THOM'S MISSION
If you've been told your prostate cancer is no longer responding — that the conversation has shifted from treatment to time — you already know how isolating that moment is. The medical system moves on. The world keeps going. And you're left trying to figure out what living actually means now.
I've been in that place. I'm still in it.
My name is Thom Barrett. I live on Cape Cod, I have stage IV prostate cancer, and I'm building something I wish had existed when I needed it most — the Living Life Sanctuary, a residential retreat for men in the palliative phase of advanced prostate cancer. A place not to prepare for death, but to inhabit life.
This site is where that work lives — alongside the books I've written about this journey, and the community of men and families who are walking the same road.
THOM BARRETT
I'm a former PwC partner, a published author, and a Cape Cod resident of twenty-five years. I have stage IV prostate cancer. That last fact is the one that changed everything.
I'm building the Living Life Sanctuary — a four-day residential retreat in Barnstable, Massachusetts, for men in the active palliative phase of advanced prostate cancer. Not a hospice. Not a support group. A small, intentional retreat built around three things the medical system rarely makes room for.
Mind. Structured journaling, mindfulness, and the discipline of being genuinely present — not performing okayness, not managing anyone else's feelings, just arriving fully in your own life. Drawing on the evidence base of mind-body medicine developed at institutions like the Benson-Henry Institute at MGH.
Body. QiGong and chair yoga — practices designed for where your body actually is, not where it used to be. Time outdoors on the property, walking the grounds, present in nature on Cape Cod. Nothing pushed. Nothing performed. Just your body, met with care and without judgment.
Soul. Meditation and contemplative practice to quiet the noise that advanced illness brings with it. And legacy work — the letters you haven't written, the conversations you haven't found the words for, the reflections that keep getting crowded out by appointments and obligations. Four days of space to do what matters most, before the moment passes.
Men leave with more clarity than they arrived with. That's the goal. Nothing more, nothing less.
My books fund this work. This site is where it lives.
EXPERIENCE THE JOURNEY
SOCIAL MEDIA
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WHY READ THE BOOKS
My books offer different pathways into the same profound truth: life's greatest challenges can become our most powerful teachers. From navigating stage IV cancer in 'Living While Dying' to chasing the Northern Lights in remote landscapes, from mastering winter's harsh beauty in 'Embracing the Cold' to finding strength through surrender in my poetry, each book invites you into a journey of discovery and resilience.
Whether you're facing your own health challenges, seeking adventure guidance, looking for inspiration in life's difficult moments, or wanting to build deeper connections with your community, these stories will show you how embracing uncertainty can lead to extraordinary living. Through personal narratives, practical guides, and heartfelt poetry, I share how every experience—from Arctic expeditions to cancer treatments—has taught me to find beauty in life's harshest seasons.
EXPLORE THE JOURNEY
THE BOOKS
Living While Dying: My Cancer Journey (Bestseller)
A raw, inspiring chronicle of embracing life's adventures while facing stage IV cancer. This isn't a how-to guide—it's a wake-up call to seize every moment and live fully, regardless of the challenges ahead.
Chasing My Northern Lights: Traveling Life's Unpredictable Road (Bestseller)
Join me on an extraordinary journey where adventure and introspection blur, from Arctic landscapes to life's deepest revelations. It is a story of discovery, resilience, and finding light in unexpected places.
Embracing the Cold: A Guide to Solo Winter Travel and Backcountry Expedition (Bestseller)
Transform winter's challenges into opportunities for adventure and growth. A practical guide for those ready to discover the raw beauty and profound solitude of winter landscapes.
The Strength of Surrender: A Chapbook of Heartfelt Poems
Poetry that speaks to the power of acceptance and finding joy in life's darkest moments. A companion for anyone facing uncertainty, change, or seeking deeper meaning.
Beyond the Blueprint: A Memoir of Family, Friendship, and Craft
More than a story about building a gazebo—it's about constructing lasting connections and discovering how shared projects can transform communities and relationships.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
From Arctic expeditions to navigating life with stage IV cancer, my journey is about finding extraordinary moments in life's most challenging seasons. Whether you're facing your own obstacles, supporting a loved one, or seeking inspiration to live more fully, there's a place for you in this community of thrivers and adventurers.
CONNECT WITH THE JOURNEY
Let's explore life's wild edges together. Sign up for my quarterly newsletter to receive personal stories of resilience, travel adventures, and insights on finding hope while living with cancer. Follow my current expeditions, from chasing the Northern Lights to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, or reach out to share your own story of personal growth through adversity. Together, we'll discover how life's toughest moments can become catalysts for our greatest adventures.