Local Cancer Community in ACTON & in PHOTOS!
ST&BF Steps to Survivorship at Road America "4 Miles of Fitness" - Wednesday, September 17th!
Cancer Survivors (L-R) Tim Renzelmann, Tom Strojinc, and Kathy Burch (along with Kathy's husband Mike) are all SCCCF "Survive, Thrive & Be Fit" and Sheboygan YMCA "LIVESTRONG at the Y" participants and all took some "Steps to Survivorship" on the Road America Track in Elkhart Lake. It is a part of “Making Sheboygan County the Healthiest Place to Survive Cancer!”
Note: See September 15th entry about Tom as the Featured Survivor Spotlight during our September TLC Survivorship Session (with video) and join us on October 21st when Kathy will be our Featured Survivor Spotlight!
TLC Survivorship Session - Featured Survivor Spotlight: Tom Strojinc (Prostate Cancer Survivor) - Monday, September 15th!
Tom was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the fall of 2018 after a routine wellness check. Post-surgical follow up revealed a high PSA and lymph node involvement that necessitated combination ADT and radiation therapy leading to full remission by June of 2019. The cancer, however, recurred in the spring of 2022. A second round of ADT led to full remission within a month. He chose to discontinue treatment in September of 2024 with hopes of minimizing side effects. Currently, his PSA is undetectable.
Tom has long lived an active life and has become a dedicated member of the LIVESTRONGat the Y program and participates in various Survive, Thrive & Be Fit activities. Tom has been selected as the Honorary Chair for this year’s Road America Walk/Run in Elkhart Lake on Saturday, November 1st.
WI Camaro Club (Camaro Rally) Supports SCCCF - Thursday, September 4th thru Sunday, September 7th!
Thank you to the Wisconsin Camaro Club for selecting SCCCF as the 2025 Camaro Rally Charity for the fourth consecutive year and for the generous $5,000 donation! Over the years, this even has raised nearly $25,000 for SCCCF!
Thanks also to those who volunteered at this year's event: Sue & John Zalewski, Jodi Lopez, Jennifer King, Kathy & Mike Burch, Michelle Fink, Mike Brachmann, Candy Meyer, Marty & Paul Tenpas, Chris Meyer & Sharrol, Roy Pirrung, Carolyn & David Eiden!
To learn more about the Wisconsin Camaro Club and Camaro Rally:
Website: https://wisconsincamaro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wisco...
ST&BF "Steps to Survivorship" (w/Disc Golf) - Wednesday, August 27th!
There are a variety of ways to take "Steps to Survivorship"! Some walk, some jog, some walk and jog, and (at least on this day) some got some "Steps" in while playing Disc Golf on the Firehouse Park 9-hole Course! "Steps to Survivorship" is scheduled weekly at various locations. Our next "Steps to Survivorship" at Firehouse Park (which will once again include disc golf) is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd!
Check the Local Cancer Community Update (or contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223) for ST&BF "Steps to Survivorship" details!
ST&BF "Screwball Golf" Demo - Monday, August 24th!
I came up with the idea of "Screwball Golf" while playing with my 5- and 10-year old grandkids. It's golf with Wham-O Trac-Ball! Players throw for distance and accuracy (no catching required) on a course with natural obstacles towards mini hoola hoop holes. A few surviovrs & co-survivors showed up to give it a try and the response was good. As one of our "Screwball" golfers put it, "It was a great way to get steps in, not too stressful on the body, lots of laughter, fellowship, and just a fun game to play."
Watch for the next ST&BF "Screwball Golf" POP UP-portunity outing!!!
TLC Survivorship Session with Survivors Spotlight: Jenny John Baptiste - Tuesday, Augut 19th!
Last year Jenny was featured in an article published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel titled “Their cancers can't be cured. But new treatments are changing the length, and quality, of their lives.” Diagnosed with Lynch syndrome in her early 20s, Jenny knew it was not a question of if she'd get cancer, but when. In June 2021, a cancerous tumor was found in her adrenal cortex and she has since undergone many treatments. She says the years added to her life with end-stage cancer have "brought me hope" and her cancer now feels like "something I can live with." She admits, "I am more present now. When I have my good days, I am grateful."
For more on Jenny's story and a link to a video of her talk
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Survivor-Athletes with "Row Sheboygan" - Friday, August 15th!
Several members of the ST&BF Indoor Row Group have been enjoying some on-water rowing with "Row Sheboygan." Photo: Survivors Michelle F and Tim R (front two) along with Leah H and Bob H (back two) along with Dave R. Thanks to Bob H, our coxswain for the row and transporter of "Fast Eddy" dory boat on the left!
Row Sheboygan! is a group of boating enthusiasts who are promoting open-water rowing on the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan and sponsored by the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan (SEAS), a non-profit
organization dedicated to creating affordable pathways for the community to safely enjoy boating on Lake Michigan.
Contact Tim or watch for details of our upcoming 2025-26 ST&BF Indoor Row Group, which kicks off on November 1st! Visit https://www.seasheboygan.org/r... to learn more about Row Sheboygan!
ST&BF at Christopher Farm & Gardens: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Thursday, August 14th!
The main objective of our Project Tweety B.I.R.D. monitoring sessions is, of course, to monitor the Bluebird Trail! But a fringe benefit of being one of the PTB monitors is that we get to spend a little extra time in this "Haven for Cancer Survivors!" On this occasion, while completing the South Trail, I stopped off at one of my favorite spots - the Asian Water Gardens - and did a 20-minute Qigong practice all by myself!
With the 2024 Project Tweety B.I.R.D. winding down, watch for opportunities to get involved in next year's Bluebird Trail monitoring!!!
SCCCF Family Fun Fest at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Friday, August 8th!
2 year old cancer patient/survivor Carson along with his parents Hannah and Nick give the Beacon Bumper Buggy a push during the Family Fun Fest specifically designed for “Kids Affected by Cancer” (kids with cancer and kids of parents/grandparents with cancer) at the Christopher Farm & Gardens!
CLICK HERE for more photos!
Sheboygan Falls High School Girls Soccer Continues to Support SCCCF & the Local Cancer Community!
Thank you to the 2024-25 Sheboygan Falls High School Girls Soccer Team for their recent donation to SCCCF! This is the third consecutive year that the team, coached by Jim Veeser, has donated to SCCCF! Chalk up another win for the Falcons!!!
Photo: Upcoming Sheboygan Falls High School Falcon Senior and Girls Soccer Team Member Madisyn Ortlieb presents the donation check to Tim.
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Thursday, July 31st!
We enjoyed another visit to the Christopher Farm & Gardens on Thursday, July 31st that included an opportunity to learn about Project Tweety B.I.R.D. or simply "Wander the Wonderful Gardens" before enjoying a "Bonding Bonfire" (this time at the Council Ring fire pit)!
It was such a beautiful and relaxing evening! So relaxing, in fact, that I I forgot to take any group photos! I did, however, take this photo of one of my favorite locations in the Gardens - the Asian Water Gardens. On my way to the Council Ring after the monitoring of the South Trail of Project Tweety B.I.R.D., I happened to walk past the Asian Water Gardens and decided to spend a few minutes alone to practice Qigong!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO5g3XxQV9w
To learn more about ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. & "The Story of the Bluebird that Laid the Golden Egg!" - Thursday, July 17th!
As Told by Mary Schueller
Jennifer and I were out here doing the Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Bluebird Trail monitoring along the South Trail and we really weren’t seeing a whole lot. We had just checked about three houses and there was nothing in them. As we approached the house at Turkey Trot East, we saw some bright green grass hanging out of the door. I wondered to myself, “What kind of bird would make their nest with fresh grass?” But I didn’t say anything to Jennifer. Jennifer carefully tapped on the house and then opened it. Inside we saw a golden egg along with a blue-colored envelope. Of course, I took a picture because that’s what I do! I figured we had to document this in case people didn’t believe what we found!
We noticed writing on the envelope that read, “To SCCCF –You may open upon finding!”
I pulled it out and handed it to Jennifer who opened it. She didn’t say a word and had this look of utter shock on her face. “What is it?” I asked. “You’re not going to believe this! You’re just not going to believe this!” she told me. Then she handed me the contents – a VERY GENEROUS donation check, from Mr. Christopher to the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund!
Thank you to Mr. Jay Christopher and the entire CF&G for all they have done to support our Local Cancer Community!!!
TLC Survivorship Session: Topic - "Nothing"! - Tuesday, July 15th!
Based on the response at last night's TLC Survivorship Session, "Nothing" really is "Something" worth talking about! Allow me to share the above piece by Becky Hemsley and a link to a TEDx Talk titled "The Power of Doing Nothing" by Aarnav Chopra!
ST&BF at Christopher Farm & Gardens - Monday, July 14th!
There are a couple things about this photo I would like to point out. 1) It is a large field! 2) There are only a few of us (4 this time)! 3) THERE ARE NO DAISIES!
Thanks to those who have been part of this year's "Daisy Days" effort (Candy M, Dione K, Kathy B, Linda & Mike A, Leah H, Mary S, Sue Z), we had a tremendous impact on reducing the invasive presence of ox-eye daisy in this field! Although this is our fourth year, we had a stroke of bad luck (hot days and high ozone levels) that prevented us from getting into the fields during year two... but we've definitely made an impact these past two years! Rob assures me that once we get the ox-eye daisy population under control... there are other invasives that we can work on!
We are done with Daisy Days for 2025... but more ST&BF at CF&G opportunities remain!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - July 9th!
Cancer Survivor Kathy Burch joined us this afternoon for Energizing Flex & Flow! Kathy, like other ST&BF Survivor-Athletes, is also involved in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and was spotlighted in a recent Sheboygan Press article! ST&BF and LIVESTRONG at the Y continue to work together with a common goal of "Making Sheboygan County the Healthiest Place to Survive Cancer!" Together, we encourage you to "get active" in your Local Cancer Community!
Read the article here:
SCCCF "People Who Care" Blind Auction, Raffle, & FREE Survivor Fundraiser! Drawing - Tuesday, July 1st!
Sue Zalewski, top Blind Auction bidder of the “People Who Care” Fundraiser, picks up her Handmade Quilt and two Garden Gumdrops on July 1st following a ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow Class! Sue picked the winners of the Raffle and FREE Survivor Drawing!
This "People Who Care" Blind Auction, Raffle, and FREE Survivor Draing Raised $988.45 for SCCCF!
Thanks to Jenn Aschenbach for donating five handmade quilts and Mike Vorpahl for donating eight handcrafted Garden Gumdrops! Click below to learn more about these items and the “People Who Care” who created and donated them!
ST&BF at CF&G: Daisy Days Outing #1 - Tuesday, June 17th!
I would have never guessed I'd enjoy picking daisies as much as I do! But it's fun to see our progress after a few hours of picking! It just feels good to give back to Mother Earth... and for CF&G! Plus, it's another opportunity to connect with others within our Local Cancer Community... or to sneak off in a corner of the field by myself and connect with my thoughts! I hope to see you next time... partly because "Many Hands Make for Light Work!"
To learn more about "Daisy Days," other ST&BF at CF&G activities, and other opportunities in our Local Cancer Community, watch the Local Cancer Community Update or contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
TLC Survivorship Session: Exploring Wellness with True Experts - You! Monday, June 16th!
Together we explored what "wellness" is and broke it down into the Eight Dimensions of Wellness: 1) Physical (Move Your Body), 2) Emotional (Choose Your Thoughts Wisely), 3) Social (Nurture Relationships), 4) Intellectual (Always Be Learning), 5) Environmental (Respect & Appreciate Your Surroundings), 6) Spiritual (Find Meaning & Purpose), 7) Vocational (Find Your Passion), 8) Financial (Spend Wisely)!
Watch the Local Cancer Community Update for dates and topics of upcoming TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) Survivorship Sessions!
ST&BF ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Wednesday, June 11th!
Photo submitted by PTB Trail Monitor Maryellen Kloiber: "On our return to the Sheboygan Shed we passed the Peony Garden - with some peonies blooming along the path - my happy place! I could stuff my nose in the blossoms for that wonderful fragrance. Loved that!
To learn more about the ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Wednesday, June 11th!
Photo submitted by PTB Monitors Jennifer King & Mary Schueller: We got two photos of the same bluebird. It moved from one tree to another as we were observing and, thus, I got photos from 2 different angles. Here's one!
To learn more about the ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
"Row Sheboygan" Offers Opportunity for Area Cancer Patients & Survivors - Tuesday, June 10th!
Six ST&BF survivor-athletes (all members of the ST&BF Indoor Row Group) were introduced to SEAS “Row Sheboygan” Dory Boat rowing opportunities!
PHOTO (L-R): Dave Anderson (Row Sheboygan), Michelle Fink, Bob Hartig, Tim Renzelmann, Sue Zalewski, Lisa Glander, Beth Stockdale pose beside “Fast Eddie.”
For a brief video that demonstrates survivor teamwork...
"All In the Same Boat!" Dory Boat Rowing, Like Survivorship, Requires Concentration, Trust & Teamwork! - Tuesday, June 10th!
Michelle submitted this photo. Funny thing… I was rowing in the dory boat at the time and didn’t even notice the larger boat. As Michelle pointed out, “It is difficult to look around when you are concentrating on rowing.” Similarly, it can be difficult to relax when you are focusing on surviving cancer! But by trusting (the coxswain in the boat and our medical team on the cancer journey) and with team work (with our fellow rowers in the boat and fellow survivors on the cancer journey)… we can survive the challenges ahead of us, the ones we see coming and the ones we don’t, bot on the water and along the cancer journey!!!
Bob Rammer Jr. Golf Classic Continues to Support SCCCF!
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and all who participated in the Annual Bob Rammer Jr. Golf Classic who has been raising funds for SCCCF since 2007, having raised $45,700!
SCCCF Survive, Thrive & Be Fit once again fielded a survivor foursome consisting of Lenny Bogenschutz, Tom Friedrichs, Candy Meyer, and Tim Renzelmann, finishing with a score of 73 (2 birds, 12 pars, 6 bogeys)!
We challenge other survivors to join us next year so we can have a little friendly ST&BF competition!!!
Photo (taken and submitted by Tim Renzelmann): L-R: Tom Friedrichs, Candy Meyer, Lenny Bogenschutz - FIRST PLACE “ALL SURVIVOR” TEAM! (the ONLY “ALL SURVIVOR” Team… join us next year!!!)
National Cancer Survivors Day 2025 - “Nature’s Healing Ways” at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - Sunday, June 1st!
Photo: Some of the attending cancer patients/survivors stand to be recognized during cancer survivor Kirstin Opgenorth's "Hope Grows Here" talk!
It was a beautiful National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration, with beautiful people, at a beautiful location, on a beautiful day as we explored and experienced "Nature's Healing Ways"!
The day offered tours of the Gardens, a "Mindful by Nature" meditative walk, a Nature Art Project, a chance to simply "Wander the Wonderful Gardens", as well as the opportunity to connect with nature and one another! Watch future issues of the Local Cancer Community Update for related photos and stories!
If you were not able to join us, watch this Local Cancer Community Update for the next opportunity to experience “Nature’s Healing Ways” at the Christopher Farm & Gardens or click below for stories and photos from the day!
National Cancer Survivors Day at the Christopher Farm & Gardens - "Nature's Healing Ways" - Sunday, June 1st!
Mary's Photos!
Kathy Burch captured Mary Schueller as she "Wandered the Wonderful Gardens" along with her camera to capture so much of the day in photos! To see Mary's photos...
ST&BF at CF&G - Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Thursday, May 29th!
I want to encourage others to consider getting involved in Project Tweety B.I.R.D.! You are welcome to accompany any of our existing Bluebird Trail Monitors. And hey, if I can do it... ANYONE CAN!!!
Although, as of today we have no chicks, every nest box is in some stage of development with incubating eggs in six of the eight boxes on the North Trail! So... any day now!!!
You can follow Project Tweety B.I.R.D. activity through a link on our "Events" page (simply scroll down to the Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Info and click on "View PDF"!
TLC Survivorship Session - TOPIC: Hobby & Craft Show & Tell - Tuesday, May 20th!
We offered the very first TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) Survivorship Session in May of 2000. To commemorate this 25-year anniversary, session, I began by sharing these words from years ago offered by Dr. H. Marshall Matthews about the role of TLC:
"How do we heal best? I think we heal best by sharing, by listening, by knowing we are not alone. What I sense is when something like cancer happens to somebody, they often feel isolated and alone. To be able to join a group of people that are all going through the same thing, and realize they are not alone, is empowering. And when we share our struggles and allow others to share their struggles with us, we may learn to be grateful for those things that we do have that are positive. Gratefulness and a positive perspective, despite all sorts of bad stuff in our lives, are always helpful. And TLC is all of that! It’s being able to share, it’s having people understand on the deepest level what you are feeling, and it is about belonging and not feeling alone or isolated."
We spent the remainder of the session discussing the role, importance, and benefits of "healthy hobbies and comforting crafts" throughout life and during the cancer experience!
Survivors & Hobbies included: Bob Hartig (woodworking), Sharon Pentek (reading, sewing), Lenny Bogenschutz (cross stitch), Alex Messeck (art), Tim Renzelmann (disc golf), and co-survivor Cletus Leonhard (handmade turkey call).
PHOTO ABOVE: Sue Zalewski, cancer survivor, demonstrates one of her hobbies - serving others!
If you have a particular hobby, craft, talent, or interest that you might want to share, contact Tim! I know there is so much talent in our Local Cancer Community and, with enough interest, I would love to offer another "Survivor Hobby & Craft Showcase" later this year!
ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors - Monday, May 19th!
We enjoyed a morning session of gentle yoga with Kaitlynn Kiela, CYT! Although we will temporarily suspend our regularly scheduled monthly yoga sessions over the summer months, we may offer a few Gentle Yoga POP UP-portunities before resuming the monthly sessions in fall!
In the meantime, follow along with Kaitlynn any time using the video link below:
ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Bluebird Trail - Tuesday, May 6th!
First signs of nest building on the South Trail! Better late than never! Tree Swallows seem to be taking up residence in several Bluebird Nest Boxes... but we won't discriminate! An older box (currently not part of PTB) may be our first observable Bluebird nest!!!
You can follow Project Tweety B.I.R.D. activity through a link on our "Events" page (simply scroll down to the Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Info and click on "View PDF"!
ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens: Earth Day Restoration Project - Thursday, April 24th!
A group of area cancer patients/survivors and their co-survivor guests took a few hours to literally "make the world a better place" during our 5th Annual Earth Day Restoration Project at the Christopher Farm & Gardens! Special thanks to Rob and Robyn of CF&G for the direction, guidance, supervision and education they once again provided!
I hope to put together a summary of this Restoration Project over the past five years! Watch future issues of the Local Cancer Community Update!
ST&BF at CF&G Project Tweety B.I.R.D.: First Signs of Nest Building - Thursday, April 24th!
I completed monitoring of the South Trail prior to Thursday's Restoration Project at CF&G... and, although I observed some bird activity, there were no signs of nest-building in any of the South Trail nesting boxes! However, Mary & Jennifer completed the North Trail after our Restoration Project... and had very different results!
You can follow Project Tweety B.I.R.D. activity through a link on our "Events" page (simply scroll down to the Project Tweety B.I.R.D. Info and click on "View PDF"!
GIANT (25-lb) Chocolate Bunny Winner Jeannie Turick Picks Up Her GIANT (25-lb) Chocolate Bunny - Thursday, April 17th!
PHOTO (L-R): Dr. S. Mark Bettag, Jeannie & Bob Turicik, GIANT (25-lb) Chocolate Bunny!
Cancer survivor Jeannie Turicik (along with her husband and fellow cancer survivor Bob) stopped by to pick up what I suspect is the biggest chocolate bunny she has ever had! Congratulations to our winners! And thank you to all who participated!
We can't wait to hear what Jeannie did with all that chocolate!!!
ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Wednesday, April 16th!
Submitted by PTB Monitors Linda, Mike, & Robyn:
What a wonderful morning watching birds do a “parade of homes” through the gardens, as Mike put it!
While we didn’t see any nests being built quite yet, there sure were a lot of tree swallows going in and out of some of the birdhouses we visited. And we did get to see a mating pair of bluebirds out by Bioswale North – even with the construction going on and landscapers nearby. I think it’s a really good sign that the bluebirds won’t be scared off by the commotion there this spring/summer. We want our fat momma bluebird “Mildred” to hang around!
To learn more about ST&BF at CF&G, including Project Tweety B.I.R.D.,contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
GIANT (25-lb) Chocolate Bunny Raffle for SCCCF Drawing - Tuesday, April 15th!
The drawing took place during our May 15 TLC Survivorship Session. Brain cancer survivor Alex M picked the winning tickets:
GIANT (25-lb) Chocolate Bunny: Jeannie Turicik
$50 Kwik Trip Gas Card: JoAnne Sexton
$25 Kwik Trip Gas Cards (2): Cheryl Veher & Lori Hermann
Congratulations to our winners! Thank you to all who participated!
TLC Survivorship Session - TOPIC: Do You Think About Death? - Tuesday, April 15th!
Death is an inevitability and a natural part of life. But we tend to avoid conversations about death - conversations that can be difficult but that can also be tremendously meaningful and transformative. For this conversation, we viewed and discussed a couple of videos:
The Toll of a Diagnosis: A Conversation on Life, Death, and Healing
Learning how to think about death changed how I live
Here is a third video that I think is worth viewing:
Why thinking about death helps you live a better life
To learn more about the TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) Survivorship Sessions, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Thursday, April 3rd!
We completed our third week of monitoring. Despite a recent bluebird siting, no signs of nest building to date... but we are anticipating lots of action in the next week or so! We relocated a couple of nest boxes to what we consider to be more favorable locations including this one, now known as Stauss House West.
To learn more about the ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow - Thursday, April 3rd!
Survivor athletes (L to R) Diane L, Kathy B, Sue Z, and Barb B at the completion of our most recent Energizing Flex & Flow class during which we introduced a few new props! This simple (anyone can do it) but powerful (evidence-based) exercise class incorporates resistance bands, light weights, steps, and "ropeless jump ropes" that all can be modified for beginners and long-time fitness enthusiasts! I hope you'll join us!
To learn more about Energizing Flex & Flow, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF at CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. - Tuesday, March 18th!
The first Bluebird of 2025 was sited near one of our Bluebird boxes on Monday, March 31st near the Bioswale North nessting! This compares to our first reported siting last season on March 27th at that same box... which also was the location of our first signs of a bluebird nest (April 8th), first bluebird eggs (April 29th), and first fledged bluebirds (sometime between May 23rd & 30th)! NOTE: Photo is of one of our Bluebird sitings from 2024!
Now is the time to get involved with Project Tweety B.I.R.D. if you don't want to miss the thrill and serenity that this opportunity provides!
To learn more about Project Tweety B.I.R.D., contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF at the CF&G: Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Early Signs of Spring) - Tuesday, March 18th!
After preparing the nesting boxes for new occupants last week, this week we performed our first official monitoring of Project Tweety B.I.R.D. 2025! Although no bluebirds were sited... there were definite signs of the new growth of spring! I wasn't sure what it was... so I took a photo and sent it to Robyn (CF&G) who explained: "Oh wow! Those are called Snow Drops - often one of the first flowers of spring! It's so exciting to see the first signs of springtime!"
By the way... involvement in Project Tweety B.I.R.D. requires absolutely no bird-related knowledge, skills, or experience (which is why even this “bird brain” is involved)! All it takes is a desire to learn about nature, connect with nature, give back to nature, while healing from and enjoying nature!
TLC Survivorship Session (The Luck of Survivorship) & Game Gathering (Blackjack) - Monday, March 17th!
This month's TLC Survivorship Session happened to fall on St. Patrick's Day! Our topic for the evening was "The Luck of Survivorship"! Area cancer patients/survivors shared some of the luck (or good fortune, or fate, or kismet, or destiny... whatever you choose to call it) that they experienced throughout their cancer journey! As survivors (and their co-survivor guests) shared their stories, I couldn't help but think of the Chinese Farmer Parable... so I quickly Googled it and shared this version: CLICK HERE!
Following this session, some stuck around to play some Blackjack! NOTE: I was too busy (having fun) and forgot to take a photo... so I took a photo from a previous TLC Game Gathering Blackjack game and am attaching it!
To learn more about TLC Survivorship Sessions and Social/Game Gatherings, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Tenth Annual Lake Michigan Crossing - Saturday, March 8th!
Fourteen area cancer survivors successfully completed the Tenth Annual Lake MIchigan Crossing in 9:20:14.6! This relay-style event involves rowing a distance equal to crossing Lake Michigan from the Sheboygan Lighthouse to the Ludington, MI Lighthouse (100 kilometers/62 miles).
Photo (by Bruce Becker): Seated L to R: Rae-Ellen Weber, Sue Zalewski, Lisa Glander. Kneeling: Tim Renzelmann. Standing L to R: Jennifer King, John Zalewski (statistician), John Seaman, Maryellen Kloiber, Dan Kunda, Cindy Becker, Michelle Fink. Not Pictured: Linda Ansay, Dennis Sundell, Carrie Green, Wayne Zimmermann.
SPECIAL THANKS to the Sheboygan YMCA for their continued hospitality in hosting this annual event!!! We also appreciated the support offered by the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA survivor-athletes who joined in or stopped by to cheer us on!!!
The Indoor Row Group 2024-25 Season continues through April 30th. Contact Tim for details and upcoming challenges and opportunities!
ST&BF at the CF&G Project Tweety B.I.R.D. 2025 Workday - Thursday, March 6th!
A group of area cancer survivors and their co-survivor guests took the time to prepare our 2025 Project Tweety B.I.R.D. (Bluebird Investigation, Rejuvenation & Discovery) Bluebird Trail to welcome this year's bluebird families! Our 2025 Bluebird Trail features two new nesting boxes and several new locations broken into two shorter trails to allowing for more survivors (and their co-survivor guests) to get involved!
To learn more about the ST&BF at the CF&G Project Tweety B.I.R.D., contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Prepares for Tenth Annual Lake Michigan Crossing - Wednesday, February 26!
Five members of the ST&BF Indoor Row Group (L to R: Jennifer King, Linda Ansay, Rae-Ellen Weber, Tim Renzelmann, Dennis Sundell) row in preparation for our Tenth Annual Lake Michigan Crossing on Saturday, March 8th!
There is still time to be a part of this fun and unique opportunity! If intersted, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF at the CF&G: Jay W. Christopher Transportation Museum Visit - Wednesday, February 19th!
Thank you to Mr. Jay Christopher for the invitation to visit the Jay W. Christopher Transportation Museum! In the above photo, Andrew (Museum Archivist) and Anne (Museum Curator) provide some background and history of the museum and answer questions to a group of area cancer survivors and their co-survivor guests! Plans to expand the museum (which, as I understand it, include the addition of a room that will be designed to replicate that of a vintage train dining car to offer a more immersive experience for museum visitors) is planned to begin next month and we look forward to the opportunity to visit again upon it's completion (tentatively planned for early 2026)!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
TLC Survivorship Session - Special Guest: Dr. Nikita Jain - Tuesday, February 18th!
Thank you to Dr. Nikita Jain for joining us for our February TLC (Together we Live with Cancer) Survivorship Session!
Despite the frigid conditions, many joined us in-person and virtually. But, if you missed it, simply click below for a link to a video featuring Dr. Jain’s comments!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow Marks One Year - Wednesday, February 12th!
Special thanks to Hannah Held, ODT for creating this evidence-based exercise program through her Capstone Project. Energizing Flex & Flow is designed to alleviate cancer-related fatigue through a combination of aerobic and strength exercises! It was wonderful to have Hannah lead today's class, exactly one year after the very first Energizing Flex & Flow classes!
Energizing Flex & Flow classes are offered three times per month! Contact Tim or watch the Local Cancer Community Update for details!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Commemorates World Cancer Day with a Team Row - Tuesday, February 4th!
Several dedicated IRG members commemorated World Cancer Day with a variety of Team Rows in which 2 or 4 ergs were connected electronically to create an “all in the same boat” experience! The teams recorded some good times for 500m, 1000m, and 2000m team rows while, more importantly, HAVING A GREAT TIME while doing it! With almost three months remaining in the 2024/25 IRG Season, there are plenty more opportunities for you to get involved in!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors Marks 15-Years - Monday, February 3rd!
Our first Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors class (and our first ST&BF activity) started on February 1, 2010! Fifteen years later, the class continues to offer a healthy practice and a healing space for local cancer patients/survivors! Kaitlynn Kiela, CYG facilitated this class which she began by sharing a bit of her yoga experience and the many benefits that can be enjoyed! To hear Kaitlyn's comments and practice along with her..
A Look Back: ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors - February 1, 2010!
February marks the 15-year anniversary of our VERY FIRST Survive, Thrive & Be Fit activity - a Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors class that started on February 1st, 2010! I recently came across these photos. The top photo was taken of the group on the last day of that first six-week class! The bottom photo was taken a few years later (February, 2013) during one of our “full house” yoga sessions! I recall classes that had nearly 30 participants in our 2nd Floor Conference Room all doing yoga together (actually, a couple yogis positioned themselves just outside of the conference room doorways to accommodate the size of the group).
To learn more about Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Energizing Flex & Flow and Indoor Row Group - Monday, January 27th!
It was another busy afternoon for the 2nd floor of Sheboygan Cancer & Blood Specialists! ST&BF offered an Energizing Flex & Flow session in the conference room (sorry, I didn't get a photo of this session) while, just outside the conference room, members of our Indoor Row Group were busy rowing and accumulating meters for our Virtual Team Challenge who surpassed 1.5 million meters with a few days left in the challenge!
To learn more about Energizing Flex & Flow or the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Then & Now (Nine Years Later) - Thursday, January 23rd!
I came across this photo from our VERY FIRST ST&BF Indoor Row Group session on 1/23/2016 and matched it with a photo from one of our sessions NINE YEARS LATER!!! If you are not part of the Indoor Row Group already... join us NOW so you don't miss out on any more of the fun (or the benefits)!!!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Celebrates Ten Years - Thursday, January 23rd!
It was ten years ago to the day that a group of cancer survivor-athletes began training for our inaugural Lake Michigan Crossing! We commemorated the occasion with several rowing sessions throughout the day! Next up: the World Cancer Day Team Rows on February 4th and our signature event - the 10th Annual Lake Michigan Crossing on Saturday, March 8th! There is still time to get involved in the 2024/25 Indoor Row Group season which runs through April 30th!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
TLC Survivorship Session - Topic: Survive, Thrive & Be Fit - Tuesday, January 21st!
My apologies to all who were forced to endure my nostalgic look back at my life as it relates to the merging of my personal athletic experience with my personal cancer experience that has greatly contributed to the origins and current status of SCCCF's Survive, Thrive & Be Fit program! This (long) talk was subtitled, "The Story of WHY I Am So PASSIONATE About EXERCISE & ACTIVITY for CANCER PATIENTS/SURVIVORS!
To learn more about ST&BF, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
The SCCCF Beacon of Hope Mascot Cheers In Support of Ryan Stephen - Friday, January 17th!
SCCCF's Beacon of Hope Mascot joined in the fun with the South High School cheer squad! Players and fans showed their support for SHS senior and student-athlete Ryan Stephen who was diagnosed with cancer.
To learn more about SCCCF, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
The Shining Light of SCCCF as a Beacon of Hope for Area Cancer Patients/Survivors - Friday, January 17th!
ST&BF survivor-athlete & IRG member Jennifer King helps promote SCCCF to fans entering the SHS Fieldhouse.
To learn more about SCCCF and ST&BF, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Kicks Takes Every Opportunity to Row - Friday, January 17th!
Sue Zalewsky, ST&BF Indoor Row Group survivor-athlete took her "row-tation" on the erg during Friday night's SHS Boy's Basketball Game!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors with Katie Boge, CYT - Wednesday, January 15th!
Next month will mark fifteen years since our first ST&BF Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors class! Fifteen years of wonderful yoga sessions with amazing survivor yogis and incredible yoga instructores! This month our classes are facilitated by Katie Boge, CYT. Katie facilitated our very first class fifteen years ago and was our primary yoga instructor for many years until her now six-year-od daughter Willow came into her life! But we enjoy and appreciate whenever she comes back to lead a class! Katie ended her session with a few comments about Willow's yoga practice as well as her how! I hope you can join Katie and the rest of us for our next class on Wednesday, January 29th at 5P!
In addition to Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors we had an Indoor Row Group session and some Qigong for Cancer Survivors! Some of our amazing survivors joined us for one activity will others joined us for two or all three!
CLICK HERE for a Recording of the January 15th Yoga Session!
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Along with Survivor Teams of the Survivor Rowing Network Off to a Great Start!
Thanks to the efforts of the Survivor Rowing Network, our ST&BF Indoor Row Group has connected with other survivor row teams across the country who are participating in the 2025 Concept2 Virtual Team Challenge!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!
CONGRATULATIONS to John Seaman, ST&BF Indoor Row Group Member - Ten Million Meters Rowed!
Most of the survivor-athlete members of the Indoor Row Group never rowed before. Not so with John! John raced Adirondack Guideboats in the 70s. Adirondack Guideboats are lightweight rowing crafts that originated in the small towns along the Adirondack lakes and rivers in Upstate New York. Guideboats were the main transportation in this region between 1870 and 1915 and used by Adirondack Guides to take clients back into the wilderness hunting and fishing. John continues to maintain and enjoy his historic wooden boat made by Warren Cole in Long Lake, NY around 1910 - a boat he rowed to win the Long Lake Regatta, Saranac Lake Willard Hammer races, and the Long alke to Tupper Lake 44-mile Marathon. To learn more from John about Adirondack Guideboats, here's a video from his YouTube channel:
ST&BF Indoor Row Group Kicks Off the Concept2 Virtual Team Challenge - Wednesday, January 1st!
Several survivor-athletes and members of the ST&BF Indoor Row Group gathered to row together to kick off the Concept2 Virtual Team Challenge which runs from January 1st through 31st!
To learn more about the Indoor Row Group, contact Tim at trenzelmann@physhealthnet.com or call 920.457.2223!