LI2Day 2018 Raises $12,500 for Strength for LIfe

Strength for Life, a nonprofit organization providing free exercise classes, wellness retreats, nutrition classes, walking group, yoga classes and empowerment group sessions for cancer patients, is a beneficiary of the LI 2Day Walk. The LI2DAY was organized to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and other cancer research, to benefit cancer sufferers, survivors, and their families, and to support organizations that are participating in such efforts.

The LI 2Day which is a 13.1 mile, one day walk was held on June 9th, 2018. The walk takes participants along a scenic route overlooking the Smith Point Beach and then through the local neighborhood. Participants had a wonderful lunch and then head back to Smith Point Bridge in the final procession and celebration of survivos which ends with a closing ceremony. 

If you have not had the opportunity to participate or view this awesome event you will be amazed at the emotional celebration of these survivors. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out to become involved, this is an event worth your time and efforts. The next LI2Day will be on June 8th, 2019.

To our friends at LI2Day "Thank you so much for your support of $12,500 this year." As you know this is a tremendous help to our small grass-root nonprofit, and both your faith and support is extraordinary. We have really been able to grow throughout Long Island with your help.

Strength for Life, celebrating its 11th year, currently holds 9 exercise class a week spanning from the Monter Cancer Center in New Hyde Park to Southampton Hospital, helping a total of 3000 survivors in our short lifetime. And as you may know, we just hosted our 26th Wellness Retreat on September 15, 2018 at the Hyatt Windwatch in Hauppauge offering 20 new cancer patients/survivors an escape from their daily responsibilities and the opportunity to learn new tools to renew the mind, body and spirit. We also have our empowerment group which meets twice a month, walking groups during good weather, nutrition class and yoga classes that bridge between exercise class sessions. 

It is a continued pleasure to work with everyone involved in the LI2Day, from day one we have felt welcomed, appreciated and supported in everything we attempted to accomplish, and for that we are grateful.

Thank you so very much Ginny Salerno, Kristie Moore and everyone at LI2Day. 

Thank you to our walkers 'our team', our volunteers and our supporters. 

You can contact Strength for Life at strengthforLife@optonline.net, or

visit our website www.strengthforlifeNY.org

LI2DAY 2017 raises $16,200 for Strength for Life

Strength for Life, a nonprofit organization providing free exercise classes, wellness retreats, nutrition classes and empowerment group sessions for cancer patients, is a beneficiary of the LI 2Day Walk. The LI2DAY was organized to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and other cancer research, to benefit cancer sufferers, survivors, and their families, and to support organizations that are participating in such efforts.

The LI 2Day which is a 13.1 mile, one day walk was held on June 10th, 2017. The walk takes participants along a scenic route overlooking the Smith Point Beach and then through the local neighborhood. Participants had a wonderful lunch and then head back to Smith Point Bridge in the final procession and celebration of survivors which ends with a closing ceremony.

If you have not had the opportunity to participate or view this awesome event you will be amazed at the emotional celebration of these survivors. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out to become involved, this is an event worth your time and efforts. The next LI2Day will be on June 9th, 2018.

To our friends at LI2Day "Thank you so much for your support of $16,200 this year." As you know this is a tremendous help to our small grass-root nonprofit, and both your faith and support is extraordinary. We have really been able to grow throughout Long Island with your help.

Strength for Life, celebrating its 10th year, currently holds 12 exercise class a week spanning from the Queens border at Northwell Health out to Southampton Hospital, helping a total of 2600 survivors in our short lifetime. And as you may know, we just hosted our 22nd Wellness Retreat on August 5th, 2017 at the Hyatt Windwatch offering 20 new cancer patients/survivors an escape from their daily responsibilities and the opportunity to learn new tools to renew the mind, body and spirit. We also have our empowerment group which meets twice a month, walking groups during good weather and nutrition class.

Strength for Life expanded the programs to pediatric cancer patients and their families in 2016, this has been a slow start but it is gaining momentum. Below are the results of our surveys after the class participation. Unbeknownst to us at the start, the psycho/social aspect of these classes exceeds all expectations.

It is a continued pleasure to work with everyone involved in the LI2Day, from day one we felt welcomed, appreciated and supported in everything we attempted to accomplish, and for that we are grateful.

Thank you so very much Ginny Salerno, Kristie Moore and everyone at LI2Day.

Thank you to our walkers 'our team', our volunteers and our supporters.

You can contact Strength for Life at strengthforLife@optonline.net, or

visit our website www.strengthforlifeNY.org

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." 

~Helen Keller

CYCLE FOR STRENGTH 2017

BARBARA LARREA = INSPRIATION, MOTIVATION, STRENGTH!

Cycle for Strength 2017, the 4th Annual, what an INCREDIBLE event!  Barbara Larrea and the Wantagh World Gym Family really out did themselves this time!  Too many "thank you's" to go through - so many made this event a huge success and Strength for Life is so very grateful for everyone's hard work - ESPECIALLY to Barbara!  Her vision, determination, and commitment is what makes Cycle for Strength an AWESOME event!  

The ride starts with a video montage asking the crowd (95 riders!) questions such as "Why are you here?" "Why do you exist?" "What is your purpose?"  while Barbara voice overs (while spinning!) "the 2 most important days in your life are 1) THE DAY YOU WERE BORN and 2) THE DAY YOU DISCOVER WHY YOU WERE BORN! The moment you find your reason for being, when your "WHY" becomes clear" and then on the big screen you see  "When The WHY is BIG ENOUGH, The HOW is EASY"!  Motivated yet?? How can you not be!? I think many found their purpose through Barbara with Cycle for Strength, raising over $35,000 (so far, still going!) to help those with a cancer diagnosis be "Stronger than Cancer"!

THANK YOU BARBARA LARREA, WANTAGH WORLD GYM, and EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN 'CYCLE FOR STRENGTH' 2017!

On another note....Cycle for Strength raffle money will go to help Makenzie Cadmus, an adorable little girl who has a rare genetic skin disorder called Epidermolysis coincidence.  I had the opportunity to speak with Makenzie's grandma (the whole family was at CFS) and she told me that Makenzie's surgery is on November 13th - Evelyn's Birthday - no coincidence! Evelyn will help this little girl get through all she will endure, I am sure of that!  

Wellness Retreat #18!!

WOW!!!  Every.. single.. time..I get blown away.  How in the world do I have the privilege of being in the presence of these incredibly inspiring women (and men!)?  The stories of survivorship, intuition, getting put on a path-not a chosen one-and persevering…humbling to say the least. 

Our day started with Penni Niles, intenSati Leader, she took our group through powerful movement affirmations - incredible!  Some tears shed as she tapped into our inner child - powerful stuff!  Penni has been with Strength for Life for YEARS and we are so very grateful for her commitment to our organization.

Next up was our Strength for Life Exercise Class!  Flying solo, without my now retired gal Jacqui, I was able to synchronize a group wall squat, all demonstrated perfect form and we even had one champion hold the position for a full minute (way to go Michelle!)!  Such fun while learning to incorporate exercise into the treatment and recovery plan…1 request for a Florida class….Jacqui???!!!

Time for lunch and a chat about environmental toxins, food, and epigenetics…yes, I stole Dr. Siobhan’s lecture:)  Our resident N.D. is en route home from Switzerland, so Teresa and I did our best to provide the most valuable information from her powerpoint to our guests!  

On to EFT, Emotional Freedom Tapping, lead by Diane Gordon, EFT Practitioner.  Diane took the group through a series of techniques focusing on reducing their stress level by taking a negative thought and shifting the focus through affirmations and tapping on specific meridian/acupressure points.  Many ah-ha moments, emotional releases, pain relief, and some clothes shedding (don’t let your mind wonder…lol). 

Running a little over, we moved right into yoga with Kim.  Starting with a peaceful shavasana (yoga pose), Kim had our guests connect with themselves using breathing, body poses, and meditative sounds.  The whole theme was about going within and bringing the healing green light into their heart chakras.  Beautiful experience for all and certainly set the stage for our Reiki Circle up next.

Our signature event of the weekend, our FABULOUS REIKI CIRCLE, lead by the incredible Rosemary Maginniss, who continuously gives of herself to organize these magnificent circles - so very grateful for Rosemary!  We had so many reiki practitioners volunteer, the room was packed and the energy was palpable!  Add in the incredible tunes of Sound Healing provided by Donna Nesterck (who just happens to be one of our honorees at our upcoming Recognition Dinner!), you have a pretty powerful environment!  Our other honorees happen to be Reiki practitioners, Susan Ferro and Susan LaSorsa (who was away).  To see our guests emerge from the room with a look of relaxation and calmness is priceless, this is exactly what we intend for them to experience during this retreat. 

DINNER TIME!  Everyone was ready for a good, healthy meal after all the activity during the afternoon!  Great conversation, a lot of sharing, a little vino - perfect!

To tie this day up with a big ole’ bow was Gina Costa.  Gina, a breast cancer survivor herself, is a Life Coach with a special interest in helping other cancer thrivers on their healing journey.  Her whole session was really about taking a step back to look at your challenges and refocus your energy around them.  Gina empowered our survivors by giving them different methods of looking at 6 energy influences and how to shift their thoughts around them resulting in a new perspective.  Really important and easy information to follow and use.  Gina came from NJ to spend the day with everyone and she really added a great vibe to the whole event!  

After hours many stayed up chatting, connecting, and even using the jacuzzi!  So nice to kick back and relax after a packed day!  The next morning a recap during breakfast and Teresa introduced everyone to many self healing books and Angel Cards…what a way to end Wellness Retreat #18!  Also...take note of the artistic talent...our morning waiter sketched this during breakfast...amazing!

Thank you all who supported us along the way so we may provide these weekends FREE OF CHARGE to our guests, we could not do any of this without you!  Special thank you to our volunteers who share their gift of knowledge and time and bring such compassion to our survivors - you are incredible!  

Most of all, THANK YOU to our guests, you are all so amazing!  We learn so much from you and  it has been our honor to be in your company this weekend.  God Bless!

NYSC/Smithtown Fundraiser for Strength for Life 11/19/16

On behalf of Strength for Life, we would like to thank NYSC/Smithtown for the Spin/Zumba/Yoga/Water Aerobic Fundraiser 11/19/2016, raising over $3100. The contributions received will help Strength for Life continue on the mission of providing FREE exercise classes and wellness weekends to people living with cancer and survivors. Since our inception in 2007 we have helped over 1700 cancer patients/survivors feel their absolute best!

As you may know, Strength for Life was formed in memory of Evelyn Knapp, an exercise physiologist, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005. After Evelyn’s diagnosis, she continued to exercise saying it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation. Aside from the physiological benefits of exercising during treatment, studies have shown that there are many psychological benefits as well. The newest ACSM guidelines suggest that patients who exercise through treatment have up to a 50% increase in survival rate.

Below are the results of our class follow up based on 213 surveys.

How has your participation in this exercise program affected any/all of the following?

List the % of improvement.

Your strength 59%
Your range of motion 63%
Your endurance 62%
Dealing with everyday stress 65%
Thinking about your illness 62%
How do you feel on a daily basis 70%
Your outlook on the future 75%
Sleep patterns 63%

Our classes will resume in January 2017, we are serving 9 locations with 11 classes a week, find a class near you or to share with a friend/relative on LI. www.strengthforlifeNY.org

There are also 4 retreats scheduled for 2017...read more about the wellness retreats (offered a 'no cost' to survivors) www.strengthforlifeNY.org

Fundraisers like NYSC/Smithtown allow us to keep our programs FREE for survivors.

Thank you for your support!

NYSC/Smithtown holding 90 minute Spin OR Zumba/Yoga classes on 11/19

Join us on November 19th at New York Sports Club/Smithtown as we raise awareness and necessary funding for the FREE programs that Strength for Life offers.

As you may know, Strength for Life provides free exercise classes throughout LI (presently at 9 locations) and offers 3-4 wellness retreats each year for cancer patients/survivors on LI at NO COST. Fundraisers like this one, offered by our friends at NYSC/Smithtown, allow us to continue these offerings.

Please consider participating in the 90 minute Spin event OR Zumba and Restorative Yoga classes, or making a donation.

Tickets and/or donations can be made through this link at NYCharities

Thank you!

Strength for Life 'Cycle for Strength' 9/24/16

Strength for Life would like to thank  Barbara Larrea and the World Gym Wantagh  for organizing “Cycle for Strength” held 9/24/16 from 9-1 at Mulcahy’s, the third epic two hour event with participants invited to ride in honor of a cancer warrior. Enormous effort was put forth by Ms. Larrea to organize this event and by the ‘Team and Family’ of World Gym Wantagh. Over $50,000 was raised by this generous community, and the sponsors of the event. In the past three years, the Wantagh World Gym has held this event and chose Strength for Life as a beneficiary with the total raised over $110,000. Strength for Life relies on our fundraising events to provide these services and World Gym Wantagh relieved a heavy burden during these years.

This year, each of the 92 riders was asked to fundraise $350 for the event and nearly all exceeded their goal.  The energy at Mulcahy’s was palpable as the riders entered, claimed their bike, bought raffles and prepared for the experience.  Barbara Larrea on center stage led the riders on a fantastic journey combining her heartfelt, inspiring coaching, fabulous sounds and personalized World Gym video. Add in food, libations and raffles galore. 80 baskets and 11 grand prizes. The proceeds from the raffles of $6000 was presented to a World Gym warrior fighting a recurrence but strong, beautiful, confident and riding with the rest.

Strength for Life (SFL), is a non-profit dedicated to providing free exercise programs designed to enhance the recovery process of persons with a cancer diagnosis throughout Long Island communities.  Services provided include educating cancer patients, caregivers and the medical community on the benefits of incorporating exercise into the treatment regimen and its effect on reducing the risk of certain cancers and re-occurrences, along with improving bodily functional activities.  Programs are conducted by certified cancer exercise specialists in a group setting and held at 11 accessible locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.  Over the past 7 years SFL has reached more than 1,700 patients and survivors. World Gym Wantagh hosts our classes twice a week and we are forever grateful for the beautiful room and welcoming staff.

Many survivors are initially intimidated to go back into the gym environment, our intent is to empower them to embrace the "new normal" and feel confident enough to go back to their previous activities. Learning of the astronomical copays of a cancer diagnosis and how it can make it financially difficult for many to work with a personal trainer Strength for Life has tried to eliminate all the barriers – travel, equipment, cost and qualified cancer exercise specialists.

We are truly blessed to have been introduced to Ms. Larrea, World Gym Wantagh and the scores of people she inspires to support our cause, Strength for Life.