"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.

For indeed that's all who ever have. "

~ Margaret Mead

 

 

"Change" seems to be a recurrent theme of late, we experienced the need to accept change from Superstorm Sandy and we are debating the need for a change in "gun control" in light of the horrific events in Newtown. We are paralyzed by both these events but we must learn from them, embrace the messages and change.

 

The message of Strength for Life has been about change, how to empower yourself through strengthening your body, mind and spirit. In 2012, Strength for Life held 14 exercise sessions (in Nassau and Suffolk) and hosted a wellness retreat, in total supporting nearly 150 people - all eager to embrace and accept their new path after a cancer diagnosis. They were given the physical tools (resistance bands, stability balls and yoga mats), professional trainers, educational lectures, sampling of different healing classes (some lots of fun like Zumba!), a weekend getaway and the opportunity to form friendships with others who share their circumstances. All of these tools for healing, recovery and growth were provided at NO COST.

In order of Strength for Life to continue on it's mission to provide our programs free of charge to cancer patients and survivors we rely on fundraising efforts and private donations. As 2012 comes to a close, please consider Strength for Life in your end of year tax deductible gift giving, it will make a difference.

 

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and support. May you have a Blessed Holiday Season and a Peaceful New Year.

 

Debbie and Jacqui

Founders, Strength for Life

From our friend, Penni

It was March 2011, and I was divinely led to offer a fitness-dance class to Strength for Life during one of their weekend retreats donated to cancer survivors. Strength for Life is a not for profit organization that "brings fitness to cancer survivors" at no charge. Jacqui Errico and Debbie Hughes, the founders of Strength for Life, serve selflessly while they successfully organize, facilitate and engage in connecting with true survivors. It all seems so effortless as they give from their hearts as they would to their own family. I was blessed to receive the gift of understanding the depth of what Jacqui and Debbie receive as they compassionately and fully give... I was in awe as I witnessed mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and friends transform their hopelessness, pain, fear and sadness into Hope, Joy, Gratitude, Laughter, Connection and Love! To see pure delight and liberation shining from a person that has come back from their own physical, mental and emotional battle is the greatest blessing. I will forever be grateful for being a part of these inspiring and heart-warming experiences that Strength for Life and their members share with me. Thank you all who give and receive through Strength for Life!

It was at my next Strength for Life retreat that I was introduced to Dr. Dean Telano of True Living Yoga Healing Center. He taught a meditation class--specifically geared toward cancer patients and survivors. Dr. Telano's genuine and compassionate donation amazed me--physically, emotionally and energetically moving! As a healer, Dr. Telano brings rare and authentic gifts of insight and intuition while humbly delivering his own teachings. Dean teaches "Mind of Clear Light" Meditation, Reiki and Yoga, as well as teacher-training in these holistic healing techniques. For years I was in search of a Yoga school that didn't require consecutive weeks of attendance--and a flexible Yoga certification school was placed in my path! Rahini School of Yoga and all it encompasses came into my life at the perfect moment. I am now a recent graduate of the 200 hour Yoga teacher certification program, and beginning my journey in the 550 hour Yoga program, and the Meditation teacher training program. The gifts I've received are so many; most significant is my new found inner peace, emotional strength & empowerment. Just walking in the studio brings BREATH and life to my "True-self." Once again, I receive the gift of giving with others who genuinely wish to bring hope, healing and peace to all beings. Thank you Dr. Dean Telano and all who serve at True Living Yoga.

In an effort to comfort as well as share the hope and healing I have been blessed to receive through these two powerful organizations, I felt a strong pull to connect the endless healing and holistic resources of both truelivingyoga.com and strengthforlife.org. Please visit each site; discover what you might uncover in yourself, and share freely with others the gifts that you receive.

With loving kindness,

Penni N.

"Attracted" $1100 for our families...

YES!!!! Just put it out there and believe.

On my blog, I added (as a side note) "If you would like to adopt a family for the holidays - we can help you," because we really wanted to do more than we were able.  And I shared this blog with our run participants, lo and behold I was asked what 'adopting a family' involved? Being myself, I shared that "I just put it out there" ..... and todayI received a commitment of $1100 in gift cards, $100 for each of the 11 families.

Thank you Lord, Universe - whatever your belief is!!!!

“Nothing can prevent your picture from coming
into concrete form except the same power
which gave it birth – yourself.”
 

~  Genevieve Berhrend



 

$4300 shared with our neighbors....

Strength for Life was able to share $4300 in cash and gift cards to our neighbors who suffered losses in Hurricane Sandy.  Of course, we wish it were more - we wish someone would have matched our donation but we are happy to say we helped.

The whole experience was quite humbling and re-affirms our belief in friends and neighbors. When we decided to go forward with our run and share the proceeds - we had already heard of some severe losses but asked for your input as well. The flood gates could have opened but the responses were not overwhelming.  In fact, when I reached out to some survivors (that I know lost and suffered) they refused the offering wanting it to go to others who had lost more.  Debbie and I did not want to 'play God' and judge losses so we came up with a formula and criteria and let it go. 

We were able to help 11 families from Lindenhurst, the Rockaways, Bayville, Roosevelt and Long Beach; and although we know we could not ease the emotional trauma of the storm we hoped our gift would offer some relief.

When we mentioned that we were sharing our profits - many said "that is exactly what Evelyn would do",  we knew that....and we are blessed.

“It's not how much we give

but how much love we put into giving.”
~ Mother Teresa

 

Third Annual Evelyn Knapp "Run to Remember"

 

 Make Today a Great One

~ Evelyn Knapp

 our 2012 Shirt Dedications

"In Memory of" and "In Honor of"

The start ....

 



The First turn onto the foot bridge



 

 Our friends

Sparky  

The First 3K Wellness Walk
led by Teresa and the Girl Scouts

                                                                              

                                                                                                                           


" The Green Vale Pacers"

        with us for three years, populating our runs

and Fundraising - WTG girls!!!!

$900 raised

48 girls, 3 coaches and families galore

 Emma Thode "Our Youngest Sole Fundraiser"
$500 raised

       

















                       
                                                                                

Another great run!!!
We couldn't do it without you!!!

Thank you Liam Hughes and Natalie Knapp for leading us off with the National Anthem - a first of many new traditions!

Thank you to the volunteers that came out on a windy, chilly day to do all the work it takes to put this event on!!!

Thank you to the race and walk participants - given the wrath of Sandy, the unpredictable condition of Sunken Meadow with the obliteration of the dam and a course change to 3.0 miles due to Sandy - we are grateful for your support!

Thank you to our sponsors Sal Agostonelli, Clayton's, KP Organization, Hayes Physical Therapy, National Performance Solution for your financial support.

Thank you Runner's Edge, Sayville Running Shop, Balance Chiropractic & Wellness, Sur la Table, Cool Fish, Houstons, Grand Lux Cafe, Vivi's Baby Jewels, Power Systems, Modell's, Meat Farms,
BJ's, Costco, Loew's, Cheesacake Factory, Maria's Restaurant and Carrabba's for your 'in kind' gift certificates...

Thank you to our friends and survivors who donated and reached out to friends, familes and local business for sponsorships.

Thank you New York Islander's for Sparky, the bouncies and a great deal of help!

Thank you for the bagels, chips, Vitamin Water and Smart Water.

Thank you to Just Finish Timing - the race started promptly 9:04 - and guess who was to blame for the 4 minute delay - hmmmm her name starts with D...and ends in ...ie! Love you Deb, you were just double checking a new course, it is understandable and forgiven.

Thank you - Firefighter's Cancer Support Network  and Tony Cruz for the EMS crew, which thankfully we did not keep busy!

Thank you Mark Robinson, Sunken Meadow Cross Country Co-ordinator - for your patience with us and for the tour of the new course prior to race day!

Thank you to everyone who brought food and cleaning items - they were delivered already!

Now for a few apologies.  Given the circumstance of Sandy, with no power and internet, the damage at Sunken Meadow and very few runner's registered by Friday, November 9th - we made a few decisions that may be deemed"unfavorable" without you knowing the decision making process. When we decided to a) go on with the race and b) share the proceeds with the victims of Sandy we made the decision to scale down so a greater profit could be earned.  The medals for age placements was cut (in the past so many people did not pick them up) and we thought IF you really wanted a medal- we would have them done afterwards and order just what was needed.  We had 25 generic medals re-inscripted from last year hoping that would satisfy.  Then Bob Cook at Runner's Edge donated a box full of useful goodies so there would be a gift for placing, hats, gloves and socks. It seemed many more people were interested in the medals this year, so please accept our error in judgement but know the additional money will be shared with families that have lost so much.

 

 

 

We are blessed with good friends,

families and your support

- thank you so very much!



Results: http://justfinish.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Overall60.htm



Emma Thode, Strength for Life's Youngest Fundraiser

"One person can make a difference and every person should try." ~John F. Kennedy

Strength for Life was contacted in October by the father of Emma Thode, of St. James, that Emma decided to fundraise for Strength for Life. Here's her story.

"Third grade student Emma Thode, 8, of Mills Pond Elementary in Smithtown was diagnosed at age 4 with gluten sensitivity. She went through a very exhaustive diagnostic process to determine that she has difficulty digesting any food that is made with gluten.

Emma has been gluten free for years now and “does great with it overall,” according to her dad Jeremy. “Her behavior and her health are now excellent, and she has accepted the fact that she can’t eat many foods. She is reliable about avoiding gluten, even though her mom and I know at times it makes her feel different from her classmates and her three sisters. Emma has always been extremely sensitive, which has turned out to be a good thing in most ways.”

This past March Emma’s grandfather passed away from complications related to diabetes, and Emma took it very hard. According to her father, Emma still talks about him, and even cries unexpectedly sometimes because she misses her "Pa." She also has become very spiritual due to this loss, will ask to go to church (as opposed to having to drag our other children), and just developed has a philanthropist type personality.

Recently Emma decided she wanted to do something positive to help people with cancer. With her mom’s help, Emma created a collection bin to raise money for cancer research. Her first step was to contribute her own money from her piggy bank into the bin. She also coerced her younger sisters to do the same. That wasn’t enough for Emma, and she saw a golden opportunity to raise more money with her dad’s help. Emma’s dad is the Director of Health, Physical Education, Fine & Applied Art, Business and Athletics for the Center Moriches School District, and she accompanied him to several of Center Moriches School’s athletic events, where she determinedly stood at the concession stand for the Center Moriches Booster Club asking for donations. To date she has collected almost $300.

Emma is an active young lady, and now loves swimming and running. To further draw attention to cancer prevention and research, she is now training to run 5k road races. She will be running Evelyn Knapp's 5k Run To Remember on November 18, 2012 to assist cancer survivors and is excited and committed about this opportunity. (***Updated total raised $500, Emma's updated distance 3.0 miles non stop)

If you would like to sponsor Emma, please make your check out to Strength for Life And send it to Emma’s dad, c/o Jeremy Thode, Center Moriches School District 311 Frowein Road Center Moriches NY 11934 Newsday shared this story - yesterday "Way to Go: Emma Thode, St. James!"

Strength for Life is honored to have the support of Emma Thode. This is such a heartwarming story for us - that Emma would select 'Strength for Life." Strength for Life provides FREE exercise classes and wellness retreats for cancer patients/survivors on Long Island, for every $250 donated a cancer survivor is sponsored to our wellness retreat consisting of an overnight stay, a day of exercise classes including Zumba, Strength Training, Yoga, Tai Chi or QiGong, Reiki, and incredible guest speakers of Naturopathic Medicine and Feng Shui for Healing. You go Emma! You, alone, have invited two survivors to participate and learn techniques to feel their 'absolute best'.

Due to the devastation of "Sandy" , Strength for Life decided to share our proceeds with the families who lost so much and to have a collection of food and cleaning items on race day.

In addition, 'Sandy' obliterated the Sunken Meadow dam and there had to be a course change - the November 18th run will be 3.0 miles. Strength for Life deliberated over the new course, the gas situation and the loss of so many of our friends and neighbors, decided to go forward ...and hope we can make a difference.

Newsday covered Emma Thode's story yesterday, November 12

 

 

 

"Service is the outer expression of your inner values."

~ Angela Perkey

 

Restorative Yoga Videos

These look fabulous - try them for yourself ...
...remember "listen to your body"

http://www.youtube.com/user/BreastCancerYoga?feature=watch

 

 

 

 

The beauty is that people often come here for the stretch,

and leave with a lot more.

~Liza Ciano

21 Day Meditation with Deepak Chopra

If you haven't tried to meditate,  join in and enjoy.. it is a great practice and these days we all need to settle our busy minds...

http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/Bestsellers/ProgramPage.aspx?bookid=172&id=7356

“To understand the immeasurable,

the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”

~ Jiddu Krishnamurti

Blooomindale's Shopping Day December 8th, 2012

I have the postcards for anyone who would like to help us earn monies to continue our programs at NO COST to cancer patients/survivors.

They are yours for the asking.
win/win

 

Email me at jerrico1234@gmail.com or call 631-675-6513 we are forever grateful.

 

Status of classes 'Post Sandy"

Hello all,

Just to keep you updated with our news, Debbie will cancel tonight class at Breast Cancer Help - Debbie is still one of the unfortunate power-less households.

I phoned Stony Brook Cancer Center they are up and running and as long as I can get there we have class. Since I am not far - there will be a class and I will understand anyone who does not make it due to gas and power issues.

The Mather class is to begin on Wednesday at 6:30 - however I only have one taker to date, after the Stony Brook class I will access IF it is going to take place.  IF you know of anyone interested in the Mather Hospital class - please contact me at jerrico1234@gmail.com or phone 631-675-6513.

Now depending on the gas situation for me - Seaford and East Meadow on Thursday and Friday are uncertain.  I trust that this gas situation will lighten up a bit by that time - so let us keep positive about those two classes.

 

***NOW for Race information***

Strength for Life decided to donate half of the proceeds from our November 18th Run and Wellness Walk to the families on Long Island who have lost so much. We know quite a few of our friends, families and class participants who are without homes and we want to do what we can.  We are also asking that the runners and walkers bring a food or clothing item and we will distribute them.  We need to pull together and get through this devestation.

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past.

Rather, it is a spirit that bears things -

with resignations,  yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.
~Corazon Aquino

 

 

We've come a long way!!!

Debbie and I were updating the website and really had a moment to reflect on how far we have come. We have articles dating back to 2008, we have a number of recognition and awards and we will be holding classes every day starting November.  Kudos!

We were recently approved for classes at Huntington Hospital - which we have been striving for some time and we just received a night time room at Mather.  Life is good!

Our immediate objectives are getting the BBB seal - which is a 'magilla' of paperwork and we are reaching out for help with the financial reports for this application.

Corporate Sponsors are necessary - we need to get through the door and to the right individual, we have a plan - but could use your help.

Our third annual run on November 18th is at the forefront....please come and support us - we have added a 3K Wellness Walk with the opportunity to fundraise for us.

 

We appreciate all your support of our journey!

 

 

 

 

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life -

think of it, dream of it, live on that idea.

Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body,

be full of that idea,

and just leave every other idea alone.

This is the way to success.

~ Swami Vivekananda

 

Great coverage for Alternative Therapies by Brian Williams...

Alternative Therapies Offer Pain Relief to Cancer Patients

I am thrilled to see this coverage of complementary therapies and so 'on point' of the need for the insurance companies to catch up with the times. Another missing link in this equation is the lack of patient education by the medical doctors to prescribe exercise as an alternative therapy.

Strength for Life (www.strengthforlifeNY.org) has been on the mission to educate cancer patients/survivors about the benefit of adding an exercise program to their treatment and recovery process and has been trying to infiltrate the oncologist's offices to get this information out there. The articles are growing exponentially regarding the benefits of exercise in treatment and recovery but the process from the MD's office is not in step.

We provide wellness retreats to cancer patients/survivors and have experienced many an "AHA" moment from the participants when our guest speakers, Doctors of Naturopathic/Osteopathic Medicine, share their invaluable information. Our guest instructors of Yoga, Tai Chi, QiGong, Feng Shui, Reiki and Meditation open doors to their self awareness - it is a beautiful experience to be a part of.

There was recent coverage in the Club Industry publication of a Pilate's Instructor who partnered with Stanford Hospital for a three year program, where the hospital paid a discounted rate for their services. It is out there - it is our future

Acupuncture

Reiki Circle

 

Exercise

 

 

 

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine,

but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame,
in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."

~Thomas Edison, Inventor

 

.

STARS Rehabilitation Report Card - 'A'

"How do you express a meaningful thank you to people who give of themselves without any expectations in return? However, that is what I would like to do and express a sincere thanks to Jacqui and her organization Strength for Life. Strength for Life has been our partner for the past 18 months and has done an outstanding job providing free group exercises classes to those persons battling cancer. These classes help cancer patients stay fit so they have the physical and mental strength to fight their disease with everything they have got. The feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive and the service to the community has been invaluable. Thank you Strength for Life!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sincerely,

Daniel M. Vaknin, MA, PT, MDT

Senior Director Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation Services of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System

Thank you Dan, Jess and Mark at STARS for welcoming Strength for Life!

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give,

and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

New classes at Mather Hospital

"fighting cancer with exercise"

Strength for Life is happy to announce a new class to start up at Mather Hospital on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 beginning November 7, 2012.

Our classes are for cancer patients/survivors. We provide the necessary equipment (resistance bands, stability balls and floor mats) for you to keep and follow your exercises at home. The class will meet until the end of December for one hour every week. We ask that you make a commitment to attend all the classes so you will benefit from the strengthening exercises, improved posture and range of motion.

Strength for Life is able to provide these classes and wellness retreats for cancer survivors through our fund-raising efforts.

Our November 18th "Evelyn Knapp 5K Run to Remember" and 3K Wellness Walk at Sunken Meadow State Park is our next event - please consider joining us. There is something active for the whole family - a Fun Run for the children, a Boardwalk Wellness Walk and a Challenging Trail Run - come bring the family and support Strength for Life so we can continue our programs at NO COST.

For information about our programs please visit us at

www.strengthforlifeNY.org

To register for the class - call 631-675-6513

or register through this website link

 

 "Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible;

and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

~Saint Francis of Assisi

 

 

Giant Step Services of Hauppauge raises $3200 for Strength for Life

On Sunday October 7^th, Giant Step Services held their first annual “Circle for a Cause” fundraiser to benefit Strength for Life raising $3200 for the non profit.  As you know, Strength for Life provides FREE exercise classes and wellness retreats for cancer patients/survivors on Long Island.  Giant Step Services is a community based comprehensive vocational/independent living program for post-secondary students with learning challenges located in Hauppauge, NY. 

 

The Giant Step program is designed to maximize each young adult’s growth by utilizing supportive, individualized approach to movement from home or boarding school to community and work or post-secondary academics. The students went above and beyond reaching out to family and friends and walking laps to show their support of the Strength for Life  programs that promote “fighting cancer with exercise.”

 

For every $250 donation a cancer patient/survivor is sponsored for a wellness retreat participating in an overnight stay, a day full of classes (Zumba, Tai Chi, Yoga, Strength Training, Reiki and Meditation) and fabulous guest speakers presenting on alternative therapies and nutrition.  Giant Step Services sponsored 13 new survivors to attend a wellness retreat in 2013. Kudos to them!

 

 

 

 



"An effort made for the happiness of others
lifts us above ourselves."

~Mrs. Lydia Maria Child

Welcome our new BOD members....

Strength for Life is pleased to welcome Dr. Barbara Donnellan and Mr. Tim Beach to our Board of Directors.  Dr. Donnellan, Coordinator of Guidance /Lindenhurst Public School, and Adjunct Professor at NYIT along with Mr. Beach, VP/ Game Operations and Events, New York Islanders Hockey Club bring a wealth of experience to enhance the Strength for Life BOD. 

 

Our new members have already contributed to the growth of Strength for Life.  It's wonderful!

 

 

 

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

~Sir Winston Churchill

 

Celebrating Our 7th Wellness Retreat

We celebrated our 7th Wellness Retreat this past weekend at the Hyatt Windwatch with 16 new friends. As always, we could not put on the day without the generosity of our friends - who deserve our support and appreciation.

Penni Niles started the day of - warming up all thse muscles with a "Zumba" class modified for the participants and the room. Thank you, Penni for being so flexible and for getting the day started with smiles.

Debbie and I held a shortened version of our strength training - since (of course) we were running late - but the reasons are all good.

Dr. Peter Bongiorno (Inner Source Health) came to speak at the lunch, and the note-taking made it obvious that every bit of the information was relevant and important to all.

Our own Teresa Doherty stepped in and held a guided meditation. Everyone of these aspects are important to embrace in our daily lives.

Carolyn Calvacca, White Lotus Massage & Yoga shared some important self myofascial release techniquesand the practice of QiGong.

Laura Cerrano, Feng Shui Manhattan/Feng Shui Long Island joined us at dinner...Laura summed up the day and put it all together - connecting the dots - simply. Then went on to explain how to release some undesired energy "vampires".

We had a short hike on Sunday and the conversation was clearly acceptance of these new practices...

Kudos to all our guest presenters for sharing your expertise with our new friends...Of course we ask, all our FB friends and family to give these presenters your support and help us show our gratitude to them.

btw.....The descriptions of what they shared with the participants is particularly short - since I was on duty away from the classes.

Is it me????

Last week there was an article that came out about "organic" food and the way it was represented was that organic food was not healthier for you. That is what I heard repeated  on the Today Show and by Kathie Lee and Hoda, and others during the day.....BUT what the article presents, and I believe most of us are aware of, is that the nutritional value of the organic food is not different however the exposure to pesticides is the difference. And isn't that we buy organic?

Organic food no healthier than non-organic

 

 

I was a meeting the other day discussing activities and suggestions for "October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and it was mentioned (by an educated staff) that self breast exams were now 'not recommended' because women were relying on these self exams and not following it up with annual exams.

 

 

We appear to need  all those warnings like "do not put your pet in the microwave" because we are given news tidbits that are incomplete. I am perplexed.

 

 

"For most folks, no news is good news;

 for the press, good news is not news."

~Gloria Borger



 

 

I'm back.....

to working Strength for Life full time..."Life is good" and "I love my job" - those are my new mantras and so easily said.

So forgive the lapses of blogs and I plan to get my writing back on soon.


In the meantime...I am pondering this

in more ways than one....


Stay tuned!!!

Survivor Recognition Fun-Raiser

Was fabulous!!!

Teresa Doherty

The Tommy Gunn Band

Laura Caravella

We have so many people to thank for an outstanding event...

...our honorees, Rebecca, Laura and Teresa ...who inspire, strengthen and empower all of us with their faith, courage and positive energy!!!

...you see the photo of the Tommy Gunn Band - well,  they pulled the night together, leaving everyone wanting more ...thank you Danny and the Tommy Gunn Band.

...another important highlight of the night was the food, donated by Donna of Popei's Clam Bar, Deer Park.  Days later, attendees are still talking about the delicious food - some going back for 3rd helpings (of salad, of course).

...Jen of  Your Local Kid's Source of Long Island who generously donated the red and white wines for the evening....

...we had 36 baskets - thank you everyone for reaching to friends, family and local businesses to amass these, and to everyone who helped us put them together...

...thank you attendees for coming out to support our first "survivor recognition" event - the raffles and 50/50 alone raised $2500+ ....

...and our family and friends, who are always working the sidelines and putting up with the tension and fear of these last minute wrinkles - that always come about ....

...our Board of Directors...Kim, Peggy and Teresa - "out of the park" generosity and effort in making this event successful!

....thank you everyone for understanding why Strength for Life exists...when you listened to these honorees and heard their stories, their histories and their absolutely incredible spirit...you see this is what we want to share with others....Evelyn was our inspiration and her memory lives on each time we share her story and allow Strength for Life to be part of her legacy.

Evelyn Knapp

Inspiration is contagious;

the more we are exposed to it the more we inevitably pass it on.

~Christopher Novak

Some very interesting articles....

All our included on our Strength for Life FaceBook Page - "friend and like us"

• A blog about Alkaline vs. Acidic Foods

• A easy to negoitiate food chart for Alkaline and Acidic foods

• Interesting news about "Soursop" a delicious fruit with promising claims



The greatest wealth is health. ~Virgil

Come see Martin Knapp perform...............

South Shore Theatre Experience proudly presents

Scenes From an Italian Restaurant

Original One Act Comedies by various playwrights

Fundraiser for MS News and Strength for Life

June 14 - 16 at 8pm

Tickets $15

Shimmies for Life - A Belly Dancing Success

Mishaal Pagano, an angel to Strength for Life, contacted us months ago and suggested a belly dancing fundraiser that she would organize, promote and star in. Yesterday, the event went off beautifully. 

Mishaal opened with a sword balancing "tribal" belly dance, unbelievable to imagine an undulating body balancing a sword...WOW, is all I can say. Debbie filmed and photographed, so as soon as we can upload these, I will add some photos.

Thank you Mishall and all the dancers for volunteering your time and sharing your talents.

hmmmm! Could belly dancing be our next endeavor at the Wellness Retreat?????

"The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie."~ Agnes de Mille ~

Good News!!!

Strength for Life has so much news to share!

At the Breast Cancer Summit, held May 11 at Carlysle on the Green, we were honored to receive this "Certificate of Recognition" from Suffolk County Legislator William Spencer for "dedicated service in enhancing the recovery process and improving functional activities for those who have received a cancer diagnosis."

Thank you! Strength for Life has been growing and reaching many more individuals with our various class locations and by sharing at support groups the benefits of adding exercise to their treatment and recovery plan.

In addition, we are hosting our first "Survivor Recognition" - Rockin' FUNraising Event at the Heritage Center on June 8, 2012. The event is to honor three extraordinary survivors who "Inspire, Strengthen and Empower" others.

In June, we will have a second "H3 Initiative -Hammock Hiking for Humanity". Strength for Life was honored to meet Raul Perez last year when he offered to do a fund-raising event for us. The "H3 Initiative" of 2011 raised $1165 for Strength for Life with an additional $300 donated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy; this year the goal is $3000 with 20% to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Raul has a personal pledge of 10% to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Donations to help Raul achieve these awesome goals are appreciated.

Our Wellness Retreat will be held in October and there are already 46 on the list for 20 spots. Unfortunately we were not able to get the same hotel rooms and deals for March and/or June or we would have at least one more. If anyone reading this has hotel connections and wants to help Strength for Life, please contact us. Remember these Wellness Retreats are offered at NO cost to cancer patients/survivors. The weekend includes a variety of modalities of exercise, including strength training, yoga, tai chi, meditation, Reiki along with incredible speakers on "Complementary Therapies", "Nutrition" and more.

And soon we will be working on our Third Annual "Evelyn Knapp Run to Remember" which will be held November 18, 2012. This year we will be holding our first "Survivor Walk" concurrently at Sunken Meadow State Park. We are seeking sponsors to help defer the many costs of these events.
Our fund-raising efforts, alone, allow Strength for Life to continue to hold classes, at various locations, provide equipment and hold our Wellness Retreats all at no cost to survivors.

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come,

but small ones surround us everyday." ~Sally Koch

”In the arena of human life the honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action.” --Aristotle

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Heart Healthy Diet

Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Emotional Vitality

Meditation for a Healthy Heart 

Your gift to Yourself!!!!

Dr. Block on Nutrition and Exercise and Cancer Treatment......

Dr. Keith Block Interview on Nutrition and Exercise - Too important to miss!!!!

Happy New Year 2012

Again, apologies for the lapses here - but the "paying" job just seems to get in the way...blogs are at the end of a long lists of things I want to accomplish.

Updates.... we are in our second round at STARS Rehabilitation - with gusto since the Monter Cancer Center has really put it out there and the phone just keeps on ringing,  It is all good - the simple drawback is the size of the room at STARS can only accommodate six individuals.  I am currently holding back to back classes on Friday to accommodate more.  Let's see how the universe will help us out here :)

On a personal note, I had my first New York cross country skiing adventure with that last snow storm - got turned around in Connetquot State Park and turned out to be just short of five hours.  Still recovering 5 days later :(

I wanted to  share our plan for the 2012 3rd Annual "Run to Remember" along with an Inaugural Walk, simultaneously, on the Sunken Meadow Boardwalk.  Everyone invited!!!

Please cast a vote for us...or one a day whatever you can do - it will help us and share our name.

  Citgo Fueling