Just a little blurb about Get REAL & HEEL and the upcoming year!!

Get REAL (Get Recreation, Get Exercise, Get Active, Get Living) & HEEL (a reference to healing and the UNC Tarheels) is a 20-week program designed to address overall health and well-being for breast cancer survivors. Get REAL & HEEL (GRH) utilizes an integrative approach to wellness. Participants attend the center three times per week and receive individualized prescriptive exercise and recreational therapy to improve physical and psychosocial well-being. Exercise programming includes cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training. Recreational therapy (RT) enhances psychosocial wellbeing with interventions including biofeedback and mindfulness training, HeartMath© techniques, stress management, and expressive arts.

As a Pink Pacer, I am so excitd to get to work in the upcoming year! We have the Blue and Pink UNC Gymnastics meet and Cancer Awareness Fair on Feb 20th starting at 12 PM! That event will feature the Get REAL & HEEL Program! We will also have Fleet Feet Carrboro, The Pink Pacers and and many more fun activities for children and adults! We are so excited to work with the UNC Gymnastics program again this year. Coach Derek Galvin does such an amazing job with his Gymnasts in keeping them very involved in our community here in Chapel Hill.
Go HEELS!

The Pink Pacers are also excited about the upcoming race in the early Fall. We will have the date for that event as soon as the UNC Football schedule is announced. Prior to that event we are hoping to organize (with the help of Fleet Feet) running and walking groups to help people get ready for the fun run/walk! Be on the lookout for more information.

Thank you everyone for following the Pink Pacers thus far. By the end of 2011 we really hope to have been able to help grow awareness about the Get REAL & HEEL program and what it has to offer Survivors! Please look at http://www.getrealandheel.com/ for information on the amazing program and staff.

Walk on...

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The Pink Pacers' Story

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We are back and I am smiling!

Hello Pink Pacers and visitors!

I am so excited for the 2010-2011 Pink Pacers year! I could not be more thrilled to get this show started! Up ahead, we will be organizing the Cancer awareness Fair with the UNC Gymnastics Team as well as the Pink Pacers 5K Walk/Run! We are going to build on the success of our first walk and step it up a notch! Get your running and walking shoes out in preperation for the Fun day! These two will take place in February and in the Fall of 2011! Lots of planning to do and I am ready!

Are you?

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We are still here!

The Pink Pacers were able to raise $8,606 for the Get REAL & HEEL program from the UNC Gymnastics Health Fair and the First ever Get REAL & HEEL 5K Walk! We are so excited to have helped such an amazing program! It was a TON of work and super worth it!! Great job Pink Pacers!

Next on the horizon... The Race for the Cure! We are excited to get together and run/walk for such a fun event and a fantastic cause! I look forward to seeing all the Pink Pacers out there! We may need to bedazzle ourselves!

If you are interested in walking/running with us please email katymgilliam@gmail.com. I will direct you to our team captain for that event! All are welcome!

Walk on...

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Southport Graphics!

Southport Graphics teamed up with us this year in full support of the 5K Walk! Southport Graphics is an amazing printing company that has a heart bigger then the Research Triangle. They stepped in and provided Get REAL & HEEL with all of their signage for the walk! This was more then we could have ever asked for! Their work is high quality as well as their staff! I am blessed to have them as friends.

Thank you Southport Graphics for making a big impact on the success of our walk. You are the main reason why we are able to give all of the money raised back to Get REAL & HEEL!

At this time the total is $6,850 with a few more checks coming in! Along with the money raised we had around 250 at the walk celebrating our first 5K ever! My goal is to double both the money raised and the walkers!

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Thank you!

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Riverbrooks Photography

Kristy Gibson, founder of riverbrooks photography, is known for catching the beauty out of everyday life. She loves to catch everyone in their own special moments. Her photos give insight and spark the memory of the day, not just a pose. She is proud to be a pink pacer- and could not think of a more heartwarming event to take photographs then at the Get REAL & HEEL 5k Walk. To see her photos from this weekend and see some of your own special moments check out the following link:

http://www.riverbrooksphotography.com/Events/GetRealHeel5k/11668113_tyvFe#823073781_R42Fv

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Bridging the Gap!

Get REAL & HEEL and Pink Pacers
Bridging the Gap 5K Walk
March 27th, 2010
There are very few words that I can use to express how amazing this day turned out to be. The sky was a clear blue with a bit of a chill in the air. It was a perfect day for our 5K Walk adventure! We are so proud of what we have accomplished this year as a team. I have learned that the Pink Pacers are a force! I am so proud of our team and even more proud to be called a Pink Pacer. I am waiting to hear back from Diane about our final fundraising number! Be on the lookout for the full report when those numbers come in. For right now, enjoy a few pictures from our amazing day! Walk on...

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Pink Pacers Rock!

Read about the 5K here: Pink Pacers Rock!

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Fun Facts about Get REAL & HEEL

About the Program

Get REAL & HEEL is a unique program designed to serve breast cancer patients in North Carolina. Get REAL & HEEL is not just an exercise program. It integrates individualized prescriptive exercise with recreational therapy to provide a program that strengthens your body and mind. We develop an individualized plan that helps each participant manage cancer treatment related symptoms and increase chances of survivorship and quality of life. Because of grant support, this incredible program is currently provided to individuals free of charge.

The acute and chronic side effects usually associated with the diagnosis and the administration of cancer treatments has increasingly gained attention in the oncology arena. The medical community has begun to recognize the importance of using complementary forms of therapy to alleviate some of the side-effects produced by cancer treatments. A debilitative state of fatigue is among the most common side-effects experienced by upwards of 72% of all cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. Other prevalent side-effects include pain, loss of muscle mass, loss of strength, depression, nausea, and shortness of breath which alone or in combination decreases the functionality of patients, thus diminishing overall quality of life. While the trend in oncology is to address some of these symptoms with the administration of pharmacological treatments some of these strategies provide only temporary relief.
Complementary alternative therapies such as exercise and recreation therapy have received attention for their ability to complement symptom management strategies currently used by oncology physicians. Research has shown that when administered prior, during, and post cancer treatment, exercise and some forms of recreational therapy have assisted patients significantly decrease fatigue, improve strength and endurance, conserve muscle mass, improve metabolism, improve stress management, improve heart rate coherence and heart rate variability, and develop effective coping skills. In turn, individuals are likely to feel better physically and emotionally.

What are you waiting for? Be active in your fight against cancer. Talk to your physician and call us to see if the Get REAL & HEEL program is right for you!

Program Components

Participants in the Get REAL & HEEL program will be a part of an exercise and recreational therapy program 3 times per week for a period of 5 months.
The Exercise Program may include:
Cardiovascular activities on various types of aerobic exercise equipment
Weight training
Flexibility exercises (including specific exercises to regain surgical side shoulder range-of-motion
The Recreational Therapy Program may include:

Pain and stress management
Relaxation techniques
Mindfulness training
Individual leisure education
Group activities such as ropes challenge course, expressive arts and group leisure education

Educational Workshops

In addition to providing services on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill, Get REAL & HEEL staff serves women through educational workshops offered in each of the 13 counties serviced by the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Susan G Komen for the Cure Foundation. The workshops teach breast cancer survivors how to use exercise and recreation to offset the negative side effects of cancer treatment and improve overall quality of life. The three hour workshops provide education and skill instruction in safe exercise techniques, HeartMath® for stress management, and counseling regarding the ways exercise and leisure can enhance overall well-being and quality of life. Participants receive a comprehensive notebook of educational materials and a Theraband for home based strength training. The workshops are offered free of charge and attempt to fill gaps in service delivery by collaborating with agencies that specifically target underinsured and Latina women.

Australia Chapter

The Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program first opened its door and began serving women in North Carolina in 2006. Since then, numerous survivors have been served. While presenting the program model and outcomes of the intervention at scientific meetings, local cancer organizations, and fitness/ wellness facilities, interest in the concept of combining exercise with recreation therapy began to grow.
Interest in reproducing the GRH program in Australia was explored after members of the U.S. program met Dr. Fiona Naumann, an Australian clinical researcher, at the 11th Annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition, Exercising the Future of Fitness. During the summer of 2007 Dr. Naumann collaborated with the Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program at UNC to learn what would be required to replicate the program in Australia. That Fall, she returned to Australia where she is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Research manager for the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation at the University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle campus. At Notre Dame, Dr. Naumann received full support from the School of Health Science to implement the Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program Australia Chapter. Dr. Naumann, Dr. Battaglini, and Dr. Groff received a grant from The Cancer Council WA Early Career Investigator (ECI) Research Grants Program in Australia to start the program at Notre Dame. The program started enrolling breast cancer survivors in September of 2008 and is currently serving the first 12 women. Similar to GRH in the US, participants receive individualized, prescriptive exercise and counseling in an effort to assist them manage the side effects of breast cancer treatment. In the fall of 2008, Dr. Battaglini visited the new Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program Australia Chapter to help with the implementation of the project and returned to Chapel Hill impressed with the University of Notre Dame, the Get REAL & HEEL Australia Chapter program facility, the students involved in the project, and the wonderful work Dr. Naumann and her assistant Ms. Jena Buchan begin to provide in Australia.

Go Get REAL & HEEL!!!! Reaching out and touching the lives of breast cancer survivors worldwide.

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Working hard or hardly working?

I would have to say we are working HARD! The Pink Pacers can not believe that March is already here! The big 5K walk is just around the corner and we are getting more excited each day!

Please join us as we walk around our beautiful campus here in Chapel Hill. We are able to give 100% of the money raised from this walk directly to Get REAL & HEEL! Isn't that amazing? Not only do we get to do that but we get to celebrate active living and be a part of something amazing!

The first 200 to register will get a free race shirt when they come to the walk!

You know want one!

http://www.sportoften.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=4782

Don't be left out!

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Pink Pacers ROCKED the Blue and Pink Health Fair and Gymnastics Meet!

We had the best time this Valentine's Day with the 4th Annual Blue and Pink Gymnastics Meet and Health Fair. We broke the all time attendance record for a UNC Gymnastics meet with over 2000 people! We also were able to raise over $1000 for Get REAL & HEEL!

We are so excited and proud of how it all came together! Below are many pictures from the event. Thank you, Pink Pacers, for all of your hard work!

Thank you, Coach Galvin, for trusting us!

Diane Groff (Get REAL & HEEL Director), Brooke Bowersox, Katy Gilliam, Coach Derek Galvin (UNC Gymnastics Coach), Carrie Gilmore

UNC Cheerleaders and Anna Kathryn/Maggie Bowersox

Suzie and our "Bee the change, Bee" Reagan McGuinn

The Gilmore Girls

Mary Stillman and Kristy Gibson

Wendy Woodall and Brooke Bowersox

The UNC Cheerleaders and the Olsen kiddos.

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Bring your Valentines and join us!

Please join us for this family fun event THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 14th at Carmichael for the Carolina Blue and Pink Gymnastics Meet & Cancer Awareness Fair!

Arrive between 12:30 - 2:30 to get great seats AND take advantage of free health information, consultations, interactive activities, and some giveaways! The Pink Pacers will also be there to provide some special treats for your favorite young gymnast as well as register you for our Bridging the Gap 5K walk!

Beginning at 2:30, enjoy a fantastic gymnastics meet as UNC Women's Gymnastics hosts Maryland. WE ARE TRYING TO BREAK AN ALL TIME ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR UNC WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS, so be sure to bring along the whole family and a few friends too!
Admission to both the health fair and the gymnastics meet are FREE!

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Registration is OPEN!

Please follow the link and register for the Get REAL & HEEL 5K walk! The first 50 to register will get a water bottle and a shirt!

http://www.sportoften.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=4782

We are fortunate to have such generous sponsors - please support them! There will be many giveaways at the walk!

Hatteras Funds

Baker's Cakes

Zoghbys Uniforms

Brand Fuel

Southport Graphics

wuzalilly

Durham Mother's Club

In the Pink Wigs & Boutique

Rhonda Stults and Cindy Gudeman from Remax of Chapel Hill

Zumatec

Balance Physical Therapy

Body Billboards

Carolina Parent Magazine

Jimmy Johns

Gumby's

PizzaChicken Bridge Bakery

Smoothie King

Dunkin' Donuts

Berwick Offray Ribbon Outlet

body billboards

Carolina Dining Services

Chapel Hill High School Varsity and JV Cheerleading squad

The Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties

Riverbrooks Photography

Dance Theater South

The Tumble Gym

Elizabeth Galecke Photography

Fleet Feet

Fitness World

Vespa

Chapel Hill Restaurant Group

Bull City Running

The McCartney Family

Performance Bikes

Bull City Gymnastics

CMe Sports

Happikins

A Southern Accent

Woodall Freelance

Hobnob press

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It is Gymnastics Time...Tar Heel style!

We would like to send a HUGE thank you to the University of North Carolina Women's Gymnastics team. The Jr. Pink Pacers were invited to a awesome young gymnastics experience! They were able to do all of the circuits with the actual Tar Heel Gymnasts!

All of our children were star struck as well as exhausted at the end! Everyone slept great that night!

Please mark your calendars for February 14th.

The UNC Gymnastics Team is hosting The Blue & Pink Wellness Fair at 12:00 PM.

Location: Carmichael Auditorium

Following the event will be the UNC / Maryland Gymnastics Meet at 2:30.

Please join us as we cheer on the Tar Heels! Go Tar Heels!

Pink Pacers, Get REAL & HEEL , Coach Derek and his awesome UNC Gymnastics Team.

Brooke, Coach and Katy

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Where it all began

Anne and Katy: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer October 2006

We started this journey in 2006 and have not stopped since. Anne and I have had so much fun watching the Pink Pacers grow and are in awe of where it is today.

Every step we take to finding a cure for Cancer is going to make a difference in not only those dealing with this horrible disease now but also in our children's lives. I look forward to the day when my daugther only has to worry about putting pink ribbons in her daughter's hair -- and not on her shirt.

Walk on...(even if it is in the rain)

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The Breast of the 80s

Yes, this is another side of the Pink Pacers that you may not have seen. Aren't we gorgeous??

The Pink Pacers not only walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer but we have also been volunteers. I can say that this aspect of the walk did not hurt my feet as much but it did hurt my stomach. We laughed so much that I think I actually got a workout! Below is a picture of the 2009 Avon Walk Crew Team. We were in charge of Rest Stop 4 at mile 17. We had food, water and a medical tent for all who needed it. Luckily, Richard Simmons was available for a few stretching sessions. I can honestly say, our husbands are amazing for stepping it up for a great cause! The Pink Pacers have no shame!

Walk on...

Modanna, 80s rock guy, Flash Dance, 80s girl, Richard Simmons, Mary Lou Retton, PeeWee Hurman, Big Hair guy, Goose and Maverick.

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Are you "In the Pink?"

I would like to introduce the Pink Pacers' FIRST sponsor for 2010!

If you have not heard of the wonderful store In the Pink Wigs & Boutique then you need to stop by and meet Dana Powers! Dana is a wonderful new member of the Pink Pacers and our first sponsor! We look forward to many years together!

Walk on...

In the Pink is a wig shop and post-breast-surgery garment boutique offering confidential appointments in a private, relaxed setting. The boutique is a comfortable place where you can come and feel at ease and at home and know you are not alone in your experience.

Dana Powers, a Durham resident, opened In the Pink after embarking on her own journey as a cancer survivor in 2008. Dana realized there was a need for a comfortable shop providing individualized care, support and understanding in addition to offering quality products. Her understanding of how spiritually uplifting it is to seek emotional support and feel good about one's appearance during cancer treatment has made In the Pink Durham's most unique wig boutique.

In the Pink should be one of the first stops for women who are facing breast surgery or have been diagnosed with cancer and are expecting or experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Feel free stop by for a cup of tea at any time, browse the shop, and know you are with others who are sharing the journey of your experience.

Our hope is that you will leave feeling uplifted; more beautiful than ever; eager to face the world and excited to move forward with confidence again. In the pink.

The phrase "In the Pink" is said to signify a state of well being and good health.

In the Pink Wigs & Boutique

3401 university Dr

Durham, NC 27707

919-490-5790

Owner: Dana Powers

http://www.inthepinkwigs.com/Home_Page.html

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When it rains it pours!

For some reason, the weather has not cooperated with us over the past few walks. I think that the rain likes the Pink Pacers! We had 2 teams walk this year and both of them were poored on! Below is a picture of the Charlotte 2009 walk team! This team was so positive during the HUGE downpour! I love this picture and was so excited when Suzie sent it to me today! I had to share!

Walk on... (even when it rains!)

Suzie McGuinn (3x walker), Katie Robertson (2x walker), Kristy Gibson (first time walker), Anne Marie Schneider(2x walker), Anne Neeley(4x walker) and Sue Mathias(first time walker)

Please note: The 2009 walk teams met our goal of reaching and surpassing $100,000 in fundraising since we started in 2006! We walk on because we can not walk away. We are making a difference!

Walk on...

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