"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