Thursday, February 27, 2014

Our charitable efforts are focused on fitness…how about yours????

Strength for Life, is a nonprofit organization providing free exercise classes and wellness retreats for cancer patients/survivors and our focus is on the benefits derived from adding exercise into the treatment and recovery plan.

Day light savings time is right around the corner, the days will be longer and warmer and the memories of this snowy, cold winter will diminish.  Now is the time to plan a fitness goal AND help our friends, family or neighbors who may have been diagnosed with cancer.

Strength for Life has a team “Strength for Life” formed with the LI2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer and Other Women's Cancers and we welcome anyone interested in a joining us for 13.1 mile (½ marathon distance) walk to support our grassroots nonprofit on June 7th, 2014. 



If you have not had the opportunity to participate in or view this awesome event you will be amazed at the emotional celebration of these survivors.  Please consider joining us in this celebration.
  
The format has changed in the 11th year to a one day event and has expanded its mission to raise awareness and funds for all women’s cancers. Further changes include the option to run the distance, although untimed it can be perfect for a first time 1/2 marathon distance runner.

Strength for Life is proud to be a beneficiary of the LI2Day walk, we invite supporters to join team “STRENGTH FOR LIFE” and be a part of this inspiring event! If joining for the walk is not an option please consider a donation to sponsor our team members. 
Registration for the LI2Day Walk for Breast Cancer and Other Women’s Cancer is now open.  Please be a part of team “Strength for Life”… “fighting cancer with exercise”.


“There is no exercise better for the heart 
than reaching down and lifting people up.” 
~ John Holmes



For additional information call 631-675-6513 or email strengthforlife@ optonline.net

Monday, February 10, 2014

The 4th Annual Evelyn Knapp "Run to Remember' video

Here's the link - enjoy Debbie's hard work and newest talent

Here's a copy of the Run recap:

Oh what a day it was, record cold temps, wind blasting in the open fields at 30+mph and the domino effect it presented. Thank you to the 90 “day of race’ registrants for waking up, feeling the conditions and deciding to come out to support Strength for Life and run. Record pre-registrants for the walk and run at 532 – kudos to you all – especially since 200 registered this last week knowing the weekly forecast.

This was an incredible 4th Year event – the unofficial proceeds top $20000 – that goes a long way to help us with the FREE programs Strength for Life offers. With that incredible success there needs to be many many thanks shared.

Our sponsors – STARS Rehabilitation of East Meadow, Mather HospitalLeon ChiropracticNorth Suffolk Surgical, Hyatt Windwatch, Cassone Leasing, The Suffolk County Emerald Society Sal Agostinelli Baseball, Clayton Funeral Home.  Please visit our website www.strengthforlifeny.org for links to each sponsor’s website.  They deserve our patronage.

Our ‘inkind’ sponsors – Hint Water, Ginny Bakes, Modern Bakeries, Runner’s Edge, Sayville Running Shop, Popei’s Deer Park, Waterzooi, Cheesecake Factory, Croxley Ale House for products, prizes and gift raffles.

Our survivor fundraisers who went all out and collected over $7000. Our top fundraiser, Maryann Graham of Carle Place raised $2550 from friends and co-workers – that was incredible.  Thank you! In addition, with our sincere appreciation to Annette Deluca Gerani, Roseann Karasavas, Tina Kirsimae, Mattia Terranova, Marianne Walz.

And Denise Elf-Chapman, who has been a supporter from day one has matching contributions still coming. We had a lot of fun with the competitive nature of the Elf- Chapman family – with each additional donation outdoing the last.

And our friend, Harsha Padmanabhan, who has a personal success story of rehabilitation walked the walk proudly and had a host of New Jersey donors. Kudos!

The Green Vale Pacers, a gift since our inaugural run raised $1300 this year with an variety of fundraising events; and for the second year our youngest fundraiser Emma Thode who also raised $500 +, a stack of singles so thick – they were calling me ‘money bags’.

We were helped with promotions from Emma’s Dad Jeremy who had a score of soccer girls ready to help and run and he put it out to all the school teams.  Randstad, a recruiting company, shared our event with their clients to encourage corporate wellness and led by example with a large group of runners and walkers.  Cross Fit, Yaphank had their team training for a 5k run and promoted it throughout their facility.  Cross Fit shirts were emblazoned at the run.

So what havoc did the weather cause, the winds made it impossible for the heated tent, signage and even the timing clock to be erected.  The domino effect delayed the set of the pre-reg and packet pickup and the food.  We were using trucks to block the wind and the picnic tables in lieu of our ‘feather light’ folding tables.

Although we carefully mapped out an extension of the course to make it a 3.15 length – the chalk/paint lined arrows were obliterated and the front runners made a turn onto the established course and completely missed the extension.  At that point it was too late. The weather took a toll on our volunteers who may have been able to divert and omit the error – but it did not happen that way.  Our sincerest apologies to all who intended on completing a full 5k, the timing company adjusted the pace to reflect the shorter distance.  Next year the moat will be back in play and the original 5K course will be re-established.



Evelyn was known to push people out of their comfort zones – and that was experienced yesterday on many levels.

And special thanks to all the volunteers who froze their fingers, toes,  and other body parts so this run could take off!!! You 're the best!  We definitely could not have done it without your patience and efforts!!

Skyler Lattuca - Overall Male











Delaney Eichorn - Overall Female


Another special shout (seems like an inappropriate choice of words) out to the Choir from Holy Family; the Brownie Troop who had a 'zumba' warm up for the fun run and our friend Penni Niles who definitely warmed up the crowd pre-race, and our friend Donna Nesturek of Sound Healing Pathways for the interactive drum circle.  Donna came for the warm up and stayed for the whole event - seeing how the drum sounds helped calm the effects of the weather.

So many people to thank!  Blessings to all for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank you all for your continued support, we are able to help many more cancer patients/survivors challenge themselves and grow stronger with the money raised.


“Make today a great one.” ~ Evelyn Knapp

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Our 11th Wellness Retreat, February 8th - 9th, 2014

WOW, what a group - one more beautiful than the next.  It wasn't five minutes into our meeting that the energy in the room was powerful and welcoming.  Having 20 individuals come together not knowing one another, not knowing what to expect from Strength for Life has to involve a fear - which was eradicated within the first 5 minutes.


Our lineup included the 'usual suspects'...starting the day with Dr. Siobhan of Inner Source Health.  Dr. Siobhan has been with Strength for Life for the last 3 - 4 retreats taking over for Dr. Peter.  As a Naturopathic Doctor who studied Nutrition she is able to answer all the questions we have.  Her presentation is so complete and covers such an array of important ideas that she seems to answer the question before they are asked.



After the presentation of Dr. Siobhan, everyone introduced themselves sharing their cancer journeys, however it was quite eloquent for one survivor to point out that the "cancer" is "not to define them." Intellectually we know that but having it pointed was a very poignant thought.

We started the hustle of the day, with our strength training class.  It is always so much fun for us to get these newbies moving and recognizing that the seemingly small resistance bands can definitely work their muscles; and the instability of the exercise ball adds another dimension to movement and even sitting.



Penni Niles of True Living Yoga relieved them from our grasp and joyfully added the zumba movements and laughs to our ladies. Penni is beyond perfect in adding excitement and fun to the day, she has also been a presence for many many retreats - and we are so grateful.



We did let them break for lunch :)


Our dearest friend Lida was not available for this retreat and of course we missed her tremendously, however there are always wonderful yoga instructors who offer their time and talent. Debbie befriended Allison at one of our fundraisers and with one simple ask, she was there - 'kindness and yoga' seem to be synonymous.



Somehow, I am missing photos of Carolyn Calvacca of White Lotus Massage who treats us to something new and improved every retreat.  Carolyn just came back from Sedona where she was learning and practicing "balancing your root chakra" and I only heard wonderful comments about Carolyn.  Thank you!


Then the troupe of Reiki practitioners entered .... 17 Reiki practitioners, organized by our dearest friend Rosemary Maginniss of Reiki Sojourns, nearly one for every survivor. 
You want to feel energy ???? 
That was the room to be in.   Donna Nesturuk of Sound Healing Pathways and Inner Source Health using crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs and other beautiful instruments that encircled the room and magnified the energy. Sandra Caruso led a beautiful, peaceful and healing meditation.

This was a first for many of our 'thrivers' and I am confident that the blessings they walked away from, in that room, will be remembered for a very long time. 


Dinner is served!


Our after dinner treat and presentation by our favorite Feng Shui Guru, Laura Cerrano of Feng Shui Manhattan and Long Island.  Laura explains the 'Bagua', 'Saging' and many of the basic principles of feng shui, with gentleness and kindness. Leaving all with the following message "If you decide to implement Feng Shui into your lifestyle and home please try not to have a fear based approach. Feng Shui always comes from a place of light, good energy and positivity. When learning about this beautiful art form keep it simple and have fun. Understand you are becoming a more aware alchemist, so experimentation is a given, it's all good."




Good Night for some and others were up until the wee hours of the morning!!! 

SUNDAY morning.... breakfast and no hike because of the icy trails and the hilly terrain. But not to worry we had more activities to enjoy.

Our newest BOD member Denise Chapman, an avid swimmer and triathlon participant many times over led an incredible water aerobics class in the  hotel pool.


Love, love, love these ladies!!!!




Remember.....


Friday, February 7, 2014

Welcome Our New Members to the Board of Directors


Denise Chapman, Vice-President  
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch


and



Sazeeda Itwaru, MBA, EA, Principle and Tax Accountant
Avant-Garde Consulting INC.




Strength for Life is honored to have these two awesome women on our side.  

Denise has been "with" Strength for Life whilst still an idea.  She was our very first donor and has been a loyal supporter for many years.  Denise has raised money for Strength for Life with her many athletic endeavors and has been a vocal advocate from the start.  

Sazeeda was introduced to Strength for Life, believed in our mission, and offered sage advice on 'how to grow' two years ago.  Sazeeda's background allows her to direct our grassroots organization and her personality allows her patience with our naivety in the growth arena of a non profit.

As you know, Strength for Life is our answer to a vision of a friend and mentor, Evelyn Knapp. With pure and genuine intentions to help cancer patients feel their absolute best we began.  Strength for Life has grown since its' inception in 2007 from one class ... to six locations  and quarterly classes; and 11 wellness retreats.  We help 200 + survivors a year - and are determined to reach many more.

With the support of our entire Board of Directors we are moving forward 
and with your support the challenges become easier.