Partnerships | Lance Armstrong Foundation | CRI LIVESTRONG Fellowship
2010 CRI-LIVESTRONG Fellowship Program
The CRI-LIVESTRONG Fellowship Program was initiated in 2009 when 12 Fellows were selected to experience Canyon Ranch during the first-ever CRI LIVESTRONG Week. Based on the positive feedback from everyone involved, including the Fellows, Canyon Ranch staff, Canyon Ranch guests, CRI, and LIVESTRONG, the CRI LIVESTRONG Fellowship Program for cancer survivors is continuing in 2010.
The term “cancer survivor” refers to all people who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as the people in their lives who are affected by their diagnosis – family members, friends, and caregivers. Celebrating Life After Cancer will focus on optimal health and wellness, offering information and strategies for everyday living.
Eight Fellows will attend Celebrating Life after Cancer at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, October 24-31. Each fellowship includes accommodations for seven nights, all meals, presentations by Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts, an allowance for spa and sports services and consultations with lifestyle experts, and ground transportation between Tucson International Airport and Canyon Ranch.
The application deadline was August 17, 2010, and CRI will announce the Fellowship recipients in mid-September.
CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellowship Program at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona
October 4 to 10, 2009
Presented by:
Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)
Twelve unique individuals were the recipients of the first-ever Canyon Ranch Institute LIVESTRONG Week Fellowship. The CRI LIVESTRONG Fellows participated in CRI LIVESTRONG Week and attended lectures and activities focused on optimizing health for cancer prevention and survivorship. The fellowship included accommodations, meals, and a treatment at the world-renowned Canyon Ranch health resort in Tucson, Arizona.
Some of the recipients of the CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellowship are cancer survivors. Others have experienced cancer in their immediate and extended families. All CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellows are keenly interested in learning how they and their families can live stronger and healthier.
Recipients of the CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellowships were selected based upon a thorough review of their interest in cancer prevention, cancer survivorship, economic need, and outlook on life. The cohort includes:
- Penny, an 80-year-old Arizona resident who tells us she competed in the 1948 Olympics.
One of Penny’s current goals is to competitively swim when she is 100 years old. CRI is thrilled to be able to help her try to reach that goal. She exhibits this perseverance and drive in the face of having lost her daughter to colon cancer and her own diagnosis with colon cancer in 2005. Four years and several surgeries later, Penny is not only a survivor of cancer but a champion in every way. She hopes to help older women like herself continue to take care of their bodies.
- Benjamin, a Texas resident, athlete, mechanical engineer, and cancer survivor.
Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery and radiation two years ago when he was 24 years old. Because the brain tumor affected his optic nerves, Benjamin lost most of his vision. He said, “I may have lost my good vision, but I didn’t lose my spirit.” During his rehabilitation, he has learned new techniques that help him to live his daily life and continue his career as a mechanical engineer. These significant changes in Benjamin’s life initially caused him a great deal of frustration and sadness. Today, he takes inspiration from many places, including Lance Armstrong’s book It’s Not About the Bike. Benjamin is looking forward to LIVESTRONG Week as a time to learn more about healthy cooking, stress management, and how to regain his confidence and enjoy his life in Houston, Texas, “with a new perspective.”
- John and Susan, a couple from Ohio who want to live life as healthy as possible.
John was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2006 and survived a surgery and nine months of chemotherapy – only to face a diagnosis of liver cancer in 2008. Today he is doing well, has a positive attitude, and keeps a close eye on his health to quickly detect signs of any new cancers. Being the daughter of a parent who died from colon cancer, Susan insisted she and John both have regular check-ups. John’s first surprise diagnosis prompted their physician to change how he practices medicine. Together, John and Susan want to learn how to live life to its healthiest and pass those skills on to others.
- Olivia, who lost her grandmother, aunt, cousin, and mother to cancer.
Olivia’s father and sister are survivors of prostate and breast cancer, respectively, and she lost her mother to ovarian cancer two and a half years ago. A California resident, Olivia is striving to understand both the implications of a cancer diagnosis in the daily lives of individuals as well as the complex underpinnings of cancer that go far beyond – but definitely include – family ties and genetics.
- Beth, an Illinois resident who has survived a diagnosis of stage 3 rectal cancer.
Beth lived through what she refers to as the “perfect storm” of 2008. In parallel with the experience of many Americans, Beth suffered a drop-off in her marketing business due to the economic downturn, and went through a divorce. As a result, she lost her house. Beth has also survived a diagnosis of stage III rectal cancer. She is now hoping to return to the outdoor activities she loves – kayaking, biking, and hiking.
- Linda, a cancer survivor who started a support group for survivors and their families.
Linda’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37 and died at age 47, when Linda was 15 years old. Because of her family history with cancer, Linda knew she was at a higher risk, and was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. Now, Linda has been cancer free for four years. She is grateful for the scientific progress that has been made since her mother’s death that “allowed me earlier detection, less painful treatment, and a better prognosis.” Linda wants to share what she learns by being a CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellow.
- Judith, a Wisconsin resident and cancer survivor with a mission.
Judith told CRI that she is “convinced that my purpose is to provide continued health for myself as a cancer survivor and offer support to others.” Judith, who holds a Wisconsin License in Professional Counseling along with a Massage Practitioner Certificate, was diagnosed in October 1998 with stage 3 breast cancer and underwent a partial mastectomy. Five years later, she underwent surgery for a tumor on her brain called a meningioma. Her experiences led Judith to become trained as a patient advocate to help others. After her brain surgery, Judith started on a pathway to control her weight in hopes of enhancing her overall health and well-being. She is being successful in her efforts and intends to focus her time during LIVESTRONG Week on nutritional, physical, and emotional strategies to continue her personal path to health as well as being better prepared to help others in need.
Other Fellowship recipients include:
- A Texas resident, Brenda has survived her own bout with cancer and has also lost her mother and grandmother to cancer. She works at an organization dedicated to helping cancer survivors excel wherever they may live around the world.
- Tiffany is a mother and county sheriff’s deputy in Arizona. She has lost three close family members to cancer. She is working hard to keep herself healthy and be a positive role model for her teenaged daughter.
CRI and LAF are honored to have helped this group of 12 diverse and inspirational individuals to participate in the first-ever CRI LIVESTRONG Week at Canyon Ranch. This first group of CRI LIVESTRONG Fellows reminds us why CRI is focused on improving the health of all people everywhere. CRI certainly shares the vision of CRI LIVESTRONG Week Fellow Judith who told us, “During CRI LIVESTRONG Week…I can improve my skills to help others who are coping, striving, and learning to live long lives with their diagnosis.”
The shared missions of CRI and the LAF have allowed for the partnership between the organizations to support programs of shared interest that work to increase cancer prevention and survivorship. CRI aims to help educate, inspire, and empower every person to prevent disease and embrace a life of wellness. LAF is dedicated to inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer around the world. Both organizations led the development of National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, an initiative to make cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority.
Click here for more information about the LIVESTRONG Day Celebration.
Click here for more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Click here to view photos of the Fellows' experiences during CRI LIVESTRONG Week.
Click here to view the LIVESTRONG blog entry about CRI LIVESTRONG Week at Canyon Ranch
Click on the images above to launch the videos.
View videos of CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., as they speak with Lupita Murillo, host of “Impact” and general assignments reporter for KVOA News 4, about cancer prevention and survivorship, CRI LIVESTRONG Week activities, Canyon Ranch Institute, and partner organization the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Video courtesy of KVOA News 4, Tucson, AZ.
