Making Waves Floating Support Group

Why choose dragon boating as a venue for survivors? Research has shown that breast cancer survivors who engage in repetitive activities, such as paddling, develop a marked improvement in  both physical and mental health. Armed with positive effects of dragon boating, a group of enthusiastic breast cancer survivors from Rochester got organized and paddles every Wednesday evening in the summer on Silver Lake. The team meets in the winter months to work on stretching and strength training.
For more information contact, Sheila Kramer at (507) 281-2879 or email makingwavesteam@gmail.com

Pink Ribbon Mentors

This group continues their work of “being there” for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. One of the mainstays of Join the Journey’s outreach efforts, this group provides a volunteer presence in the chemotherapy suite (Gonda 10) at Mayo Clinic five days a week. The mentors visit with women while they receive chemo, answer questions they might have and provide encouragement and support.  The mentors also visit women who are hospitalized after breast surgery, answering their questions and offering the gift of the Moonlight Pillow, to help make their recovery more comfortable. For those women who desire ongoing support, mentors maintain contact for the duration of their treatment and sometimes beyond, making phone calls or meeting together to share their experience with reconstruction surgery, medication issues, or other aspects of dealing with breast cancer. Ongoing training and support sessions are held for the mentors on a monthly basis.  To learn more about mentors, contact Linda Miller at miller.linda@mayo.edu.  

What's Happening

Join the Journey

We started the year with a great planning retreat, and welcomed our new president, Elynn Welle - whom many of you already know. Read more from Elynn in "President's Thoughts." The retreat agenda served to remind us that Join the Journey has a lot of volunteer opportunities. For example, we recently 'hired' a new treasurer, Dudley Davis!

For those interested in volunteering for the annual walk, contact Margot Potts (jpmp114@charter.net). First time walk chair in 2009, Margot agreed to another year and is looking for willing folks to fill out her roster - planners, day-of coordinators, or just helpful hands. Other volunteer opportunities are also available throughout the year, contact Linda Grigoleit (volunteer@gmail.com). Your support is essential, and we are grateful for your continued participation.
Going forward into 2010 and beyond we hope to be in contact a little more regularly. As you know, we have launched a blog and Facebook page, and are even doing a little tweeting! Check out our website www.jointhejourney.us to connect to us and others. Please add your comments and Join the Journey event photos - it will make it more fun and informative for all of us!
Speaking of the blog, and this newsletter, you will find these articles and more on the blog. We'd like to bring Join the Journey news and other topics of interest to you in the format you prefer - please let us know what you want, and help make Join the Journey communications more relevant to you!
(Photo: Margot Potts wearing that great PINK hat!) 

Are You TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK?

Tough Enough to Wear Pink was created by entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, Terry Wheatley, to bring the sport of professional rodeo and the western community together to rally against breast cancer. It strives to empower local organizations in the fight against breast cancer.

Members of the Rochester, Minnesota community who have a passion for breast cancer awareness and a desire to support Join the Journey are asking the Rochester community – Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink?

Friday, April 9 is Make Rochester Pink Night at the Bull Riding Challenge being held at Graham Arena. 

Local sponsors will donate $2 per person who walks through the door wearing pink.

Additional proceeds from Tough Enough to Wear Pink special contests and sales on site will also be donated to Join the Journey.

• Friday, April 9, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
  
  • Graham Arena (Olmsted County Fairgrounds)
  • $15 adults; $7 children
  • For more information visit makerochesterpink.com or call Pam Mickelson at (507) 289-7078.

Decision Guide for newly diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

Breast Cancer Care: Education and Survivorshiphttp://www.mayoclinic.org/mcitems/mc1600-mc1699/mc1604-0110.pdf

Educational Opportunities Women’s Cancer Resource Room March, 2010

 Pink Ribbon Mentors 

-Monday thru Friday 9:30am-4:30pm

Mayo Clinic and Join the Journey’s Pink Ribbon Mentors help newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients find answers to their questions and provide a shoulder to lean on. 

Sponsored by Join the Journey (jointhejourney.us)  

Strengthening Healing Sessions-Scrapbooking and creative cards with artist Jodi Bower -Tuesdays 1:30-3:00pm

Photos provide a unique glimpse into our past.  Join us as we are introduced to creative ways of displaying photographs, making cards, and revisiting fond memories.    

Sponsored by Join the Journey (jointhejourney.us)

Please feel free to attend any of the sessions.  The resource room is open to all patients and individuals who want information on women’s cancer.  For more information, call 507-266-9288.

Happy Valentines Day Everyone...