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About Us
At Send Me On Vacation, we believe in the transformative power of healing vacations for breast cancer survivors. Learn about our mission, impact, and dedication to providing life-changing experiences through empowering retreats across the globe. We believe that a vacation is a catalyst between surviving breast cancer and becoming empowered to rebuild.
Our Mission
Send Me On Vacation (SMOV) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors begin their emotional healing journey through transformative vacation experiences. By offering survivors the opportunity to rest, relax, and reconnect with themselves, SMOV empowers them to rebuild their lives after treatment. These rejuvenating vacations focus on strengthening the body, stimulating the mind, and healing the spirit, promoting physical and emotional recovery. As a resource-driven charity, SMOV has raised sufficient funds to send over 700 survivors ( and counting) and their families on healing vacations across 26 countries. Since its launch in 2011, SMOV continues to make a profound, lasting impact on the lives of breast cancer survivors, fostering hope, joy, and renewed strength. EIN: 45-2297864.
Passion Behind Send Me On Vacation
When Cathy Backus from Scottsdale, AZ saw that her best friend Pam Horwitz needed a break from fighting cancer for the second time she crafted a plan to reach out to her contacts in the travel & timeshare industry to donate unused inventory to send survivors on a much needed vacation after battling cancer. Inspired by Pam and backed by her husband and “partner in giving” Gene Backus, Send Me On Vacation was born. Now, 10 years later the charity has caught the attention of some of the largest supporters around the world.
Our People
Send Me On Vacation is a resource-driven charity fueled by the generosity and dedication of our team. Every member is committed to helping those in need, and their unwavering support makes our mission possible. We are deeply grateful for the contributions they provide on a daily basis, allowing us to continue making a meaningful impact.
Cathy Backus
Founder
Heidi Lamprecht
Vice President
Leland Eugene Backus
Chairman / Secretary
Survivor Board
Heidi Lamprecht
Vonceil Briscoe
Kellie Williams
Tabitha Adkins
Natalie Fluharty
Terlisa Sheppard
SMOV provides healing vacations to breast cancer survivors no matter the age or stage. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their eligibility through our application process, which considers their medical history, financial circumstances and their personal story.
SMOV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds vacations through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and partnerships. A portion of proceeds from select programs such as the Vacation Angel Ambassador Program also supports these trips.
We offer a variety of experiences, including individual getaways, group retreats, and wellness-focused trips. Each experience is designed to promote healing, relaxation, and community-building for survivors.
You can support SMOV by making a donation, sponsoring a survivor’s trip, attending our fundraising events, or purchasing from our store, where proceeds help fund healing vacations. Every contribution makes a difference!
Survivors can apply directly through our website by filling out the application form. If you’d like to nominate someone, please provide their details, and our team will reach out to discuss eligibility.