NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2016
#THRIVIN
CT CHALLENGE LOOKS AHEAD We equip survivors with the knowledge they need to counter aftereffects, including weakness, depression, fatigue, recurrence, secondary cancers and so much more, using the foundational pillars underlying all our programs—exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community. We are about providing the resources that all who battle cancer need to act on what they learn from us—in classes ranging from TRX and spinning to Pilates, yoga and meditation, in workshops, YOUNG ADULT CANCER SURVIVOR JUST PAST TREATMENT AT A CT CHALLENGE-FUN DED EXPERIENTIAL RETREAT ON THE SNAKE RIVER IN WYOMING
in training sessions and experiential outdoor retreats, in continuing to college, and in a summer oasis where kids can be kids instead of being defined by the cancer that has interrupted their young lives.
KEY NUMBERS
19
We are the tools needed to get going and stay motivated. We are about inspiring and elevating expectations of what life can be after
million
diagnosis and treatment, through the stories of those who have broken
Number of people expected to be living beyond a cancer diagnosis by 2024
1,685,210
New cancer cases expected in 2016
64% LOWER
through to the other side of this disease with healthy lifestyle choices, determination and grit. We are about reclaiming life for those who’ve been through cancer— no matter where they may be on its continuum—from newly diagnosed to many years past treatment. We are the unheralded, critical phase “next” that follows diagnosis and hospital-based care, as important to
Risk of death among women who exercised moderately after breast cancer diagnosis vs. inactive women
the “cure” as the therapies that launch the journey.
2/3 (OR MORE)
survivors currently living in the United States and, as we move into
Portion of your plate to fill with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans to lower cancer risk and manage body weight
We fill a hole in the healthcare system known to the 14.5 million the second half of this year, we will be rebranding our programs, regrouping under a name that will better help us reach the many more survivors who need our game-changing approach to life after cancer.
Source: National Cancer Institute; American Institute for Cancer Research
“We are about reclaiming life for those who’ve been through cancer.”
PROG RAM PROFI LES
Reaching Further We are passionate about reaching an everincreasing audience of cancer survivors. That’s why we continue to invest in our evolving digital hub ctchallenge.org, our bi-weekly e-newsletter and social media channels. Our goal is to put the actionable exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs and inspiration incubated at the Center for Survivorship within reach of any survivor in need of them, regardless of where they live.
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Supernormal in Summer A bunch of young teens, packed on a golf cart, not a care in the world ...for this one week at least: These kids, and every one of the 110 kids at CT Challenge-funded Camp Rising Sun, have been through cancer. Perhaps they’re still on that road. But here, all that is set aside. In this world, during this week, their reality is the norm and it builds an inner base, a resiliency to take home—a place from which to draw strength and move forward in the outside world. “It’s the best place on earth,” said Lizzy Power, a counselor in training in her 10th year at the camp. Diagnosed at nine years old and now in remission, she continued, “The camp made my summer. We all grew up together. We’re family.” Many of the counselors, all volunteers, were once campers themselves. Now at Western Connecticut State University, Lizzy took us on a tour of the camp: past the ropes course, the climbing wall and the archery course, through the senior cabin where we heard one teenager casually ask another when he was diagnosed—as if wondering when he started playing baseball—to another group, boys: Cabin 1, the youngest campers. Wrapped in towels. 2 2
CAMP RISING SUN CAMPERS CUTTING LOOSE IN SUMMER
Making goofy faces for pictures. Climbing on counselors. Giggling, throwing their arms around each other—the boy with no hair (he made the best goofy face), the one with a port, another with a zipper-shaped scar, and still another, with no visible trace of what had gone on within. “We’re not going to tell any kid ‘No, you can’t.’ We give everyone a chance. Kids try and do everything,” said Lizzy, who understands that here is where kids learn they can do anything they put their minds to, no matter what. Here they learn that “normal” comes in many forms.
FORMER CAMPERS/CURRENT COUNSELORS LIZZY POWER AND GIANNA SARICA (LEFT TO RIGHT)
SUMMER 2016
P R O G R A M U P D AT E
The Center at Our Core
“The Center empowers, challenges, encourages and celebrates me without pitying me. It is the missing piece of my recovery, and the most important piece of this journey.” Terry, Center Member
Just as it takes a strong core—physically—to stand, to move, to grow beyond what you think is possible for yourself, it takes a strong center for any kind of endeavor to thrive. The Center for Survivorship is the core for CT Challenge programs, and it continues as our bedrock, our incubator for best practices. All we do for an increasing number of survivors starts here. From muscle to mind-set, each day tells us more about what works best in helping all who battle cancer reclaim their lives. Here’s a look at some of what we’ve learned so far: Survivors want to be pushed. They want
Survivors want community…not the kind
As survivors do more, they want
to get back, get strong and stay that way. Of
where you have to talk, but rather the kind where
more. In the two-and-a-half years since the
her Fit in 45 class, Instructor Aileen Homa
you-can-if-you-want-but-you-never-have-to-if-you-
earliest stages of getting all this going, the
says, “I keep pushing them. I’ve yet to find
don’t, where the people around you get it, and
percentage of Center members who work
their ceiling.” No wonder the demand for our
know light and laughter is where life is, where
with personal trainers has increased from
challenging TRX classes is through the roof.
sweat is for working out, not the small stuff.
11% to 29%.
Fired Up!
Center trainer Michael Choothesa is as driven
I’m helping people, whether in a gym, an
as he is selfless. An Advanced EMT and
ambulance or through community service,”
adventure race veteran, he’s got passion for
said Michael, one of five staff trainers
positivity, for possibilities, for inspiring and
currently working at the Center.
helping others …for seeing what can be in an
He started training in 2001, prompted by a
individual moment, for himself or any individual
bad car accident. An excellent diagnostic
he may be working with at that moment.
problem-solver with a deep knowledge
“I know there is nothing greater than being
of the body and its systems, he is also a
there for someone, when they need it, in
cardiac rehab specialist.
whatever capacity you can,” he said. A graduate
“I look at each person’s health history,
of Holy Cross, he switched from a marine
energy levels, needs and goals then train
invertebrate zoology major to human anatomy
according to where they are,” he explained.
Michael Choothesa, Center Trainer
and exercise science because it provided CENTER TRAINER MICHAEL CHOOTHESA COMPETING IN THE 2014 CONNECTICUT WARRIOR DASH ADVENTURE RACE
3
a better opportunity to combine science, medicine and exercise with helping people. “I have learned that I’m at my best when
As for his passion for adventure racing? “It combines fitness, stamina and survival training with trying not to die in the woods,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. SUMMER 2016
A LO O K I N S I D E: P R O G RAM S NAPS H OTS
Boom Shakalaka! Woody Roseland, Experiential Retreat Alum
When cancer hits, what do you do? Hit back, again and again and again, especially if you’re 25-year-old Woody Roseland, eight-time cancer survivor and one of the first to benefit from the outdoor adventure camps supported by CT Challenge for young adult cancer survivors. “It was an exclamation point at the end of my cancer story, allowing me to re-enter my life, confident in myself and my abilities to ‘out live it.’ Having cancer as a young adult
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY RISING JUNIOR AND CT CHALLENGE CHRISTOPHER COOK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, JEAN CARIELLO
Paying It Forward
body, has turned against you,” he said.
Jean Cariello, Scholarship Recipient
At 17 years old, playing football for his
Meet Jean Cariello. We did, shortly
high school team, Woody was diagnosed
after she was named one of four
with a rare form of bone cancer that
inaugural recipients of the CT Challenge
would eventually take his left leg. But it
Christopher Cook Scholarship at Sacred
could not take his passion for living a bold,
Heart University. A rising junior from
positive, creative life on his own terms and
Patchogue, NY, Jean was diagnosed
a commitment to bringing out the best in
with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in
everyone he meets and in all that he does.
May 2000 at the age of three. She
Entrepreneur, endurance athlete and
endured three years of chemotherapy and
more, he said, “Nowadays, I put food on
was considered cancer-free five years
the table producing short films, doing lifestyle
after finishing treatment. She is now a
photography and delivering keynote speeches.”
nursing major. Her goal is to become a
strips away your confidence in yourself. The one thing you’ve always been able to rely on, your
nurse practitioner working in a pediatric oncology unit at a children’s hospital.
EIGHT-TIME CANCER SURVIVOR WOODY ROSELAND “OUT LIVING IT”
“I’d never heard of anything similar to this,” she said of the scholarship named
Lighting It Up
in honor of the son of SHU Athletic
Carla Ginsburg, Center Member
Director, Emeritus Don Cook.
Forget light bulbs. If you really want to
Christopher lost his cancer battle in
illuminate a room, ask Carla Ginsburg to stop
April 2014. Team SHU, now in its third
by. Though she is tiny, she fills the space
year, formed shortly thereafter to push
around her with warmth, energy, humor and
forward in his name, participating in the
authentic, hard-won knowledge of just how precious each moment is. Elegant even in
CENTER MEMBER CARLA GINSBURG WITH CENTER TRX INSTRUCTOR MEREDITH ANAND
annual CT Challenge Ride Event to fund the scholarship and help all who battle cancer move beyond the disease in
sweats, she is a poster child for living your life,
and Pilates classes. “Pilates helps with
not your age or any hurdle that may cross your
balance and flexibility. So does TRX. You have
path including Stage 4 ovarian cancer which
to concentrate on using your whole body,
hit Carla on September 7, 2012, followed by a
especially your abs and back,” she explained.
recurrence in her cerebellum two years later.
Carla, who calls the Center for Survivorship a
Now, with her numbers down, she is at the
godsend added, “There are people here who’ve
forward by continuing to raise awareness
Center most days of the week, including
gone through what I’ve gone through. There’s
for others who face similar obstacles,”
Fridays when she takes back-to-back TRX
no attitude here. I love everything about it.”
concluded Jean.
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strong and inspiring ways. “It is an honor to help recognize Christopher Cook’s courageous battle, a battle which is something that is near and dear to my heart. I hope to pay it
SUMMER 2016 2016 SUMMER
A LO O K I N S I D E: P R O G RAM S NAPS H OT
Breaking Through Ryan McSweeney, Personal Training Client
Ryan McSweeney came to us with his mom earlier this spring, nine years past the cancer that took one of his eyes. At 12 years old, he was cancer-free, but without a physical outlet he could own—one that could put his feet back under him, along with the confidence that comes with it. There were balance and strength issues, even though the acute stage was long past. Enter the bridge. Since Ryan started working with Center for Survivorship personal trainer Michael Choothesa, he is learning how to elevate his abilities and expectations for himself through exercise and healthy choices. “Ryan loves his visits
CENTER MEMBER RYAN MCSWEENEY WITH CENTER TRAINER MICHAEL CHOOTHESA
to the Center and is learning about working out, stretching, building muscle and how
“Every time I go there, it feels like home
I love going to the Center. Michael is doing
exercise is an important part of a healthy
because everyone is so nice and caring.
a great job teaching me how to exercise
lifestyle,” said Monica, Ryan’s mom who
Me and Michael share lots of the same
and be healthy. I am grateful to have this
drives from Somers, NY for his sessions.
interests, and he is part of the reason why
opportunity to do this!” said Ryan.
“CT Challenge is the place I so desperately needed as a young survivor looking to build myself back after treatments.” – Erin, Center Member
The 12th Annual CT Challenge Ride Opening Ceremony: July 29th, 5:00pm The Ride: July 30th, starting at 7:30am
With live bands all day, gorgeous routes, games and delicious food, no wonder so many riders, volunteers and supporters call the annual CT Challenge Ride the best day of the summer. It’s a festival, a celebration, an assertion. It’s about honoring all who’ve battled cancer and it’s a blast. Best of all, every dollar raised funds a bridge back from cancer for all who battle the disease. Special this year after the ride: Performance by chart-topping singer/songwriter Mat Kearney.
B I KE.C TC HAL L E N G E.O R G
S U P P O RTE R N EWS
Special Thanks To Our Partners Who Generously Support Our Mission Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Partner Profile Marshall Wace: The Power of a First Step
Bigelow Tea BMW of Bridgeport Boehringer Ingelheim Cantor Fitzgerald
If anyone can appreciate the power of simply
the healthcare marketplace and is working
taking a first step, it’s global asset manager
hard to fill it, in Connecticut and across the
ConnectiCare
Marshall Wace. Now a global leader in its
country. We are proud to be a part of this
Discovery
field, Marshall Wace operated initially with
growing movement for all who face cancer.”
Fairfield County Hunt Club
“In my fifth year of participating in the charity
First Niagara
secondhand equipment set up in one of the founder’s spare rooms in London, backed by just a small group of investors.
bike ride, I can’t express how inspiring, emotional and motivating this event is. While
GenRe Hitachi Capital America Corporation
A sponsoring team and top fundraiser
some of us have either known family members
in the CT Challenge Ride since 2012,
or friends who’ve fought cancer, the rest of us
Marshall Wace
Marshall Wace sees a kindred spirit in CT
may have to deal with it in the future—the road
MasterCard
Challenge Founder and CEO Jeff Keith, and
to recovery is a long one and having the right
all he is doing to create a paradigm shift for
support system is important,” said Gregory
Navigators
cancer survivors.
Prophete, Director of Information Technology
“It’s not so much how you start,” said Michael
for Marshall Wace, and captain of the team
Orthopaedic Specialty Group
Sargent, Partner & CEO of Marshall Wace
participating in this year’s ride.
People’s United Bank
North America, who was the first at Marshall
“There is no limit to how far we can take the CT
PIMCO
Wace to participate in the Ride. “It’s that you
Challenge mission with a company of this caliber
do start, and it’s how you make your way
behind us,” said Jeff Keith. “We are grateful.”
Pink Pom-Pom Project/a little square
forward,” he said. “Jeff recognized a hole in
Newman’s Own
Williams Trading
YOUNG ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS AT CT CHALLENGE-SUPPORTED EXPERIENTIAL RETREAT
The CT Challenge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the 14.5 million cancer survivors rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs.
@CTCHALLENGE
250 PEQUOT AVE. | SOUTHPORT, CT 06890 CTCHALLENGE.ORG