BEAT CANCER BOOT CAMP
Some participants are wearing camouflage and combat boots, they're sweating and grunting with exertion, but all seem exhilarated when they're finished with their workouts. No, this isn't Parris Island -- it's Tucson, and the camo-clad warriors are cancer survivors, as well as family members and friends, and they're at Beat Cancer Boot Camp.
Started by founder Anita Kellman, R.T.(R)(M), Beat Cancer Boot Camp helps cancer survivors stay active during treatment for their illness and beyond. Studies have shown that regular exercise helps patients relieve stress and anxiety, increase immune function, as well as combating side effects such as nausea and fatigue.
Known to her "troop members" as "Sarge," Kellman leads her groups in military-style exercises based on The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness by Stewart Smith. The classes are offered three times a week at various locations, and hours change depending on the season. Anyone can join the classes regardless of her fitness level; all exercises can be modified and participants go at their own pace.
In addition to running the exercise classes, Kellman also holds social events, such as monthly lunches and dinners to provide the opportunity for peope to gather in a social setting to network and share stories. Scholarships for classes or socials also can be donated to those who are in financial need. The mentoring program is vital to the boot camp experience. Kellman helps to match a newly diagnosed individual with someone with a simialr diagnosis to help educate and support them informally. Buddies also play a part, and can be family members or friends.
"Being in the health care field for 30 years, most recently as a part-time clinical liaison at the Breast Center of Southern Arizona, I have been exposed to people getting cancer, and had friends and family battling the disease. What I didn't like was how helpless some of them felt with the diagnosis. Having a fitness program is something positive they can do. Performing these military-style exercises outdoors is very powerful for their minds and bodies. Dressing the part transforms them."
Part of the mission of Beat Cancer Boot Camp was to be as inclusive of all cancer patients as possible. "I realized that no one should have to ask permission to join an exercise support group. Cancer doesn't discriminate...and neither do we."
The nonprofit Beat Cancer Boot Camp is funded in various ways through private donations, as well as some funding from Pima County Parks and Recreation. Kellman volunteers her many hours spent on Boot Camp projects, so money goes directly into the programs and scholarships, and stays locally.
"This year, we had our first, 'Beat Cancer Boot Camp Challenge' fundraising event," Kellman enthuses. "It was a 5k obstacle course along the Rillito and in the wash. Obstacles were designed and built by various law enforcement agencies and military organizations. We also had Stewart Smith, exercise book author and Navy SEAL, come out and do the warm up with us. Not only was it a huge success, I felt proud to be able to bring the whole community together for a great cause. Our second annual Boot Camp Challenge will be March 20, 2010.
"As this program continues to grow, we are always looking for people to help. We need to expand our list of mentors, but we also can use a hand with any number of tasks, such as helping out with social events or even office work."
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with Beat Cancer Boot Camp is watching these men and women 'pay it forward' to others," says Kellman." "Also, knowing I truly made a difference in their lives is priceless!"
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November issue "Tucson Lifestyle Magazine" -- written by Anne Kellogg