Purpose
To Change Cancer History!
Mission
To inspire cancer survivors, families and community members to participate in bicycling as a regular physical activity (RPA) in order to reduce the effects of cancer treatments, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and reduce the risk of ever receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Goals
- To raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and other wellness activities as a way to Change Cancer History.
- To inspire survivors, families and communities to increase the frequency of their individual and ìcommunalî participation in RPA through inspirational programs, accessible resources, technical assistance and social support.
- To create and maintain an ever expanding continuum of services that begins with rehabilitation and symptom management and ends with lifelong fitness, including all age groups and settings
- To create ongoing local and global events and programs that unite and connect survivors and communities as they raise awareness and funds to support therapeutic cycling programs. (Cycles of Support)
Why?
Because healing from the experience of hearing the word cancer begins with inspiration not just information
Cancer survivors who cycle, walk or do other kinds of moderate exercise for 3 ñ 5 hrs per week are about 50% less likely to die from their disease as those who do not.
Regular physical activity helps:
- Reduce the side effects of cancer treatments
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Depression
- Pain
- Reduces Body Mass Index
- Reduces insulin levels
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves self-confidence and body image
- Improves Quality of Life (QOL)
- Reduces the risk of ever receiving a cancer diagnosis by as much as 70% in some cancers
- Spending $1 in physical activity leads to a $3 reduction in health care costs
How?
Create community Cycles of Support that include partnerships with a variety of groups and organizations in order to create the following continuum of programs and services:
Inspiration
We Will Because We Can™ Community Rides and Awareness events
These events will raise awareness and funds to
Support
Rehabilitation and Symptom Management programs for cancer survivors:
- In home stationary bikes or trainers
- Spinning groups with cycling buddies/partners at local fitness facilities
As survivors progress through these rehabilitation and recovery programs they will join other family and community members as they participate in regular and supported
Health Programs
- Group and day trips: Community
- We Will Because We Can Cycling Club & Teams in Training: Courage
- Renewal Rides and multi-day trips: Resilience
- Life Long Fitness
