of the guys swam, zipped down the zip line, and tried their hand at archery. We stood there, looking out at so many smiling faces, hearing the sound of laughter echo across the camp. It was pure joy, and for a brief moment, it felt like cancer didn't exist.
But as we stood there, tears came to our eyes. We both knew that for some of these men, this would be the last time we saw them. Several of them may not be around much longer. Yet in that moment, all we saw was their happiness, their freedom. They were living, truly living, and that’s what made GOW so special. It was a reminder that no matter the battle, there’s still room for joy, for adventure, and for connection.
6. Hope Is Contagious
Amid the heartfelt conversations and raw moments, hope was a constant presence. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the daily battles that cancer brings, but this retreat was a reminder that hope can be found in the darkest places. The men at GOW didn’t just talk about surviving—they talked about thriving, living fully, and finding purpose beyond their diagnoses.
Hope was contagious. As we left the camp at the end of the weekend, we all carried a little more of it with us, ready to share it with others in our communities.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on Gathering of Wolves 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the men who attended and the incredible support network we’ve built. This retreat wasn’t just a weekend away—it was a life-changing experience for many of us, myself included. I left Pocono Springs Camp with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the power of community, nature, vulnerability, and hope.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s Gathering of Wolves and the opportunity to continue growing this remarkable brotherhood. If you’re a man facing cancer, know that there’s a community waiting for you. You don’t have to walk this road alone. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are the Wolfpack.
On day one, the Man Up to Cancer logo was carved out of ice, right before our eyes. Such a cool thing to see!