CREATIVE RENEWAL CENTER ~

A safe space for cancer patients, survivors, & caregivers to process grief through art and explore the intersection of creativity & healing.

Our Story

Our founder, Danielle Gruberger, was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 35 years old. It was a devastating experience that came without warning and changed her life overnight. Like so many in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community, she felt isolated, overwhelmed, and heartbroken.

In the aftermath, she turned inward, slowly discovering how powerful creative expression could be in helping her cope. Through solitary practices like collaging, writing, meditating, etc. Danielle began to process the trauma and grief that cancer had brought into her life. She quickly realized these acts of creativity weren’t just distractions - they were lifelines.

But even with those creative lifelines, Danielle was still drowning in a kind of loneliness she had never known. Cancer isolated her in ways nothing else ever had—friends disappeared, conversations felt hollow, and no one around her truly understood the fear, the rage, the grief. The adolescent and young adult cancer experience is a uniquely isolating one, and Danielle quickly realized that healing couldn't happen in a vacuum. She didn’t just want community—she needed it.

That need became the heartbeat of Creative Renewal Center. Born from the pain of isolation and the power of self-expression, this nonprofit exists to create the kind of space Danielle longed for during her own darkest moments. Each workshop is carefully curated and tailored to meet people exactly where they are—emotionally, physically, and energetically in an unconditionally safe space to connect, create, cry, cheer, and collaborate together.

Born from the heartbreak of a cancer diagnosis and the healing powers of self-expression.

What We Do

Creative Healing Workshops
Free to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, we offer half-day or full-day creative healing & wellness workshops available in person or online. Our activities include:

Creative writing, poetry, and intuitive journaling
Meditation, guided imagery, sound baths
Sensory mindfulness exercises
Visual storytelling - collaging, sketching, painting
Yoga, tai chi, reiki
Gardening, terrariums, succulent potting
Foraging and sauntering through nature
Trust-building exercises
Group sessions about coping with cancer through creativity
Candle, lip balm, and herbal salve making
Makeup tutorials
Humor exercises, stand-up, sketch comedy, open mic
Light dance, social games, open mic, meme-making

Seasonal Retreats
Coming Soon: 2-4 day nature-based creative experiences that include:

Lodging and mindful meals
Group and solo art sessions
Nature walks and sauntering
Campfires, open mics, and deep rest
Mindfulness exercises and explorations
Immersive bonding activities

Collaborative Workshops
We partner directly with cancer centers, nonprofits, hospitals, and support groups to bring creative healing to existing communities. These workshops are tailored for the unique needs of each group and offered free of charge to participants.

Pop-Up Events & Collaborations
We bring creative healing to: