Vineyard Havens, a nonprofit that has brought cancer patients to the Island for vacation respites since 2019, is now offering programming for Vineyarders.

The organization began by offering pediatric patients and their families week-long vacations on Martha’s Vineyard. Later it branched out to adult patients, and is now reviewing its first applications for an Island Patient Respite Program.

Caitlin Burbidge, the organization’s program director, said that giving cancer patients a break to spend downtime with their family is essential.

“We know from studies that medical trauma has a real impact on people....Interrupting medical trauma with experiences of joy and opportunities for togetherness with family can be really fortifying for people on this journey,” Ms. Burbidge said. “We see that time and again with folks we bring out to the Island. They really will transform when they’re out here, and remember who they are outside of cancer. Everybody deserves that opportunity.”

The Island Patient Respite Program will provide an all expense paid vacation anywhere in the continental United States for a cancer patient and one other person, or a stay-cation opportunity on the Island. Applicants for the program must be year-round residents of the Vineyard.

The stay-cation option would take place at a vacation home on the Vineyard, potentially offering space for the patient to host family and friends from off-Island to visit. There will also be a stipend to use for activities.

Ms. Burbidge said she is excited to help Islanders in need.

“The Island gives us so much as a program it’s only natural that we’d want to give back to Islanders. This year we are so excited to roll this out,” she said.

Elle Lash works for Tea Lane Associates, a real estate firm in West Tisbury, and has been helping Vineyard Havens organize vacations on the Island for years. Last year, she joined the organization’s board. 

“Having had cancer impact people in my family — my father, my sister-in-law, a dear friend who passed away — I knew first-hand how traumatic it is for people to go through,” she said. “The intensive treatment and the way it disrupts peoples lives in all aspects, but especially financially.”

Ms. Burbidge said Vineyard Havens is also looking to create respite days for Islanders, to offer short outings, such as fishing trips and spa days.

“Cancer doesn’t know geography and cancer patients here face the unique challenges of living on an Island on top of having a cancer diagnosis. They definitely are people who could use a break and we are so happy to give it to them,” she said.

Vineyard Havens is taking applications through April 15.

For more information, visit vineyardhavens.org.