Let Us Play: Thriving With & Beyond Cancer™
Healing, Joy, and Transformation Through Play
A cancer diagnosis changes everything, but it doesn’t have to define you. Let Us Play: Thriving With & Beyond Cancer™ is a transformative approach to survivorship that invites you to rediscover joy, resilience, and purpose through the power of play.
What is Let Us Play?
Let Us Play: Thriving With & Beyond Cancer™ is a groundbreaking, research-backed program that helps cancer survivors move beyond the mindset of merely “getting through” to truly thriving. Designed using principles of positive psychology, mindfulness, and creative play, this program fosters healing, connection, and renewed vitality.
Whether you are in treatment, post-treatment, or supporting a loved one on this journey, Let Us Play creates a space where laughter, movement, and self-expression lead to profound healing.
Why Play?
Play is not just for children—it is a vital tool for emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Studies show that engaging in joyful activities reduces stress, boosts immunity, and enhances overall quality of life. For cancer survivors, play offers:
✔ A Break from the "Patient" Identity – Reconnect with yourself beyond the diagnosis.
✔ A Natural Stress Reliever – Reduce anxiety, release endorphins, and regain energy.
✔ A Path to Resilience – Strengthen your ability to navigate uncertainty with optimism.
✔ A Way to Build Community – Engage with others who understand your journey in a supportive, uplifting environment.
What to Expect
Through a mix of interactive workshops, creative arts, movement, laughter therapy, and mindful play, Let Us Play offers a structured yet flexible experience tailored to meet you where you are. Sessions include:
🎭 Expressive Arts & Storytelling – Rediscover your voice and personal power.
🎲 Games & Improvisation – Tap into spontaneity, joy, and self-confidence.
🧘♀️ Mindful Movement & Breathwork – Cultivate inner peace and strength.
💬 Community Sharing Circles – Find encouragement, connection, and hope.
For Survivors, Caregivers, & Healthcare Providers
Let Us Play is for anyone touched by cancer—survivors seeking renewal, caregivers needing respite, and healthcare professionals looking to bring a fresh, holistic approach to healing. We also collaborate with hospitals and wellness programs to integrate play-based healing into cancer care.
Join the Movement
You are more than your diagnosis. You are a survivor, a creator, a seeker of joy. Let Us Play: Thriving With & Beyond Cancer is here to guide you toward a life filled with more laughter, more hope, and more play.
Are you ready to step into joy?
To bring Let Us Play: Thriving With & Beyond Cancer™ to your community, contact Lisa Caughman Payne, MSc, HHP, CAPP
Lisa@LeeLeesLifeLessons.org
This weekend I had the incredible opportunity to attend the “Let us play” retreat, led by Lisa Caughman “Lee Lee” Payne. What made it so special, wasn't just the beautiful setting, but the people. We were a diverse group of individuals, each with different stories, yet all connected by a common thread; cancer. During my stay, I laughed, cried, and built bonds that felt like they'd been there from the beginning. I was tremendously grateful for the reminder that healing isn't only about the body, but also about community and connection. I left with a renewed sense of belonging and new friendships that I will forever cherish. I would highly recommend this retreat to any cancer survivor or thriver! -Ashleigh Golden
It was truly a very special weekend. You did a wonderful job and all of us at Smokey Shadows are grateful and humbled to be connected with you everyone who joined together for this retreat. - Amie Shinn
What a beautiful time spent laughing crying, chatting hugging,singing and even a little kitchen dancing with these beautiful strong women that i am now honored to call my friends! Lisa we are thankful for you and this much needed foundation you are building. I am Thankful that we have a safe space Smokey Shadows to be ourselves let our guard down and be in the moment. Everyone who helped this weekend, can't do any of it without each of you! Let your light shine - Tracy Shinn
Overall, a resounding SUCCESS!!! Way to launch this vessel of Healing & Hope… You have a Beautiful vision for helping others heal, and have an ease about your leadership on a shared journey… Much LOVE & Appreciation to You!!!! - Starr
This weekend I had the incredible opportunity to attend the “Let us play” retreat, led by Lisa Caughman “Lee Lee” Payne. What made it so special, wasn't just the beautiful setting, but the people. We were a diverse group of individuals, each with different stories, yet all connected by a common thread; cancer. During my stay, I laughed, cried, and built bonds that felt like they'd been there from the beginning. I was tremendously grateful for the reminder that healing isn't only about the body, but also about community and connection. I left with a renewed sense of belonging and new friendships that I will forever cherish. I would highly recommend this retreat to any cancer survivor or thriver! -Ashleigh Golden It was truly a very special weekend. You did a wonderful job and all of us at Smokey Shadows are grateful and humbled to be connected with you everyone who joined together for this retreat. - Amie Shinn What a beautiful time spent laughing crying, chatting hugging,singing and even a little kitchen dancing with these beautiful strong women that i am now honored to call my friends! Lisa we are thankful for you and this much needed foundation you are building. I am Thankful that we have a safe space Smokey Shadows to be ourselves let our guard down and be in the moment. Everyone who helped this weekend, can't do any of it without each of you! Let your light shine - Tracy Shinn Overall, a resounding SUCCESS!!! Way to launch this vessel of Healing & Hope… You have a Beautiful vision for helping others heal, and have an ease about your leadership on a shared journey… Much LOVE & Appreciation to You!!!! - Starr
