From Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, I had the privilege of attending the most extraordinary wellness retreat: the Radical Remission Retreat, hosted by Emily Kicklighter of The Whole Elephant Coaching. Held at Valaterra, a unique sanctuary nestled in La Grange, Kentucky, just outside Louisville, the retreat offered a perfect blend of education, community, healing, health, and nutrition.
Valaterra is more than just a venue—it’s a space designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re a cancer survivor, a thriver, a caregiver, looking for stress relief, or someone navigating chronic health conditions, this retreat provided an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
Highlights of the Retreat
The weekend itinerary was thoughtfully curated to create a holistic healing experience:
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Radical Remission Multimodal Content: 10 hours of in-depth sessions presented by Emily, based on Dr. Kelly Turner’s groundbreaking work in Radical Remission and Radical Hope.
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Wellness Offerings: Daily yoga, meditation, sound baths, and qi gong sessions, each lasting an hour and designed to foster relaxation and vitality.
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Farm-to-Table Meals: Five nourishing meals, including plant-based and keto options, all sourced from regenerative and biodynamic farms and prepared with love by Emily herself.
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Thought-Leader Presentations: Insights from healers and experts in the cancer community.
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Immersive Nature Experiences: Guided walks, meditation in the woods, and the opportunity to embrace the healing energy of nature.
A Journey of Connection and Transformation
I arrived expecting another wellness retreat but left with a profound sense of renewal and transformation. Valaterra’s beauty is breathtaking—its luxurious interiors are complemented by the surrounding natural splendor. Every room, book, instrument, and piece of decor or furniture has been intentionally chosen to provide comfort, healing, and a sense of joy.
Throughout the weekend, cicadas provided a soothing soundtrack, birds serenaded us, and fireflies lit up the evenings, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance.
The meals were a highlight in themselves. Each dish was organic, gluten-free, and locally sourced from regenerative and biodynamic farms, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainable living. Despite the indulgence, the meals left me feeling energized and light, a testament to their intentional preparation.
Learning, Healing, and Growing Together
What stood out most was the sense of community. The attendees, many of whom were cancer patients, quickly bonded over shared experiences and a collective focus on healing. Brenda, one of the participants, brought us all to tears of joy with the beautiful and heartfelt prayer she prepared for our goodbye. It was emotional, beautiful, and deeply meaningful—an unforgettable moment that perfectly encapsulated the weekend.
The workshops were both educational and uplifting. Dr. Zach Bush’s four-minute exercise has now become a daily practice for me. It’s incredible how something so simple can make such a difference in energy and mood.
Emily’s yoga sessions were equally transformative, blending humor, empathy, and mindfulness. Her nature walk was a standout experience—we visited a “fairy condo” in the woods, felt the moss’s energy, and soaked in the restorative power of nature.
A Sound Bath Like No Other
Katie’s sound bath session was nothing short of magical. As Emily guided us through meditation, Katie’s instruments transported us to a place of deep relaxation. The combination of water sounds and drum rhythms simulated a heartbeat, leading us into a Theta state—a profoundly healing experience that helped release stress and trauma.
Beyond the Weekend
This retreat wasn’t just about detoxifying the body; it was about nourishing the soul and embracing life’s joy and interconnectedness. The knowledge I gained—from nutrition and supplements to the Galactic calendar, mantras, meditations, affirmations, and all that we learned from Emily—has already begun to enrich my daily life.
This retreat was more than an event—it was a life-changing experience. The first thing I did when I got back was text my friends, suggesting it as an idea for a girls’ trip. I also think it could be a great family getaway to tighten bonds and grow closer together or even a school outing that could help so many teens during this challenging period of life.
Emily’s unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual sensitivity makes her an exceptional teacher, leaving you eager for more.
Valaterra is a testament to the power of nature, community, and intentional living. I left feeling lighter, happier, and more connected to myself and others. If you ever have the chance to experience this retreat, don’t hesitate—it’s truly extraordinary.
Take a sneak peek at the vibe—watch a few scenes of the experience below!
About Emily Kicklighter
Cancer Thriver | Radical Remission Coach | Writer | Speaker
For more information, visit EmilyKicklighter.org.
Emily's Instagram: The Whole Elephant Coaching
Watch video about Valaterra workshops with Emily on youtube by clicking here.
About Valaterra
In 2011, Valerie Young started building her dream home on the land she had lived, learned, and loved for fifteen years. She was soon diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Undeterred, Valerie made the decision to complete her dream home and chose to focus on service to others by envisioning a space in which alternative therapies and the practitioners who practice them could be supported.
During her last two years, Valerie never gave up on life and her vision. She asked four friends to join her in creating The Young Family Foundation to bring her vision and hand-written mission into reality.
In 2014, The Young Family Foundation received non-profit status as a private operating foundation to oversee Valerie’s house and land, now named Valaterra. The Living Sanctuary, composed of the Sanctuary House and land, are operated as Valaterra and support Valerie’s belief that nature can heal the body, mind, and spirit.
