NANCY PARKER

President, Travel Toward Wellness

Nancy Parker was a corporate manager for more than 25 years planning group meetings, events and travel for Fortune 100 corporations. In 2005, after Nancy’s career led her to Seattle, she began another journey -- taking her through treatment for an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Without family in Seattle, Nancy relied on local cancer support groups to help her cope, rebuild her spirit and connect with others who had endured similar challenges. When she was declared cancer-free in 2007, Nancy’s friends wanted to help her celebrate with a special trip but could find no sources for group travel for cancer survivors.  Knowing her professional experience and her passion to help others navigate post-treatment challenges, Nancy’s friends encouraged her to launch a wellness travel company focused on this need.  

Deciding to dedicate her life to working with women who have been touched by cancer, Nancy launched Travel Toward Wellness in 2009. Travelers of all ages are welcome, including women cancer survivors, plus co-survivors, family and friends (female and male).

Nancy designs trips ranging from healing spa retreats, fitness, art and cuisine travel -- to the “magical therapy of retail shopping.” The Healing Spa Retreat trip is the signature vacation, and will be offered at luxurious wellness spas around the country. Nancy personally travels to each location herself, meeting with the spa directors to insure that the staff have the proper certification to work with cancer  survivors, and are prepared to give them the best experience possible.  

Travel Toward Wellness is not a typical travel agency -- everyone on its team has been touched by cancer in some way. Each travel package is focused on supporting guests’ emotional and physical health, whether they are just out of treatment for cancer, or have been in recovery for some time. Facing cancer is a life-changing journey that causes many to put their dreams on hold and re-evaluate their priorities.  Travel Toward Wellness re-engages survivors to rediscover creativity, renew energy and share a joyful travel experience.