TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, December 17th!
Thank you to all who took part in last night's TLC Survivorship Session that featured a review of our Local Cancer Community by scrolling through every photo on this photo page! As I shared at the beginning of the session, there are times (like when only a few people attend an activity) that I may feel a bit discouraged. But looking through ALL that we did throughout 2024 is a wonderful reminder of how vibrant and active our Local Cancer Community is!!!
After the session we played a White Elephant Gift Exchange (that I created). I think people were confused... and had less control of the outcome. Much like the Game of Life!!!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details!
ST&BF IRG: You're Looking At Over Ten Million Meters - Tuesday, December 17th!
Prior to this month's TLC Survivorship Session a few of our IRG survivor-athletes took the opportunity to get some meters in! Congrats to Dennis Sundell (center) who reached the THREE MILLION METER mark while rowing that day! Kathy Burch (left), reached the TWO MILLION METER mark a few days ago! Mike Brachmann surpassed FIVE MILLION METERS earlier this year!
Each of these survivor-athletes started with ZERO meters before getting involved in the Indoor Row Group... which is a great place for anyone to START!!!
Happy Holidays from Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists - Monday, December 16th!
The Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists Staff spread some Holiday Cheer with a Christmas Outfit / Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! On behalf of Dr. S. Mark Bettag, Dr. Nikita Jain, and everyone here at Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists, we wish you the very best during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!
Happy National Poinsettia Day - December 12, 2024!
Rob, one of the many wonderful elves from the Christopher Farm & Gardens, dropped off several beautiful CF&G grown poinsettias (as if they don't do enough already for the CF&G)! As is part of their mission at CF&G, their gift came with some educational and interesting "Fun Facts of Poinsettias" from which I learned several things including:
- "The showy, colorful part of the poinsettia isn't a flower - it's a modified leaf. The poinsettia's modified leaves (called bracts) are often mistaken for the flower. Actually, the small yellow flowers (called cyathium) can be found clustered in the center of the bracts."
- "December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the South Carolina congressman credited with bringing the poinsettia to the United States from Mexido."
Join us at our December TLC Session for a chance at one of these beautiful items... and THANK YOU CF&G!
SCCCF Holiday Gnome Raffle - December!
Kathy Horness, long-time cancer survivor and friend of SCCCF has donated these two adorable “Holiday Gnome” decorations to be raffled off to benefit SCCCF! The first of two winning tickets drawn will have their choice of the “North Pole” or “I’m Naughty” gnomes and the second winning ticket will get the other!
Tickets: $1 each. 6 for $5. 15 for $10.
Tickets may be purchased at Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists or contact Tim at 920.457.2223!
Drawing will take place at 5P on Thursday, December 19th during the ST&BF Indoor Row Group Session! Winners will be contacted by phone.
ST&BF Indoor Row Group - Tuesday, November 26th!
Five survivor-athlete/rowers and members of the Indoor Row Group row together in the SCBS 2nd Floor Conference Room during a recent IRG (Indoor Row Group) session! We welcome and encourage other area cancer patients/survivors to join us to experience the benefits of indoor rowing and the fun we have! We are almost a month into our tenth Indoor Row Group season, which runs through April, 2025 and includes our signature event - the Tenth Annual Lake Michigan Crossing that is scheduled for the second Saturday in March!
Contact Tim for details and/or to schedule an Indoor Row Group Info/Demo Session!
ST&BF Hiking Along the Cancer Journey - Thursday, November 21st!
Thank you to all of you who contacted me to let me know that, due to the wintery mix, you chose not to travel to or participate in this morning's hike! I appreciate the courtesy and respect the decision. I always encourage folks to use their own discretion when travelling to and participating in any of the events and activities of our Local Cancer Community! Nevertheless, I travelled the s hort distance down the road to the Willow Creek Preserve in case anyone showed up. No one did! But, while I was there, I figured I might as well hike!
I will say I am glad I grabbed my trekking poles on my way out of the house this morning! Not only did it provide a little extra balance in the slippery/slushy conditions... but I got a better workout in. There are so many benefits in using trekking poles to walk (also known as "urban poling") or hike!
I hate to inform those of you who cancelled, but with the proper apparel and right gear... it proved to be a gorgeous hike!!!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for future "Steps to Survivorship" (including "Hiking Along the Cancer Journey" and "Survivors on Snowshoes")!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, November 19th!
Congratulations to Dr. S. Mark Bettag for twenty years of private practice (Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists) and almost thirty years of providing cancer care in Sheboygan!
Amusing. Informative. Inspiring. Thought-provoking. These are just some of the adjectives to describe this night and this man! If you were unable to join us, you can view and listen to his comments by clicking on the below!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for future TLC Survivorship Sessions and other events and activities of our Local Cancer Community!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Thursday, November 14th!
I was looking for a "change of pace" for our Energizing Flex & Flow class. More specifically, I was looking for an easier workout. So, for this session I decided to use the Energizing Flex & Flow (seated) that Hannah Held, ODT created specifically for this class during her Capstone Project. After the workout was completed, one of the survivor participants shared what I think the rest of us were thinking, "When you said we were going to be sitting, I thought it was going to be an easy workout. But it was harder than I thought!" Sure, some workouts can be performed with less intensity while sitting... but there are many other reasons to do seated exercises, including that it engages muscles that you may not use in a standing workout! I fully intend to incorporate more sitting exercises in future Energizing Flex & Flow classes!
CLICK HERE to view Hannah's Energizing Flex & Flow (seated) video and do the workout from home!
Come join us for our next "Energizing Flex & Flow" session!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Bonding Bonfire - Wednesday, November 13th!
It turned out to be just another gorgeous day and evening at the Christopher Farm & Gardens! After working on Project Tweety B.I.R.D. and/or Wandering the Wonderful Gardens, we gathered around the Railyard Gardens fire pit to enjoy the warmth of a Bonding Bonfire! I was once again reminded that, in contrast to the complexities and intricacies involved in the medical side of cancer care... other forms of healing for body, mind, heart, and spirit can be as simple as a warm fire on a chilly night while surrounded by good people!
At the end of the evening, I found myself alone at the Railyard Garden fire pit. As the fire died down, I took the opportunity to practice some Qigong alongside the warmth that continued to emanate from the fire pit and underneath a near full moon! There are so many opportunities in our Local Cancer Community to "Survive, Thrive & Be Fit!" while in community of others... or alone and on your own!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for our next ST&BF at the CF&G!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Wednesday, November 13th!
We enjoyed a somewhat breezy and yet another gorgeous day at the CF&G for a Project Tweety B.I.R.D. year-end work day! Special thanks to cancer survivor Tom Friedrichs for being our "Big Bird" and spearheading a successful first season along with all others who have been involved! Thanks also to the amazing staff at CF&G (especially Rob & Robyn) for making the project even more enjoyable than it was successful! Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details in how to get involved in the 2025 Project Tweety B.I.R.D.!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details about next year's Project Tweety B.I.R.D.!
ST&BF Hiking Along the Cancer Journey - Thursday, November 6th!
It was a beautiful November morning to enjoy some "Hiking Along the Cancer Journey" at the Willow Creek Preserve! After finishing up our first (10A) hike we ran into Glacial Lakes Conservancy (which manages Willow Creek Preserve) board president Peter Pittner who welcomed us and told us a little about what is going on at the property. Click below for details on the Glacial Lakes Conservancy's Willow Creek Preserve!
Join us again on Thursday, November 21st for our next Hiking Along the Cancer Journey at the Willow Creek Preserve!
Willow Creek Map (w/distances)
Just Orthodontics Celebrates Orthodontic Health Month with a Donation to SCCCF!
In addition to October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month it apparently is also Orthodontic Health Month! Just Orthodontics chose twelve local charities (Sheboygan and Manitowoc) and awarded a $500 donation to those charities that received hte most votes online and at their locations. Thank you to Just Orthodontics and to all who voted for SCCCF that earned us one of the $500 donations!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group 2024/25 Season Kick-Off - Friday, November 1st!
Nine survivor-athletes kicked off the 2024/25 Indoor Row Group season, which will run from November 1st through April 30th! To commemorate this, our tenth season, we rowed ten-minute pieces and accumulated 59,174 meters between 9A and 11a on Day 1 of the season! Good job to Linda A, Cindy B, Barb B, Mike B, Kathy B, Maryellen K, Tim R, John S, and Dennis S!
The Indoor Row Group welcomes cancer patients/survivors to join us anytime throughout the season! Our goal is to get at least TEN survivor-athletes to at least give indoor rowing a try to hour TENTH SEASON! Contact Tim for more information!
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship: Marathon Relay II - Wednesday, October 30th!
WE DID IT! In addition to completing our second Marathon Relay, this time we assembled a group exclusively of nine cancer survivors to complete the full marathon distance... and then some! Congrats to Aina F, Cindy B, Dennis S, Jennifer K, Kathy B, Lind A, Maryellen K, Sue Z, and Tim R who, together, completed 49 kilometers (just over 30 miles) to exceed the marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers (26.2 miles)! We were further joined by co-survivors John Z, Jenny Z (& baby Isabella), and Mike B for a GRAND TOTAL of 64 kilometers (about 39.75 miles)! Photo submitted by Kathy B.
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for additional "Steps to Survivorship" opportunities and future Marathon Relays!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow (with a Surprise Appearance) - Tuesday, October 29th!
Today's ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow class sort of snuck up on me... and I didn't have time to prepare! Fortunately, I was rescued by a "surprise appearance" by Energizing Flex & Flow creator Hannah Held, ODT (it was such a surprise, it will even surprise her when she reads this)! :-) We simply pulled up the YouTube video that Hannah created as part of her Capstone Project, turned on some music, and followed her movements!!!
As much as I enjoyed the workout, I suspect the other participants enjoyed it (and the break from me) even more!!! We all miss you Hannah, and hope you are doing well (and look forward to the one year anniversary of EF&F on the evening of Wednesday, February 12th and hope you can join us!!!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details about future Energizing Flex & Flow classes!
For Energizing Flex & Flow information, resources, and video links...
ST&BF Together with LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: Courage Ride with Charity Wolf - Tuesday, October 29th!
I love the "synergy" of these two groups! For now, I am just posting a few pics from this mornings "Courage Ride" with Charity Wolf... watch for "the rest of the story" of how this class came to be!
For more details about wither ST&BF or LIVESTRONG at they YMCA, contact Tim Renzelmann, Carrie Green, or Denice Nugent!
Yoga on the Lake & BOLD CYCLE - Honors ALL Cancer Warriors and Those Who Love Them - Wednesday, October 23rd!
Coming together for community, hope, healing and health! Classes were taught by their own cancer survivor instructors who have each walked the cancer path! Proceeds benefit the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund (SCCCF)!
Thank you to Yoga on the Lake, BOLD CYCLE, and all who participated and donated to SCCCF!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Fall Foliage - Monday, October 21st!
We enjoyed another visit to the Christopher Farm & Gardens that offered opportunities to "Wander the Wonderful Gardens" and enjoy another "Bonding Bonfire"!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for our next ST&BF at the CF&G!
Sheboygan Chamber Main Street Ladies Nite Out - Thursday, October 17th
Special thanks to all who participated in this year's annual Ladies Nite Out with raffle proceeds benefitting SCCCF!
ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors - Monday, October 14th!
After a brief hiatus over the warmer months, our ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors is back! Much has changed since our first session on February 1st, 2010 but our purpose and intent has remained the same! Join us for any of our Survive, Thrive & Be Fit activities as we work towards "Making Sheboygan County the Healthiest Place to Survive Cancer!" Our next classes are scheduled for the following Mondays: 10/28 at 5P, 11/4 at 5P, 11/18 at 9A!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for future dates and times!
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship - Wednesday, October 9th!
A group of cancer patients/survivors and co-survivors take some "Steps to Survivorship" on a gorgeous fall afternoon along the Shoreline 400 Trail route! Pictured (L-R): Mike & Kathy B, Linda & Mike A. Not pictured: Dennis S and Aina F.
Join us for future "Steps to Survivorship" (watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details)!
EVERYTHING Longaberger & Pink Raffle to Benefit SCCCF - October, 2024!
Barb Bogenschutz (Longtime Breast Cancer Survivor, Longtime Longaberger Basket Collector, and Longtime Supporter of SCCCF) has assembled three baskets containing various Longaberger and Breast Cancer themed items to be raffled off to benefit SCCCF!
Basket #1: Longaberger Brest Cancer Tote, Breast Cancer Beanie Baby Bear, Pink & White Apron, Pink Scarf, Brighton Breast Cancer Bracelet, Seroogy's Candy
Basket #2: Heart-shaped Basket with 3 Vintage Longaberger Horizone of Hope Baskets, Milwaukee Brewers Hot Dog Bobblehead (with Pink Bat & Breast Cancer logo), Breast Cancer Beany Baby Bear, Ribbon of Hope, Breast Cancer Bracelet, Seroogy's Candy
Basket #3: Longaberger Horizon of Hope Vintage Purse Basket, Beany Baby Bear, Angel, Pink Boa, Breast Cancer Necklace, Brighton Breast Cancer Bracelet
Tickets: $1 each. 6 for $5. 15 for $10.
Tickets may be purchased at Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists or contact Tim at 920.457.2223!
NOTE TO ALL AREA BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: Watch the next Local Cancer Community Update for a link to receive one FREE complimentary ticket to win!
Drawing will take place at our first ST&BF Gentle Yoga Session in November. Need not be present to win. Watch the LCCU for details!
ST&BF Great Heights with Delightful Kites (Plus "Bob's Bubbles") - Saturday, September 27th!
ST&BF Great Heights with Delightful Kites is obviously an activity dependent on weather and wind conditions and, as such, is typically scheduled as a POP UP-portunity! Forecast looked good for Saturday, September 27th so I sent out an e-mail (based on LCCU subscription preferences). I got a couple kites up when I arrived, but as the winds intensified, I had to pull them down (to avoid risk of damage). But, no worries, I just pulled out a DLK (dual line kite) and enjoyed playing in the winds! I was joined by a few others, including "Bob the Builder" Hartig who brought his bubble-making machine (see photo below) and Kathy Burch who submitted the above photo!
Watch for more ST&BF Great Heights with Delightful Kites POP-UP-portunities!
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship: Marathon Relay I - Wednesday, September 25th!
(Pictured above: Seated L-R: Cancer Survivors Kathy Burch, Maryellen Kloiber, Sue Zalewski; Standing L-R: Tim Renzelmann, Cindy Becker, Dennis Sundell, and co-survivor Terry Renzelmann. Not pictured: Co-survivors Mike Burch and John Zalewski)
Several of our regular "Steps to Survivorship" survivor-athletes attempted to complete the marathon distance (42,195 meters or 26.2 miles). Although we were a little shy of that goal, we fell back on a few co-survivor guests (as survivors are often known to do) to complete our first (of many more to come) Marathon Relay!
Congratulations to survivor athletes Cindy Becker, Kathy Burch, Maryellen Kloiber, Tim Renzelmann, Dennis Sundell, and Sue Zalewski along with co-survivors Mike Burch, Terry Renzelmann, and John Sundell who went beyond the marathon (42,195 meters) and completed a total of 55,200 meters!
Join us for Steps to Survivorship as “We Walk (or Jog) on Wednesdays” throughout October that will include Marathon Relay II on Wednesday, October 30th! Our goal will be to assemble a group exclusively of survivor-athletes to complete the full marathon distance while including co-survivors to determine the total accumulated distance!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow & Steps to Survivorship - Thursday, September 19th!
Since June we have been scheduling a ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow session on the third Thursday morning (9A) at Deland Park to enjoy and benefit from the warmer weather and fresh air! We'll see what happens in October, but the weatherman was kind to us on this day! Following EF&F, we enjoyed some "Steps to Survivorship" that took us out to the lighthouse on the north pier!
Please join us on Thursday, October 17th (the third Thursday) at 9A for EF&F and Steps to Survivorship at 10A! RSVP strongly encouraged as any changes (due to weather/conditions) will be communicated to those who RSVP!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, September 17th!
Prostate Cancer Survivor and ST&BF Survivor-Athlete Dennis Sundell, who has also been selected as the Honorary Chair of this year's Road America Walk/Run, shared his story with us! Dennis, a retired clergyman, reflected on his thoughts following his cancer diagnosis and triple-bypass surgery, "I started thinking to myself how many times I told others, 'You have to be good stewarts of your soul, your mind, and your body.' Here I was now. And I had to apply those same words to myslef." Following his diagnosis, Dennis got involved with LIVESTRONG at the Y where he learned about SCCCF's Survive, Thrive & Be Fit (ST&BF). Dennis has been a part of five ST&BF Indoor Row Group Lake Michigan Crossings and is an Active Survivor of Sheboygan (A.S.S.).
Here more of Dennis's story here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/sh...
Join Dennis and other area survivor-athletes as part of the 2024/25 Indoor Row Season, which starts on November 1st! Contact Tim for details!
ST&B at CF&G - "Summer's End" Visit (#85) - Saturday, September 7th!
It was a beautiful afternoon/evening to be at the Christopher Farm & Gardens to "Wander the Wonderful Gardens", play some Bocce in the Ampitheater, enjoy a "Bonding Bonfire" at the Cornucopia firepit!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details about our next visit to the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
ST&BF September Challenge: Our First Marathon Finisher - Tuesday, January 16th!
Congratulations Mary Schueller! Mary is our FIRST September Challenge Marathon Finisher! In addition to this September Challenge Marathon, Mary has been participating in the Cumulative Walk/Run Marathon since we started in the spring of 2021 and has completed 14 ST&BF Cumulative Walk/Run Marathons!
I invited Mary to share a photo/selfie to recognize her as our first finisher. She sent me the above photo, which caught my eye as well as this photo and the comments below:
"The first photo was taken at Veterans Park where I walked through the Frank Mots International Kite Festival (missed the launch of the 600 kites at noon but did see some stunts & this giant octopus. The second was a selfie on the Oak Leaf Trail not far from where Mike lives. I am truly blessed to be able to walk in areas that are nature-filled and beautiful --- whether in the neighborhood where I live, at CFG or one of our State Parks, on the lakefront, etc."
Join us during the months of September and October in taking "Steps to Survivorship" as we "Walk (or Jog) on Wednesdays" along the Shoreline 400 Trail! See the Local Cancer Community Update for details!
Wisconsin Camaro Club Rally Benefits SCCCF - Thursday through Sunday, August 29th to September 1st!
Thank you to the Wisconsin Camaro Club for selecting SCCCF once again as the beneficiary charity for their annual Camaro Rally at Road America! Thank you also to a wonderful group of volunteers (Brenda Z, Mike B, Sue & John Z, Michelle F, Linda & Mike A, Jennifer K, Leah H, Kathy B, Dennis S, Candy M, Roy P)! The Wisconsin Camaro Club donated $5,000 to SCCCF!
Photo above: A Wisconsin Camar Club member gives the gives the "Bouncing Beacon Bumper Buggy" (complete with Camaro logo) a push for a chance to win!!!
2024 WANDER-thon at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Friday & Saturday, August 23rd & 24th!
The Amazing Cancer Survivors and Local Cancer Community Supporters + The Beautiful Christopher Farm & Gardens + Lots of Fun & Games + 24 Hours of Incredible Weather = The 2024 WANDER-thon!
For additional photos:
SCCCF "Mid Summer Raffle Basket" Winners Announced - Saturday, August 24th!
Thank you to those who donated items and purchased tickets for this raffle basket that raised just over $750 for SCCCF!
Congrats to the three winners:
Basket #1) Sarah McMullen
Basket #2) Dave Miller
Basket #3) Laura Favill
Watch for the next SCCCF Basket Raffle! Breast cancer survivor Barb Bogenschutz has offered to create a "Pink Basket Raffle" to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Watch for details!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, August 20th!
The topic was based on author Bronnie Ware's book The Five Regrets of the Dying. The intent, of course, was not to focus on dying... but through the discussion of death we can gain great insights on how to live! Included was a TED Talk by Alua Arthur titled Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life. We had some meaning-filled, joy-filled, and heart-felt discussion (as we often do). As the facilitator of these sessions, I am often teased (good-heartedly) that I talk too much. So, as the session started, I indicated that I wasn't going to talk so much. Unbeknownst to me, one (well-intended) jokester in the group was actually recording how much I spoke and it came to 19-minutes and 25-seconds (not bad for a session lasting an hour and fifteen minutes). Even that was probably too much! I certainly don't claim to have the answers to the many challenges that folks face along their cancer journey or their life... but, together, we can better help one another navigate the unique ups and downs of this life that we each face!
TED Talk: Alua Arthur - Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life!
Please consider joining us at TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) every third Tuesday of the month at 5P!
Qigong for Cancer Survivors - Monday, August 19th!
One of many great things about Qigong is that it can be done almost anytime and any place! On this occasion (in conjunction with "Steps to Survivorship" at Kiwanis Park) we found a quite location along the river and in the presence of this wonderful old tree. It doesn't appear to be the healthiest tree... and yet there is a strength, a maturity, a contentment. All qualities I hope to embody!
Here is a video of the NQA's "Five Treasures" Qigong that we practiced (a favorite):
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for future Qigong for Cancer Survivors sessions!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update - August 14th!
This ST&BF at CF&G - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update provided by Mary Schueller and Jennifer King: "It was another gorgeous evening for Jennifer King and I to do monitoring tonight! When I have been away for a short time, I'm always amazed to see how things have grown since I was last there. The blooms are as big as my head!!! (See photo)
For More on Project Tweety B.I.R.D.
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship - Wednesday, July 24th!
Throughout July we scheduled weekly "Steps to Survivorship" and "We Walked (or Jogged) on Wednesdays!" Group starts at 3P, 4P, and 5P started and finished at the Shoreline 400 Trailhead, followed the walking trail that crossed the Sheboygan River, continued along river, and through Kiwanis Park and back. Some of us enjoyed a bit of re-hydration and a few games of Cribbage at Suscha's following our walks! NOTE: It is a wonderful route! Despite being in the midst of the city, there are almost no road crossings or traffic to contend with!
Throughout August "We Move on Mondays"! We will take advantage of Food Truck Mondays at Kiwanis Park all month long and move our 3P, 4P, 5P starts to Kiwanis Park (meet near the shelter just south of the Biergarten). Contact Tim for details!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Game Gathering - Tuesday, July 23rd!
It was another enjoyable visit (our 83rd group visit since May, 2017) to the Christopher Farm & Gardens! Participants enjoyed "Wandering the Wonderful Gardens" with a chance to do some "Qigong for Cancer Survivors" before starting a "Bonding Bonfire" with hot dogs and s'mores and playing in a "Game Gathering" and a Farkle Tournament! Congrats to Candy Meyer, our Farkle Champ! Thanks to Bob the Builder Hartig for creating and donating her first place Farkle board!
Hope to see you at our next (84th) visit to the CF&G!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update - July 22nd!
This ST&BF at CF&G - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update provided by Leah Heusterberg: "Hi all ~ Today was a beautiful, early morning walk in the Gardens! Thank you, Mr. Christopher, for sharing your piece of Heaven with us!"
As our first "official" year of Project Tweety B.I.R.D. winds down, watch for details as we gather and share successful stats that have exceeded our expectations!!!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Thursday, July 18th!
It was a gorgeous morning for some Energizing Flex & Flow in the Richardson Shelter at Deland Park where we enjoyed this view while working out!
The top photo of Sue and Diane is from after our EF&F workout. No... that's NOT SWEAT! Afterwards we took a walk along Sheboygan's lakefront and considered a walk out to the lighthouse... until getting splashed from a rogue wave!
So we headed back towards land of what is know as the "Malibu of the Midwest"! NOTE: I didn't realize until after taking the below photo that the surfboard was a photo prop. Join us again at Deland Park for Energizing Flex & Flow on Thursday, August 15th at 9A and we'll take a group photo here!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow is currently being offered three times per month.
ST&BF at Christopher Farm & Gardens - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update - July 9th & 10th!
Here's another Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Trail) update (this one from Mary Schueller)! The success of this first "official" year has exceeded all of our expectations!
Watch for details of an upcoming "Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Summary & Celebration" that will include details on how you can get involved in this project in 2025!
ST&BF at the CF&G: Wandering the Wonderful Gardens & a Bonding Bonfire - Monday, July 1st!
Just another pleasant evening at the Christopher Farm & Gardens with Hot Dogs, S'mores, Ice Cream (thanks Sue & John), and Birthday Cupcakes (thanks Lenny & Barb - and Happy Birthday to Lenny and to Mary)!
Next planned event at the Christopher Farm & Gardens is a Game Gathering on Tuesday, July 23rd!
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship - Now Thru July 31: "We Walk (or Jog) On Wednesdays"!
EVERY WEEK between June 26th and July 31st "We Walk (or Jog) on Wednesdays!" Meet us at the Shoreline 400 Trailhead (on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue just west of the N. Commerce St. intersection - just north of the old Sheboygan Train Depot and west of Suscha's Bar) for group starts at 3P, 4P, and 5P! You choose the distance and the pace along an out & back route (enlarge photo to see map/route)!
Watch for a different day of the week and location in future months!
TLC Game Gathering - Tuesday, June 18th!
Following our June TLC Survivorship Session, which continued the National Cancer Survivors Day theme of celebrating survivorship, we continued to “celebrate survivorship” by having some fun at our TLC Game Gathering! We typically play any of a variety of games… but this month I opted to bring in some toys we had purchased for our grandkids to play with! - Picasso Tiles Marble Run!
ST&BF at the CF&G: Daisy Days - June 17, 2024!
About a half dozen cancer patients/survivors and co-survivors returned to the CF&G to pick more of the invasive ox-eye daisies to allow native plants and wildflowers to survive and thrive! We hope to return a few more times to pull as many roots of this invasive plant before we begin to remove the heads of any plants that remain to prevent the hundreds of seeds that each contains from taking root next year!
PHOTO (L-R): Mike & Linda (cancer survivor)!
NOTE: We are planning a sort of "Daisy Days Intensive" next week with several Daisy Days and times! Contact Tim if you have any questions and we hope to see you next time. As the say, "Many hands make for light work," and "the more, the merrier"!
ST&BF at the CF&G: Daisy Days - June 12, 2024!
Oxeye daisy may look pretty but they are highly invasive. Two years ago we began assisting CF&G on invasive removal and native habitat restoration along Lake Michigan. The best, non-toxic, way to control the daisy spread is to hand pull, creating space for diverse native species to thrive. We made a significant dent in year one but weather and conditions limited our effort last year, so we are back at it!
PHOTO (L-R): Riley, Maryellen (cancer survivor), and Mary!
Notifications for Daisy Days daisy pulls are sent via e-mail and based on the user preferences of those on our LCCU e-mail list. Contact Tim if you have any questions and we hope to see you next time. As the say, "Many hands make for light work," and "the more, the merrier"!
National Cancer Survivors Day at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Sunday, June 2nd!
Thank you to all who made this year's National Cancer Survivors Day such a wonderful "Celebration of Life"!!!
Mark your calendar for the first Sunday in June in 2025 for the next National Cancer Survivors Day at Christopher Farm & Gardens! Our plan is to change the theme (we welcome your suggestions) but are thrilled to keep the same venue!
To view (or submit) your photos and comments from this year's event
NCSD at CF&G: Nature Art Project - Sunday, June 2nd!
Thanks to Erika of the CF&G who prepared a wonderful "Nature Healing Art" project for NCSD attendees to enjoy and participate in! This finished piece is another true work of art and will be displayed on the MOA/SCBS 2nd Floor Conference Room! Thank you also to the cancer survivors and co-survivors who participated!
ST&BF Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Thursday, May 30th!
WOW! That was fun! Certainly the most activity I (Tim) have seen on the bluebird trail to date!
HIGHLIGHTS from this morning PTB Monitoring:
It appears (at least to me) that we have new chicks! Five bluebird chicks at #4 Prairie South and (possibly) tree swallow chicks at #12 prairie north! Additionally, 3 new bluebird eggs at #11 turkey trot west!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, May 21st!
Nikki Miller was a part of the Local Cancer Community even before her cancer diagnosis in late 2023! As the Director of the Kohler Water Spa, she coordinated the unique “Day of Relaxation” experiences for area cancer patients/survivors at this five-star facility that focuses on the therapeutic benefits of water. Niccki shared her personal cancer story and how her 20+ years of experience in the wellness industry his provided a variety of holistic practices she incorporates into her days, and how she stays active, even on days she is not feeling well!
Join us on the third Tuesday of every month for the TLC Survivorship Session!
ST&BF Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Update: Lots to Report - May 18, 2024
Tom Friedrichs
(PTB Bluebird Trail Lead) provides a quick update on the bluebird trail
with photos of our first bluebird chicks and more!
CLICK HERE to read the recent update on the scccf.org blog!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Tuesday, May 6th!
Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. A few months after completing treatment and feeling “wiped out”, she decided to join us on the very first day of “Energizing Flex & Flow”! Listen and learn why Tammy, who has been a regular EF&F participant, says "I love the class and highly recommend it!"
Celebrate Survivorship - May 11th!
I was initially diagnosed on May 11, 1992. This year marked my 32-year "cancer-versary"! Every year on this date I do some form of physical activity to commemorate the occasion. Some of you may remember joining me on my 25th "cancer-versary" (May 11, 2017) for the O.K.A.Y. (One Kilometer A Year) Walk/Run at South High School! Also supporting me that night were my granddaughter Lily (2 at the time) and my dear wife Shel who has been a wonderful support throughout the years! This year, following an early morning run, I further commemorated the day flying kites (click below for video)! More importantly, there have been the THOUSANDS of times I have been fortunate enough to gather with others to “celebrate survivorship”, whether it be at a TLC Survivorship Session or a ST&BF activity.
Just join us to "celebrate survivorship" at TLC and/or ST&BF!!!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Spring Ephemeral and Tree Identification Hike - May 8th!
A group of cancer patients/survivors and co-survivors enjoyed the beauty and healing of the Christopher Farm & Gardens on Wednesday, May 8th! Our bodies were enriched with the fresh air, beauty, and healing energy that emanates throughout the CF&G! Our minds were enriched as Rob (our guide from CF&G) shared his deep understanding and appreciation for nature throughout this Spring Ephemeral and Tree Identification Hike! Our hearts were enriched with the company and fellowship of one another! And our spirits were enriched by the total experience!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Tuesday, May 6th!
Energizing Flex & Flow is an evidence-based exercise routine specifically designed to alleviate cancer-related fatigue. We recently held our first EF&F class without Hannah Held, OTDe (the creator of EF&F) who has completed her project and graduated. Hannah graciously joined us for this class (this time as a participant) and offered a description and invitation to future EF&F classes as she plans to stay connected!
ST&BF / CF&G Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Welcomes Its First Five Bluebird Eggs!
We are thrilled to see our first five Bluebird eggs along the newly created bluebird trail at the Christopher Farm & Gardens! The trail started in 2023 and this is our first "official" year! We are anxious and hopeful that we will be welcoming many more bluebird eggs in the months ahead!
To learn more about Project Tweety B.I.R.D., watch the Local Cancer Community Update or contact Tim!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Survivor-Athlete Reaches Another Milestone!
Fellow ST&BF Survivor-Athletes Cheer on Sue Zalewski as she rows her three millionth meter on April 30th, just prior to a ST&BF Survivor-Athlete Potluck! Some IRG members have rowed farther than Sue and some not as far. Some row faster than Sue and some slower. That’s not what this is about. I share Sue’s milestone and the photograph and video to show what can happen when any of our ST&BF survivor-athletes/participants reaches a personal milestone or accomplishment!
ST&BF Survivor-Athlete Recognition Potluck - Tuesday, April 30th!
Great Job to all who qualified for our Winter, 2024 Active Survivors of Sheboygan (A.S.S.) and Active Survivors of Sheboygan Incredible Support Team (A.S.S.i.s.t.) and Congratulations to our ST&BF Survivor-Athletes (and their co-survivor/caregiver guests) FINISHERS of the Winter, 2024 CUMULATIVE Walk/Run Marathon, 100 km Row, 100-mile Bike events!
Read about more details in the NEXT Local Cancer Community Update!
4th Annual Restoration Project at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Friday, April 26th!
This is the fourth consecutive year that ST&BF has participated in this annual Earth Day Restoration Project at the Christopher Farm & Gardens! Over the years we have removed many invasive plants and planted hundreds of native trees in the "Turkey Trot" section of the Gardens in an effort to return that area to its original habitat!
More photos/details:
CLICK HERE
"Great Heights with Delightful Kites" while taking "Steps to Survivorship" - Wednesday, April 24th!
Jennifer King found a unique way to take some "Steps to Survivorship" during a recent "Great Heights with Delightful Kites" outing!
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO: Bob Flying DLK!
Introducing: The Big Cheese! - Tuesday, April 16th!
Those who joined us for this month's TLC Survivorship Session enjoyed a special surprise as "Bob the Builder" Hartig unveiled his latest creation - The Big Cheese! Bob created this carnival-type game for the upcoming National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration Carnival scheduled for Sunday June 2nd at the Christopher Farm & Gardens to go with multiple other games he has created and will be available!
"The Big Cheese" and other games created by "Bob the Builder" will be available to play during next month's TLC Game Gathering (615P) which follows the TLC Survivorship Session (5P)! Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details!
Thank You Hannah Held, ODTe Student - April 11, 2024!
Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI completed her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement” with SCCCF’s Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Program! Thank you for being a "Beacon of Hope" for area cancer patients/survivors and creating the evidence-based "Energizing Flex & Flow" class designed to reduce cancer-related fatigue! We wish you well on all future endeavors (and welcome you back anytime)!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for dates and times of future "Energizing Flex & Flow" classes!
Energizing Flex & Flow - Class #10 with Hannah Held, OTDe Student - Wednesday, April 10th!
Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI winds down her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement” with SCCCF’s Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Program with her 10th "Energizing Flex & Flow" class!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details of the continuation of "Energizing Flex & Flow"!
Qigong for Cancer Survivors - Tuesday, April 9th
Michael Finney, RYT facilitated an introductory Qigong class that included some history, basic concepts, and a demonstration of a good place to start - "The Eight Brocades," followed by a brief Q&A with participants. Immediately following this class, Michael led us in a relaxing Gentle (Yin) Yoga for Cancer Survivors!
Click HERE for a recording of this session!
Join us on Tuesday, April 23rd when Michael will once again offer both Qigong for Cancer Survivors (415P) and Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors (5P)!
"Experiencing the Eclipse" while "Wandering the Wonderful Christopher Farm & Gardens"! - Monday, April 8th!
About 35 cancer patients/survivors and co-survivors had the opportunity to "Experience the Eclipse" while "Wandering the Wonderful Christopher Farm & Gardens!"
Special thanks to Mr. Jay Christopher and staff for welcoming us once again to enjoy this healing space! Additionally,
Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Investigation, Rejuvenation & Discovery) Info Session! - Monday, April 8th!
Tom Friedrichs provided an overview of "Project Tweety B.I.R.D." at the Christopher Farm & Gardens after we viewed the eclipse!
Contact us or watch the Local Cancer Community Update for progress and future activities!
Congratulations to Jan Johnson - Winner of the GIGANTIC Chocolate Bunny Raffle Benefitting SCCCF!
Congratulations to Jan Johnson - winner of the GIGANTIC Chocolate Bunny Raffle benefitting SCCCF! Jan (pictured here with her husband Dan - who also purchased raffle tickets) plans to forward the 25-pound chocolate bunny who can share it with their grandchildren's Sunday School class! What a wonderful way to share something so HUGELY DELICIOUS!!!
$1,145 was raised for SCCCF!!!
OTHER WINNERS:
$25 Gift Cards (2): Charles Batter, Carol Bruggink
SCCCF Lunch Cooler (3): Lois Wells, Bruce O'Keefe, Penny DesArmo
THANK YOU to Dr. Bettag for donating the Chocolate Bunny and to all who purchased raffle tickets to support SCCCF! $1,145 was raised for SCCCF!!!
GIGANTIC Chocolate Bunny Raffle - Wednesday, March 27th!
Special THANKS to Dr. S. Mark Bettag who has donated this GIGANTIC (25 lb) Seroogy's Chocolate Bunny that was raffled off at Noon on Wednesday, March 27th, raising $1,145 for the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund! Winners are being contacted (watch for a listing)!
Photo: L to R: "Bob the Builder," (oops... I mean "Bob the 7-foot Bunny"), Dr. S. Mark Bettag, the Beacon of Hope mascot!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, March 19th!
A group of cancer patients/survivors gather at our monthly TLC Survivorship Session in anticipation to hear from Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University, WI about her findings and observations from her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement” with SCCCF’s Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Program.
Hannah's project continues through mid-April but plans are being made for the "Energizing Flex & Flow" class to continue!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Tuesday, March 12th!
Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI wraps up another evidence-based "Energizing Flex & Flow" workout session designed to alleviate cancer-related fatigue!
Hannah will present her findings during the March TLC Survivorship Session on March 19th and has additional sessions scheduled for March 26th and April 10th at 10A and 3P!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group 9th Annual Lake Michigan Crossing - Saturday, March 9th!
Members of the Indoor Row Group after completing our 9th Annula Lake Michigan Crossing! Although it may not have been our "best time" according to the clock, every time we do this we have the "best time" EVER!
Back Row: Dan Kunda, Dennis Sundell, Maryellen Kloiber, Tim Renzelmann
Middle Row: Cindy Becker, Jennier King, John Seaman, Kathy Burch, Michelle Fink
Front Row: John Zalewski (co-survivor and official event timer), Sue Zalewski, Rae-Ellen Weber, Lisa Glander.
Missing: Kate Rataczak, Hannah Held (co-survivor and honorary participant)
There's still time to be a part of the 2023/24 Indoor Row Group Season which runs through April 30th!
ST&BF at the J. W. Christopher Transportation Museum - Wednesday, March 6th!
Anne Lapinski, Christopher Transportation Museum Director and Events Manager along Andrew Miller Christopher Transportation Museum Archivist and Curator of Steamship Collection provide details of the museum, answer quesitons, and share stories!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for our next visit to and future activities at the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
RAFFLE: Win This Giant (25lb) "Seroogy's" Chocolate Bunny!
Amy Clarke shows her support for SCCCF by supporting this raffle! When asked what she would do with it if she won, she said she would give it to her nieces/nephews but admits, "I might keep a little for myself!".
All proceeds benefit SCCCF. Tickets available at MOA/SCBS (contact Tim for details - 920.457.2223)!
ST&BF Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Investigation, Rejuvenation & Discovory) - Thursday, February 29th!
Robyn from the Christopher Farm & Gardens assists ST&BF Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Investigation, Rejuvenation & Discovery) in preparing our new Bluebird Trail for winged spring inhabitants! Contact Tim to learn more about this project!
Contact Tim to learn more about this project and how to get involved!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - February 26th!
Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI presents another evidence-based Energizing Flex & Flow class that she created as part of her Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement” with SCCCF’s Survive, Thrive & Be Fit Program.
Hannah will join us later this month at TLC to share her experience and results of her project with us!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, February 20th!
Maryellen Kloiber and Rae-Ellen Weber, neighbors and friends from the past, reconnected following their individual cancer diagnoses. They shared the important role that their friendship has played in their cancer journeys. They also spoke of loving spouses and families, and caring friends that helped them through the tough times and, eventually, connecting with a supportive community of fellow cancer patients/survivors and co-survivors through TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) and the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund's ST&BF (Survive, Thrive & Be Fit) programs!
Join us on the third Tuesday of the month for the TLC Survivorship Session to connect with fellow cancer survivors and co-survivors!
Preparing for the Ninth Annual Lake Michigan Crossing!
It's not too late to be a part of this fun challenge and earn the right to tell your family and friends, "I rowed across Lake Michigan... IN MARCH!"
The 2024 ST&BF Lake Michigan Crossing is scheduled for Saturday, March 9th! Contact Tim for details!
Inaugural "Energizing Flex & Flow" Class #1 - February 12th!
Thanks Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI for a Fabulous First "Energizing Flex & Flow" class on Monday, February 12th at 10A as part of her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement.” Thanks also to all participants!
See the current Local Cancer Community Update for additional dates and times!
Inaugural "Energizing Flex & Flow" Class #2 - February 12th!!
Thanks Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University WI for a Fabulous First "Energizing Flex & Flow" class on Monday, February 12th at 3P as part of her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Experience titled “Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement.” Thanks also to all participants!
See the current Local Cancer Community Update for additional dates and times!
ST&BF "Great Heights with Delightful Kites" on National Kite Flying Day - February 8th!
Happy National Kite Flying Day! I'm not sure who designated February 8th as National Kite Flying Day... but they were probably NOT from Wisconsin! Nevertheless... a couple of area survivors (Bob Turcik & Tim Renzelmann) took advantage of the good conditions and enjoyed a ST&BF Great Heights with Delightful Kites outing at Deland Park on Sheboygan's lakefront!
We hope you'll join us this spring, summer, fall!!! Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details!!!
Survivors on Snowshoes at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Monday, January 22nd (9 photos)!
A group of survivors and co-survivors are eager for some Survivors on Snowshoes at the Christopher Farm & Gardens on Monday, January 22nd!
Visit our blog for additional photos & comments: https://scccf.org/post?s=survi...
Photo submitted by Robyn of CF&G!
TLC Survivorship Session - Tuesday, January 16th!
Hannah Held, OTD Student at Concordia University has selected the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund's "Survive, Thrive & Be Fit" program as the focus of her 14-week Doctoral Capstone Project titled "Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Occupational Engagement."
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details!