You Night Survivor Stories

RENEE

GIRAULT-BRANCH

By Liesel Schmidt A two-time survivor of cancer, Renee Branch understands the importance of living every moment. First diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1990 and then breast cancer in 2018, her years of remission are now approaching an accumulative three decades plus, with 30 years in her rearview mirror from cervical cancer and four years of remission from breast cancer.

Recently retired from her 30-odd years of working as a legal secretary, Branch now calls herself a “domestic engineer,” happy to be spending time working in her yard, golfing and playing pickleball. A wife, mother of two and grandmother of two, she lives life “intentionally and fully,” and offers this advice to anyone facing a diagnosis of cancer: “Be your own patient advocate and educate yourself with what you can do to decrease your risk of cancer through your lifestyle and the foods you eat,” she says. “Get involved with support groups or empowerment groups. Knowledge is Power! Also, let friends and family help you during this time. Give each a specific task to help with so you are not on this journey alone.”

Branch is actively involved with You Night and joined the organization in 2020 after she underwent a double mastectomy and needed to find a circle of encouragement that would lift her up. “You Night has been a godsend for me,” she says. “I have found the support, love and sisterhood I needed to carry me forward through life after cancer!” “Be your own patient advocate and educate yourself with what you can do to decrease your risk of cancer.”

“People want to help, but don't know how. By giving them the opportunity, you’re giving them a gift.”

REBECCA

LOVINGOOD

By Liesel Schmidt For four-time survivor Rebecca Lovingood, the past four decades have been a hard road of diagnoses, treatment and remission—but those nearly four decades have also proven her mettle. Initially diagnosed in 1984 at the young age of 24 with stage 2 asymptomatic Hodgkins Lymphoma, she subsequently went into remission and then had a repeat diagnosis as well as two separate breast cancer diagnoses due to the radiation during her treatment for Hodgkins. Thankfully, she is now in her eighth year of remission from her second bout with breast cancer. Through all of this, Lovingood found her strength through her faith in God and the support of friends. “Plus, I am hardheaded, stubborn and obstinate, which has come in handy when fighting cancer,” she jokes.

On a more serious note, she offers this advice: “Let your friends and family help and don’t keep your diagnosis a secret. You’ll be amazed at how many others have similar experiences or who want to help make your life a bit easier. Sit down with your family and come up with a list so that when people ask to help, you can offer them suggestions. People want to help, but don't know how. By giving them the opportunity, you’re giving them a gift.”

The retired Physical Oceanographer is passionate about greyhound rescue and is involved in her church. She is also active in You Night. “It’s a wonderful support group that uses different activities for women to connect and support each other.”

DELUXE HYDRAFACIAL™ BY NATURA BISSE This invigorating treatment includes all the luxurious essentials of HydraFacial™. It begins with lymphatic drainage therapy to initiate the detoxification process. Next, your skin is deeply cleansed, exfoliated and treated with extractions. The treatment includes your choice of a lightening or DermaBuilder booster to address fine lines and wrinkles followed by LED light therapy and a face mask from Natura Bisse. A detoxifying facial massage concludes this treatment, softening the treated areas and soothing the skin.

ROYAL ESCAPE Escape to a warm and nourishing journey. This Journey begins by exfoliating with a tropical body polish followed by a Thai steamed coconut compress. The coconut compress is filled with antioxidants that will hydrate and condition your skin. This journey will continue with a custom massage with aromatic Kukui nut and coconut oil. You’ll never want to leave this paradise.

NATURA BISSE' Natura Bissé has been chosen as the World's Best Spa Brand in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. This prestigious recognition is awarded by the World Spa AwardsTM, an organization created to elevate the standards of the wellness tourism and promote a new era in this sector.

HOURS: 9:30-6 PM, TUES-SUN

 ROYALRETREAT.DAYSPA  ROYALRETREATSPA