More Than an Event: Reflections from Gathering of Wolves 2025
Two years ago, I walked into my first Gathering of Wolves retreat, carrying the weight that comes with a cancer diagnosis. This year, returning for my third GOW and second as a planning committee member, I witnessed something that reminded me why this retreat isn’t just an event—it’s a transformative experience that changes men forever.
The Magic of First Times
What struck me most this year was watching so many first-time attendees find their courage around the campfire. Nearly two-thirds of our attendees were experiencing GOW for the first time—the highest percentage we’ve ever seen. There’s something profound about watching a man who arrived carrying his burden alone suddenly realize he’s not just surrounded by other cancer fighters, but by brothers who truly understand his journey.
The vulnerability was palpable as these men shared their stories, their fears, and their hopes. Some spoke through tears, others through laughter, but all spoke from the heart. It’s a reminder that healing begins when we stop carrying our struggles in isolation.
Moments of Pure Joy
The smiles on the faces of guys riding in the hot air balloons were absolutely infectious. There’s something about floating above the Pennsylvania mountains that puts everything into perspective. For many, it was a bucket list experience they never thought they’d have the chance to enjoy.
The pride radiating from men showing off their new tattoos was equally moving. Our on-site tattoo artist helped guys commemorate their journeys, their victories, and their loved ones in permanent ink. These weren’t just tattoos—they were declarations of survival, strength, and hope.
The Weight of Goodbye
Perhaps the most powerful moment came from Brandon Martin’s message about “walking fellow members home.” As Brandon faces the reality that he’s reached the end of available treatments, his words about needing to be walked home now hit us all deeply. It’s a stark reminder of why this community matters so much—we’re here not just for the victories, but for every step of the journey, including the final ones.
Brandon’s courage in sharing this with us exemplified what GOW is really about: showing up authentically, supporting each other completely, and finding strength in our shared brotherhood.
The Transformation is Real
What I’ve witnessed year after year, and what was especially evident this time, is the visible difference between the men who arrive and the men who leave. They come carrying emotional weight that’s been crushing them—the fear, the isolation, the uncertainty that cancer brings. They leave lighter, not because their diagnosis has changed, but because they’re no longer carrying that burden alone.
Evolution of the Experience
This year’s GOW felt different in the best possible ways. The flow was more natural, less rushed, giving everyone space to participate in what called to them while never feeling pressured or overwhelmed. It’s a delicate balance we’ve been working to perfect, and this year it felt like we truly hit our stride.
Our remembrance ceremony maintained its emotional depth while incorporating new elements that honored our fallen brothers in beautiful ways. The cancer camp guitar club’s songs provided healing through music, and Daniel Garza’s comedy session reminded us that laughter truly is medicine.
What really stood out was Sunday morning’s departure. Without being asked, so many guys jumped in to help with cleanup and teardown. It wasn’t obligation—it was gratitude in action, men who had received something precious wanting to give back before they left.
More Than an Event
Gathering of Wolves proves year after year that it’s not just a retreat or a support group meeting. It’s a transformative experience that fundamentally changes how men face cancer. It replaces isolation with brotherhood, fear with courage, and despair with hope.
For the first-timers who attended this year: you came as strangers but you leave as part of something bigger than yourselves. For those who’ve been before: thank you for creating the space where transformation happens.
And for those reading this who are facing cancer alone: there’s a place for you here. There’s a community waiting to walk alongside you, to share your burdens, and to remind you that you’re stronger than you know.
Until we gather again, brothers.
Man Up to Cancer’s Gathering of Wolves retreat brings together men affected by cancer for a weekend of support, connection, and transformation. To learn more about attending future retreats, visit manuptocancer.org.