Our Mission

Send Me On Vacation (SMOV) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides breast cancer survivors in need the opportunity to initiate the process of emotional healing through a vacation experience. SMOV empowers survivors to reconnect with themselves on a rejuvenating vacation. Our vacation experiences have a profound effect on rebuilding the lives of breast cancer survivors after treatment. Our vacations are designed to strengthen the body, stimulate the mind and heal the spirit, creating a transformative journey into health and wellness.

Send Me On Vacation is an all volunteer, resource driven charity. Funds are primarily raised through events and donated resources. SMOV has raised sufficient funds to send over 500 survivors and their families on healing vacations. Send Me On Vacation serves breast cancer survivors in 26 countries.

EIN: 45-2297864

Launched: 2011

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.

Types of events

SMOV raises money through event fundraising, including an annual Gala, a High Tea and a Poker Tournament.

Number of Survivors

SMOV has coordinated over 500 vacations to date.