Aurora Health Care Foundation's New Beginnings
Aurora Health Care Foundation's donors are committed to transforming care and building stronger, healthier communities. Behind each donation is a desire to make the world a healthier place.
After Mary’s treatments ended and she was back at work, the medical support team invited her to do a triathlon for female cancer survivors. She was stunned. Then she protested, “You’re crazy! I’m over 50. I’m overweight. I can barely swim. And I’m not athletic!”
Those are exactly the credentials needed for membership in Team Phoenix, a 14-week program created by Dr. Judy Tjoe.The team is named for the mythological phoenix, a bird rising from ashes to rebirth. Team Phoenix encourages and supports women of all sizes and abilities to redefine their health journey after cancer. The program helps them regain physical fitness, endurance, strength and flexibility.
Studies show that exercise improves survival after cancer. Aurora research specialists collaborate with researchers in Marquette University's Department of Exercise Science on the effects of moderate exercise on aerobic capacity, strength and psychological well-being after cancer treatment.
Mary had previously volunteered with the team, never imagining that someday she’d be a participant. When she showed up for that first orientation, she discovered her tribe – women like her, who had already gone through a triathlon of sorts: surgery, chemo, radiation. Their commitment to Aurora’s program bonded them as sisters. And despite the initial ashes of doubt, each member renewed herself through weeks of swimming, biking around Milwaukee County and running through the Kettle Moraine. Together.
Mary completed the triathlon with flying colors. Her purple Team Phoenix jersey now hangs in her closet. The medal rests on the top of her dresser. Both are reminders of her new beginnings and the determination to define herself by good health - and not by breast cancer.
But much about her is still the same. She continues to work at Aurora among colleagues and friends. It seems like she knows everyone in the hospital – something she makes sure to do. So many of them supported her in her journey back to health.
Mary still makes time for her family, sending the funniest photos she can dig up to bring more laughter to her siblings’ lives. She posts positive vibes on Facebook, such as “Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.”
Her kindness and caring for others has also remained a constant.
And she’s even taking on a new athletic challenge. On June 3rd at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Mary will shimmy on the dance floor with other survivors at “Stepping with the Stars,” a fundraiser for cancer programs at Aurora.
Mary and Dr. Judy Tjoe
She may describe her life as “ordinary,” but she lifts up the lives of many. Mary put it this way: “I will forever support Aurora Cancer Care programs because I see firsthand how much they benefit survivors and those who love them.”