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Health & Fitness

Strength for Life, About Us!

Strength for Life is a nonprofit organization which provides FREE exercise classes and wellness retreats to adult cancer patients and survivors regardless of diagnosis, gender or age.

 

On June 1, 2005, Evelyn Knapp lost her battle with breast cancer. She was just 40 years old, a wife, a mother of 3 little girls (who are not so little anymore) and a business owner. As an exercise physiologist and co founder of PTI, Personal Training Institute, Evelyn understood the benefit of exercising, she practiced what she preached and was the epitome of health. So when she was diagnosed with breast cancer it was a shock to all who knew her… this goes to show that cancer just does not discriminate.

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After her diagnosis and during treatment Evelyn continued to exercise saying it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation, she made it her new mission to help other cancer patients like herself feel empowered on their journey.

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After she lost her battle, Strength for Life was formed to keep her vision and memory alive.  We (founders – Jacqui & Debbie) always say we are just doing her work, we are her earthen vessels and just like when she was here – she makes us work really hard! 

 

Since 2007, when Strength for Life was officially formed, we have helped over 1000 cancer patients and survivors regain their “strength for life”. We hold classes at Stony Brook Cancer Center, Winthrop University, Mather Hospital, STARS Rehab (part of NSLIJ), Long Island Cancer Wellness Center, and our newest location the Commack JCC. 

 

We are very active with support groups throughout Long Island. We are on the advisory committee for the Suffolk County Cancer Prevention Task Force; voted 2013 LIWA (Long Island Women’s Agenda) organization of the year; and we have 5 star rating on “Great Non Profits” with comments from our clients stating they had a “life changing”, “powerful” and “nurturing” experience.

 

Classes are lead by Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, we also provide the necessary equipment so that the survivor can continue their exercise prescription at home…all of this is free of charge.

 

In 2009 we introduced our Wellness Retreats. To date we have held 12 retreats, hosting more than 250 cancer patients to a weekend getaway in which they are exposed to a variety of healing modalities. Some of the classes we introduce are yoga, meditation, tai chi, feng shui for healing and reiki.

 

We have Doctors of Naturopathic and Osteopathic Medicine speak about complementary therapies and provide simple steps to clear your environment of toxins. We provide all meals, hotel room accommodations, classes and lectures. ..again, this is all free of charge.

 

We are only able to do this with your support of our many fundraisers, donations and having you help spread the word.  All it takes is one person to catapult us to the next level – and you may have that connection.

 

Here is the link to our blog about The Third Recognition Dinner held on June 1st, 2014; and the link to NYCharities where you can donate.

 

Our email is strengthforlife@optonline.net; address Strength for Life, 902 Constance Lane, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 and website www.strengthforlifeNY.org

Thank you for any consideration to further our cause, and help survivors regain their “strength for life.”

 

 

 

 

 

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