The Local Cancer Community Update of

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1 The Local Cancer Community Update of Submitted by: Tim E. Renzelmann December 22, 2014 A Special Edition of The Local Cancer Community Dedicated to Those Who Choose to Survive, Thrive & Be Fit! Late last Friday I received a wonderful from Leah Heusterberg (Cancer Survivor, Active Survivor of Sheboygan (A.S.S.), and the first person to sign up for the upcoming Hiking Along the Cancer Journey: A Real Survivor Adventure ) that I just have to share with you. So I put together this special edition of The Local Cancer Community Update dedicated to those of you who have chosen to Survive, Thrive & Be Fit by participating in a variety of healthy active-living opportunities that are taking place in the local cancer community. So let s start things out with Leah s wonderful adaptation of a Holiday favorite! Twas the Night Before Christmas! By Leah Heusterberg Twas the night before Christmas and all through the gym, Not an A.S.S. was stirring, not even Bionic Tim. Our sneakers were placed in their closets with care, Knowing excessive cookie calories soon would be there. The Yogi s were resting all snug on their mats, Meditating and relaxing in Lotus pose they sat. Wearing gym clothes or snow suits, tennies or boots, We re moving our bodies, eating veggies and fruit. Thirty minutes a day, tis what they say, Our log sheets are filled and sent on their way. On this merriest of seasons our wish is to you, Peace, good health and happiness in all that you do. Active Survivors of Sheboygan Continues to Grow! Leah is one of fourteen rookies currently involved in SCCCF s Active Survivors of Sheboygan (A.S.S.) Team along with thirteen returning A.S.S. veterans from Team members pledge to complete at least 30-minutes of moderate intensity exercise (on their own or through the many Survive, Thrive & Be Fit opportunities) two days a week or more. Those who average five days a week or more of exercise earn a spot on our Varsity Team and currently includes veterans Terri Y., Diane M., Tim R., Karen S., Cindy B., Carrie G., Karen A., Dan K. along with rookies Barb B., Leah H., Karen R., Mary Ellen S., and Monica W. Those who average 3 or 4 days a week or more of exercise qualify for our Junior Varsity Team and include veterans Candy M., Judy K., Carolyn E., Janet S., Lori P. and rookies Felicia S., Tony L., Kathy B., Stacy J., and Beth S. Those who average 2 days a week are Squad Members (currently all team members are averaging 3 days a week or more). Four survivor athletes are currently in the tryout stage (members must complete three consecutive months of qualifying activity) including rookies Chris W., Patti D., Vicki F. and Lenny B. To learn more about becoming an A.S.S., visit the Get Active page on SCCCF s website ( or contact Tim! SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors! Resumes Monday, January 12 th! The SCCCF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors Class recently celebrated the completion of its fifth year! Lead by Certified Yoga Instructor, Katie Presutti, who has been with us since our very first session in February of 2010, many of the survivor-yogis have

2 made this a regular part of their weekly routine. It has become known as the best part of Monday and the fastest hour of the week! 17 of the 19 participants from our December 15 th session (pictured below) attended at least half of the Monday night sessions throughout the year! SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Offers Challenge of the Month! Each month I will propose a challenge to all SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Survivor/Athletes. Challenges will vary from month to month some may be achieved on your own others we will work on as a group. To find out what the Challenge of the Month is for January, 2015 simply go to and click on the Get Active tab! SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Long Sleeve T-shirts Available! Front Row Kneeling (L-R): Lori P., Chris M., Diane M., Katie P., Kathy B., Beth S., Stacy H., Cindy B.; Back Row Standing (L-R): Bonnie G., Mary S., Candy M., Linda B., Mary R., Vicki F., Jeanne R., Janet S., Judy K., Felicia S., Tim R. I asked some of our regulars if they would be willing to share why they feel so committed to this group, and here is what Vicki F. had to say: What keeps me coming back to yoga on Monday nights is a combination of how good yoga makes me feel and the positive energy of the Monday night yoga group. Yoga makes me stronger physically and improves my balance. I have knee problems and since I started doing yoga I experience a lot less pain and my legs are stronger. Yoga breathing and relaxation are very calming and seem to melt stress away, and I've practiced those techniques at home to deal with insomnia (or my teenagers)! Most importantly, the Monday night yoga group is very positive and accepting. The instructors remind us to listen to what our bodies are up for on any given day, which creates a positive environment where we learn to accept our limitations and abilities for what they are. There's no pressure for everyone to be synchronized and doing the same pose the same way. Whatever a person is able to do is exactly what's right for that person. I like that it's "gentle yoga" so anyone can participate, and if a pose isn't working for us we can substitute something else. If we fall over or bump into each other we can just laugh about it :) Note from Tim: Watch for additional testimonials about this unique and popular opportunity! The company that supplies our Active Survivors of Sheboygan team shirts ran a Flash Sale on longsleeve T-shirts recently and I ordered a limited supply that will be available for $15 (proceeds will, of course, benefit SCCCF). At this time they will ONLY be available to participants at SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit events & activities. If you plan on attending any of January s Survive, Thrive & Be Fit and are interested in purchasing a shirt, please contact me in advance with your shirt size. Shirts are available in Ash (below) & White in sizes S, M, L & XL. SCCCF Hiking Along the Cancer Journey: A Real Survivor Adventure May 15 th to 17 th! Consider joining an elite group of cancer patients and survivors who will be training and preparing for a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip on the nearby Ice Age Trail! If you would like to learn more about the event, which includes day hike and volunteer options, please attend the upcoming informational meeting on January 29 th (see attached)!!! Tim E. Renzelmann Cancer Coach/Patient Advocate Matthews Oncology Associates Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists Vice President Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com

3 Survive, Thrive & Be Fit! Hiking Along the Cancer Journey or Survivors on Snowshoes Saturday, January 3 rd First Saturday of the Month Event! We will hike or snowshoe the Black River Trails located on Sheboygan s south side (depending on conditions). Group starts at 8A, 9A or 10A. Meet in the parking lot off of Hwy V (S. 12 th Street). You must have a WI State Park sticker or self-register to park in the lot or you can park along Hwy V (S. 12 th St.) where no sticker/fee is required. A limited supply of snowshoes will be available to use and share (call Tim in advance to reserve). Meet Here Rain or shine dress appropriately Water & snacks provided Survivors and co-survivors welcome Bathroom facilities available Pet s are allowed (must be leashed) Bring your camera Call Tim at or ( SCCCF) for details!

4 Survive, Thrive & Be Fit! Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors! Monday Nights at from 5:30 to 6:30PM January 12 th through June 8 th!!! MOA/SCBS 2 nd Floor Conference Room 1621 N. Taylor Drive, Sheboygan, WI (on the St. Nicholas Hospital Campus) Area cancer survivors are encouraged to experience the benefits of this fun and popular gentle yoga program! These FREE sessions will include gentle stretching, breathing and meditation to bring some peace, healing and relaxation to the mind and body. No experience necessary. On the first Monday of each month there is an optional 30-minute of advanced yoga instruction for those who want to deepen their yoga practice immediately following the class (6:30 to 7:00P)! For more info call Tim at or ( SCCCF)! JOIN AREA CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS IN Making Sheboygan County the Healthiest Place to Survive Cancer! Brought to you by: Special financial consideration by:

5 Survive, Thrive & Be Fit! Hiking Along the Cancer Journey: A Real Survivor Adventure! Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 15 th, 16 th & 17 th A 3-day/2-night backpacking trip along the nearby Ice Age Trail! Consider the challenging and life-affirming experience of taking only what you need and travelling by foot while immersed in nature s beauty while enjoying the company of an elite group of strong and courageous cancer survivors! The campfire talk will be amazing!!! Interested in Learning More? INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Thursday, January 29th at 5:30PM Topics: Event Details, Backpacking Basics & Gear, Training & Preparation, Q&A! There may be an option for a 2-day/1-night trip (if space allows)! Day hike opportunities on Friday and Sunday! Not interested in backpacking? Volunteers needed! No backpacking gear (backpack, tent, etc.)? We can assist! If interested but unable to attend this meeting, feel free to contact Tim at or Leah (cancer survivor and first-time backpacker) at to discuss! Financial Support for Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Actitities Provided by:

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