About Us
History
Don and I founded Angels of Courage Retreats, Inc in 2006 within the State of Minnesota as a non-profit organization to provide education, support and a retreat experience for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, caregivers of individuals with a chronic illness, and individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one. We provide an environment where people can join together to: (a) learn about living with their illness/loss, (b) form relationships with others who have experienced similar struggles (c) and deepen their faith.
As co-founders of Angels of Courage Retreats we both have a strong desire to share our knowledge with others of how to thrive, not just survive, when an illness is diagnosed or a loved one passes away. Our collaboration came as no coincidence. We both firmly believe that God is actively involved in Don’s strong desire to serve others through the donation of his land and my calling to give people the tools and resources to live their lives in the midst of their illness or loss.
Here’s to livin’ your purpose~
Don Goering and Carly Nelson
Co-Founders of Angels of Courage Retreats
Don's Story
In 1975, I was a 29-year-old successful businessman, married and a father of three small children. However, life changed very quickly with no regard to what I had accomplished. Later that year, I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor near my heart. Non-operable with a prognosis of six months to one year to live, treatment began immediately.
I started rigorous chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the University of Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Treatment caused me to go from a strong, healthy 165 pounds down to 90 pounds. I was so weak that I couldn’t remove the cap from a tube of toothpaste.
After three months of chemotherapy, I had a simple, but very vivid “vision”. The vision was Christ telling me “you will live your life on a hill and be a leader of men.” As life-changing as the encounter was, at 29-years-old, I just continued trying to do what I could to stay alive. The next year, I traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to engage in detoxification, vitamin-enzyme and diet therapy.
Miraculously, I made a full recovery and returned to my family, work and life again. In 1989, my wife and I had an opportunity to purchase 120 acres of land in west central Minnesota on which we built our home. Needless to say, it wasn’t until sometime later, that I realized I had the opportunity to fulfill the calling of my vision as I had built my home on top of a large hill.
I proceeded to donate eleven acres of land at the bottom of the hill to Angels of Courage Retreats Retreats. I wanted to build an retreat environment which would provide time, space, and hope to anyone, from any walk of life or background dealing with chronic illness or loss of a loved one. Everyone needs the courage to believe that someday their strength will return to live out life’s wonderful opportunities. I am living proof of that.
Don Goering
Carly's Story
I am a two-time cancer survivor (first diagnosed in 2001) who also was diagnosed with lupus which has been in remission since 1995. My first experience as a patient was when I was 14-years-old when my lupus began to flare. Growing up, I spent more of my time in and out of hospitals rather than participating in “normal” childhood activities.
After I survived cancer the first time, it finally dawned on me that I must still be here for a specific purpose. I prayed, shared my frustrations and prayed some more to find the guidance I was searching for. I decided to go back to school to get my Masters in Organizational Psychology; but quickly realized that it was not fulfilling.
That is when someone said, “What experiences have you had, that are unique to you, where God could use you just as you are?” I jokingly replied, “Well, I sure have experience as a patient!” Not even thinking twice about my comment, I continued to search for my purpose in life, but God had already begun planting seeds for what was to come. You see, God used that conversation as a means to unfold His purpose for my life. I know what it feels like to wait for test results and dread each doctor appointment to find out once again what was wrong with me; or worse yet, have no further diagnosis but be told to “live with the pain”. I knew I couldn’t be the only person that felt this way either. I wondered, “How many other people are tired of finding out what is wrong them rather than focusing on what is right?”
I contacted over thirty medical and spiritual leaders in the Fargo-Moorhead community to find out what was being done to help people thrive in the midst of their illnesses. While I learned there are a number of resources in the community, none address the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. I also learned that my experience wasn’t exclusive to being a cancer survivor. The thoughts and feelings I had were being experienced by most people who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness or who have lost a loved one.
I started sharing my vision of building a retreat center with everyone who would listen. I soon realized there were many people who wanted to be involved in such a cause. A friend introduced me to Don Goering in 2005 and after a few discussions; we realized our passions and callings were very much the same.
There have been times in my life where doors have continually closed shut and even though I recognized that it may not be God’s will for my life, because I wanted it to happen, I kept attempting to knock the doors down. Working on the retreat center has produced completely opposite results. Doors continue to open prior to us getting there and stay open introducing us to more and more people. Words do not do it justice to explain what it feels like to be doing God’s will for my life. I am so thankful that I received a clean bill of health and now have the opportunity to focus my life on serving others who are going through the same thing I went through.
Carly Nelson