Team Phoenix brings cancer survivors together at the Pettit National Ice Center

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Advocate Aurora Health Care brought together dozens of cancer survivors Wednesday night, Dec. 11 at the Pettit National Ice Center, showcasing what a benefit it can be to meet others who've gone through what you have.

In the room were women between the ages of 26 and 74. Most are breast cancer survivors, and many are also triathletes.

You could say they became triathletes because of their cancer. Members of the group, known as Team Phoenix, got started after their recovery. You may remember them from Natalie's Everyday Heroes. The intention of the group is to redefine survivorship with healthy heating active living workshops and working out together.

"Because when people come, they feel like they're a part of something and they're not going through anything alone anymore. It's a really incredible transition going from ending your treatment to actually having that transition to survivorship," said Ilka Hoffins, program director at Team Phoenix and special events coordinator for Cancer Survivor Services at Advocate Aurora Health Care.

Team Phoenix already has a handful of women signed up for the 2025 triathlon that's held at Ottawa Lake. The 14-week training for that starts in mid-April.