Shift from Survivor to Thriver

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel like being stranded in a deep, dark jungle. Nothing looks or feels familiar. Danger may be anywhere. As a result, you need to find ways to fight for your life. Survival is key.

After surgery and treatment, you might be declared a survivor. As a survivor, you need to adapt your skills to make it through each day. As you physically and mentally heal, thoughts about cancer recurring may consume your world. For this reason, you may remain in survival mode for years. This might cause you to grow weary and discouraged. Especially when you have to figure things out on your own.

Use the skills you gained for surviving a cancer diagnosis to gradually shift from surviving to thriving. Although you can’t get back your old life, you can create your new normal. You might still feel weighed down from all the testing, scans, treatments, medications, doctor visits and other parts of surviving cancer. But, in order to thrive, you need to work on letting go of the past and moving forward.

If you have difficulty creating your new normal, talk with other cancer survivors for insight and ideas. They might suggest starting with a mindset shift. Leave behind a world of cancer. Focus on a life filled with excitement and joy.

Create a vision board of what you want your life to look like. Recite positive affirmations to counter your negative thoughts throughout the day. Write in a journal. Talk with a counselor. Make a conscious decision to do what feels best to move from survivor to thriver.

Give yourself time to adapt. Shifting from survival to thrival mode takes time. You’ll have ups and downs along the way. Go easy on yourself. Things won’t change overnight. They take time.

If you or someone you know is battling cancer, get in touch with Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.

Wisconsin’s Cookie Lady Raises Thousands for Cancer Research

Sheila Berklund of Luck, Wisconsin, referred to as “the cookie lady,” bakes cookies to raise money for the UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center. She offers people a bag of freshly baked cookies, including a tag reading Cookies for Cancer, in exchange for a donation to cancer research. Sheila’s goal is to raise enough money so she doesn’t have to sell cookies anymore.

Sheila began selling cookies to support a cancer race in her community. Since she lost her parents to cancer, the cause was personal. Because Sheila had difficulty asking people for donations, she decided to take a different approach the second year. When Sheila made a batch of cookies, and her husband was working out of town and their grown children were out of the house, Sheila had many cookies left over. Although she initially gave away the extras, she decided to sell them to raise money for the cancer walk.

The first year, Sheila offered chocolate chip and coconut cookies. When her husband requested peanut butter and her neighbor oatmeal raisin, Sheila began making a variety. She now bakes 12 to 14 flavors of cookies. Along with cranberry and espresso chip, Sheila continually comes up with new flavor combinations while letting go of others.

When Sheila’s local cancer race merged with and moved to neighboring Frederic, her sister suggested using Cookies for Cancer to support their local high school’s Bulldog Stomp Cancer Run/Walk, benefiting the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Sheila liked the fact that the money is raised through a student-run event and stays in Wisconsin.

In two years of fundraising for the Bulldog Stomp, Sheila made two gifts to the UW Carbone totaling more than $10,000. Although she doesn’t keep track of her fundraising, Sheila has raised thousands more for cancer research over the years.

Like Sheila, you can benefit people in your community who are battling cancer. Provide your time or a financial contribution to Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.

Include Chix 4 a Cause in your New Years' plans

Like most people, you want to know that you make a difference in the lives of others. One of the best ways to do so is through volunteering. Giving your time to nonprofit organizations that provide services you’re passionate about benefits everyone involved. For this reason, we encourage you to make volunteering with Chix 4 a Cause part of your New Year’s plans. By helping us provide short-term financial and long-term emotional support to residents of southeastern Wisconsin fighting cancer, and long-term emotional support to people in the United States battling cancer, you’ll hear responses like these from the people we help:

“My emotional levels were already high, but the extra support, especially when I was out of work, allowed my soul to be completely at peace to help my body get healthy.”

“Never did I expect these amazing people to present amazing help!”

“You are a wonderful addition to my community and were so helpful. I am grateful.”

“The gift cards were very helpful, especially on the days I just didn't have the energy to cook.”

“Such love and compassion shared!”

“All of the volunteers were amazing!”

“I was speechless at the kindness of total strangers reaching out over the phone and visiting me personally at home.”

“The girls were very friendly and supportive. They prayed with me and for me, which was very comforting.”

“Thank you! Gracias! Much love, kindness & generosity sent your way.”

“Thank you for being my friends & God bless!”

“I'm done with all of my treatments and have started reconstructive surgery. All is going well so far. So grateful for the love and support I've received from all! Thank you so much!”

Sign up today to volunteer with Chix 4 a Cause. You decide which events to participate in. Volunteer as much or as little as you want. Visit chix4acause.org today.