Cancer survivors redefine their lives as they prep for triathlon

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- "Surgery? Done. Chemo? Done. Radiation? Done."

Cancer is a disease that has touched the lives of many, that can leave lasting scars both physically and mentally, but one group is working to redefine what it means to be a survivor.

For 11 years, hundreds of cancer survivors have joined Team Pheonix with Aurora Health Care. It is a 14-week professional training plan that incorporates strength, swimming, biking, and running practice to complete a sprint-distance triathlon.

"[Cancer] in my rearview mirror. I'm redefined. I'm alive. I'm proud. I'm strong. I can do all of these things," Team Pheonix athlete Kimberly Walker said.

For Walker, deciding to join Team Pheonix was difficult because she did not know how to swim. After being told she would be taught how to swim and helped along the way by a group of survivors, she was in. Now, she feels reborn, like a phoenix.

"Crazily, I was so, so nervous," she said. "I look back, and I'm a shell of that older person who was so doubtful, who was fearful, who was really wondering what does the future look like for me, and now I'm like, 'let's go, let's have it, let's get at it,' thanks to Team Pheonix."

The team meets every week in preparation for the July 30 triathlon. Alum Megan May crossed the finish line last year but decided to return to be there for women like Walker.

"Last year's team ranged from someone in the early 30s, and I think our oldest athlete was 74, but we all had cancer in common, and all wanted to stay healthy," May said.

The weekly workout docket consists of running on Mondays. This week was different as they had a special treat courtesy of the Milwaukee Fire Department: handmade pizza. The department put the dinner up for auction at the annual Susan G. Komen gala last spring, and a Team Pheonix alum was the highest bidder, eventually gifting it to the team.

"What inspires me about Team Pheonix is the journey. They are surviving. They are thriving," Lt. Jeff Freitag said.

The women enjoyed the pizza as they continued to prepare for the triathlon, a feat not many would attempt, but one Walker says is nothing compared to what they have already accomplished.

"I have that feeling in the bottom of my stomach of, 'Can I do this?' I know I can. That's one of the things that Team Phoenix teaches us, that we can do hard things," she said.

"The hardest thing that most of us have gone through and will go through is beating cancer, going through that journey. This is taking lemon and making lemonade. I'm looking forward to saying, 'I'm a triathlete.'"

For more information on Team Phoenix, visit the Aurora Health Care website.