Healing Mind, Body & Soul: The Inspiring Story of Mary’s Place by the Sea with Michele Gannon
Michele Gannon is a passionate advocate for women facing cancer. In 2009, she co-founded Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, New Jersey — a free retreat center where women with cancer can find respite, healing, and community. What began with two rented rooms in a bed-and-breakfast has grown into a beautiful waterfront home offering integrative therapies, nourishing meals, emotional support, and a safe space for healing mind, body, and soul.
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Doris Muscarella speaks with Michele Gannon about the powerful mission and origin story of Mary’s Place by the Sea. They explore how a simple vision of providing rest and support for women with cancer has blossomed into a beloved sanctuary that complements medical treatment with holistic care — all at no cost to guests.
Key Highlights
- The founding story: How Michele turned compassion into action after seeing the profound need for support during and after cancer treatment.
- The unique retreat experience: Free day and overnight stays featuring oncology massage, reiki, counseling, yoga, meditation, nutrition education, and more.
- Creating community: A place where women can share their journeys, feel understood, and remember that cancer is not their defining attribute.
- Impact and growth: From humble beginnings to a fully equipped healing home with a spa and plant-based kitchen.
- The power of holistic healing: Supporting women’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being alongside medical care.
Takeaways
- A cancer diagnosis can feel isolating — Mary’s Place by the Sea offers a place to breathe, heal, and reconnect with yourself and others.
- Integrative therapies and community support play a vital role in the healing journey.
- One person’s vision, fueled by compassion, can create profound impact for countless women.
Resources & Links
- Website: www.marysplacebythesea.org
- Share this episode with any woman who may benefit from this beautiful resource.
<!--THE END-->
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marysplacebythesea/
<!--THE END-->
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marysplacebythesea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marys-place-by-the-sea/
Tune in for inspiring insights, laughs, and a fresh perspective on why golf is evolving in all the right ways.
Until next time – keep swinging, keep traveling, and always add a touch of ‘Diva flair to the game we love. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter, share, and follow us on social media, and visit our website: https://thetravelinggolfdiva.com/ for the latest news and guest speakers.
For more information on The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, contact us at: doris@thetravelinggolfdiva.com