Meet Some of Our Winter Challengers!

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I have always loved that Mario helped others after his fight with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Though I cannot help as much as he does, after my battle with the HL Stage 2B I have volunteered with LLS and American Cancer Society. Not only did I battle HL in 2010 I was then diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 3A in 2015. Through out this these two battles I worked full time and was raising 3 children. I now live with the after effects of cancer treatment, the biggest is Lymphadema in right arm and hand,after breast cancer surgery. Exercise helps with the pain and management of it. So supporting the Lemieux Foundation is of great importance to me and my family, two of my daughters signed up also! This adds motivation to exercise through the winter months . I want to be healthy and live a life to see all my children graduate high school, have careers and hopefully grandchildren!! — Brenda Ferek

I have been a PetFriends volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh with my two therapy golden retrievers for nine years and in that time I have seen firsthand the difference that the donations from the Lemieux foundation have made in the lives of all the sweet children who visit that facility every day. For that reason, I will support anything and everything that the Lemieux foundation does to raise money. — Linda Springer

Every step in life -- literally and figuratively -- is a gift. I didn't fully realize that until I was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. I underwent seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. The prognosis wasn't good, but the staff at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center always gave me hope. "You're not a statistic," one doctor said. "You're an individual." Throughout treatment and for a long time after, I felt like a broken person. I looked in a mirror and thought, "Will I ever be the same?" The answer, of course, was no. What cancer taught me was that I could be a better person -- a more empathetic, grateful person, a better wife, friend, family member, neighbor and citizen. An avid hiker, kayaker and outdoorswoman, I walked during my treatment, but it was discouraging to only to be able to walk a block at a time and having to take many breaks. I am walking and hiking for the Lemieux Foundation to help others get to the summit of their own mountains and to rejoice when they get there. — Deborah Garlicki

Celebrating being cancer free 11 years from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 2B this year AND cancer free of triple positive Breast Cancer Stage 3A for 5 years. I have secondary Lymphadema due to surgery for breast cancer and exercise helps relieve pain and symptoms from the Lymphadema. This is great organization that helps cancer patients and helping keep me motivated too through the winter months!! — Brenda Kurincak-Ferek

I like many people in the Pittsburgh area am a huge fan of Hockey and Mario Lemieux for all that he has done for hockey and outside of hockey as a player and a human. Mario, his family, and the team at the foundation are such amazing people. The efforts that they put into these causes and the money that is raised is so important for Cancer Research and to allow the patients and families to feel cared for as they go through treatments is so important and helpful.
My Wife was diagnosed 2 and 1/2 years ago with cancer and she is still battling hard, getting Chemo treatments two weeks on two weeks off. When this hits that close to home it is the whole family that goes through this and to have the extra special touches there for the patient and the family members means a great deal. Thank you for all that the Lemieux's and the Foundation do. Glad to help in anyway possible. — Jeff Fields

To show support to families who need it and to raise awareness for this great foundation. I have raised money for this great foundation over the last several years while participating in the 6.6k race and completing my 1st half marathon last year — Chris Morris

When my cousin in Pittsburgh signed up to participate I joined her and I am so glad that I did! It gives us a shared activity across the miles between VA and PA and gets us out of the house when we would rather not brave the cold. The Winter Challenge has kick-started my level of activity. Thanks for that! — B Hunt

I own a personal training studio in the South Hills. A client told me about the challenge, sent me the info and then I forwarded it onto the rest of my clients. Many of them signed up as well. This is the perfect motivation to get people off of their couches during the winter months. One mile a day isn't asking too much of them and they'll all feel better once they've accomplished this challenge. Thank you for running this challenge. Everyone wins! — Sherry Locke

Well being I try and exercise daily I thought why not add a good cause to up my motivation and it has. So now when I need a little extra kick in the butt I think about helping a cancer patient out. — Kenneth Wagner

I don't have a lot to offer anyone but I walk. I have arthritis and diabetes so I need to exercise but I have little coordination. So I walk. I'm glad that my walking can help someone else too — Rhonda Begeman

I chose to participate in this challenge for 3 reasons:
1. I am a born and bred Pittsburgher, so Lemieux and the Penguins have been in my life since I was born
2. I was looking for motivation to walk for health and this gave me a goal
3. My father passed away over 6 years ago of cancer so this hits close to home. Always willing to donate to cancer research — Stephanie Wayman

I lost my father and grandmother to cancer. I am walking to honor them. I want to improve my health for my family. — Danette Strader

Because it reminds me, when the weather is cold, to come out and do some exercising. And I love to give, even it is, a little donation to the Mario Lemieux foundation. Which are doing/giving so much to research and to care for other people. Such a fantastic foundation. I wish I could do more to help. — Marianne Bertelsen

There is no better way to start a new year then with challenge from the greatest hockey player of all time, number 66 Mario! Go Pens! — Sue Rosa

I join to help motivate myself to get out and be more active this year. I love going and exploring new neighborhoods around Pittsburgh and then posting my pictures on Pittsburgh Neighborhood Photos on Facebook.
The members on that page seem to appreciate me sharing my adventures. It encourages me to keep going. I hope to eventually visit all 131 townships:boroughs in Allegheny County. — Sarah Thomas

I joined this challenge for several reasons :) Cancer touched my immediate family starting this past November, so it's often on the forefront if my mind right now as they go through treatments before surgery. I'm a huge Penguins fan, and I started a workout program for the new year... so when I saw an ad for this challenge it seemed meant to be! It's keeping my healthy routine in track and I'm always happy to donate to the Lemieux Foundation! — Elizabeth Roswell

My 10 year old son has had remote school since before Thanksgiving. He's been missing his friends, sports practices and games - and this has led to much less physical activity. Of course he doesn't like his Mom's suggestions, but when I saw the Mario Lemieux challenge, he was immediately on board! We've been walking together when I get home from work. It gets us fresh air, activity, and time together. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation! — Leanne Venesky

I decided to join the winter challenge for several reasons. Pittsburgh will always be my hometown and I take a lot of pride in the city .
I organized a small group of friends from all over the country who else grew up in Pittsburgh .
It has helped us stay connected and we encourage each other . — Amy Pena

I believe in what the Lemieux Foundation stands for. I work in radiation oncology and see the wins and losses every day. — Denise Pastorius

A reason to get up and outside and donate to a very good cause, what's not to like about this. Sign me up... Oh, did that already. — Bob Gump

I've participated in the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mario Lemieux foundations' 6.6k the past 3 years, the first in honor of my cousin who was diagnosed with leukemia, and the last 2 in her memory after her death at age 26. In October, I had surgery to close a hole in my heart, As the pandemic continued and the long days of winter came along, I needed motivation to get active and get away from my desk as I work from home. For me, there is no greater motivator than Mario Lemieux! I'm a little behind in the Winter Challenge right now, but I'm grateful that it's there to push me every day to get out there and work at it. — Jen Reed

Two reasons—to honor my brother in his sudden onset and subsequent passing of cancer in 2017 and to be accountable to my exercise habits that were already in place. Just need to stay committed with walking in the winter months! — Shelley Morgenstern

Staying active has been a goal of mine. I have run the Great Race 10K the past two years and have wanted to participate in the Penguins 6.6K as well. Since everything has been virtual I thought this challenge was a great way for me to stay active, work towards my new year’s resolution, and contribute towards a great cause all at the same time. — Lauren Hahn

Because its a reminder that its time to get life moving in the right direction after a couple of bad years.
The Foundation's support for cancer patients and those being treated at Children's Hospital both have directly effected our family. — Tim King

I’m putting in these miles for my grandpa, and one of my friends mum. She was like a second mum to me. I lost them both to cancer — Nick Siegrist

I grew up in Pittsburgh in the 80s with season tix to the Pens. Obviously 66 is my hero for both on the ice and off the ice reasons. He has given all of his life to the city, organization and people of Pittsburgh. When the 66 Winter Challenge came about I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to share with my 11 year old son. It was a way to get outside (especially during this terrible time) and walk, bike and run.... to get our hearts pumping blood but even more importantly give us time together for a common goal. I take pride in knowing its in the name of the ML Foundation but also that "we" are doing it together. Our goal is not just to get to mile 66 but to go beyond and continue this throughout the year. LGP. Attached is a picture of a recent 'walk' we did, a hike overlooking Lake Hollywood in Hollywood, CA (a local hike for us - son did not want to be pictured). — Brian "Beej" Gefsky

When the email came explaining the Lemieux Foundation Winter Challenge, I was intrigued by the idea of the challenge, but something about the completion date of March 8th stuck with me. After mulling the idea of participating over for the next few days, it finally dawned on me why that date stuck in my head. It is MY anniversary date for being diagnosed in 2014 with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After receiving world-class cancer treatment at the UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center Sewickley, I was finally relieved to find out that in 2017, I had no evidence of cancer and could resume my life as a father, husband, teacher and hockey fan. We in the Pittsburgh area are blessed with some of the finest Doctors, nurses, and medical facilities for the treatment of cancer. And, what Mario has done for Pittsburgh and cancer research is unparalleled, and hope that contributions like mine can help with his mission. — Craig Whipkey

My mom has cancer. So many appointments, tests, chemo, side effects and fear of the unknown are now a part of her daily life. She is fighting with every fiber of her being and I am very proud of her. I feel so helpless and participating in the Winter Challenge allows me the opportunity to join the fight! — Jennifer Moore

I loved that the Lemieux foundation was merging charity and exercise together. I love the challenge to start the new year to keep myself accountable for my health. Knowing the Lemieux foundation I knew it was an obvious great chance to give back as well! — Clover Hoffacker

I joined the Winter Challenge this year as a jumpstart to becoming healthier this year. I thought it would be a good way to motivate myself to be more active and support a good cause at the same time. My grandmother passed 10 years ago from breast cancer and my grandfather passed from colon cancer 7 years ago, so cancer research is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. — Amanda Knepp

I feel that I personally and the city of Pittsburgh collectively owe so much to Mr. Lemieux because of his work here as an athlete, a philanthropist, and an advocate. I look at my participation in the Winter Challenge Powered by Highmark BCBS as a small but important way to pay this back. This really is a great way to not only support the cause by charitable donation but also through the "sweat equity" of being active. So, it's really a win-win. — Bruce Sorkin

One biproduct of covid-19 seems to be a much more active roll of electronics in the everyday lives of kids. Being in quarantine, the only socialization with friends was often only found on electronic devices. Furthermore, with school being virtual, less and less activity both social and physical is being asked of our children. The Winter Challenge has given me and my son (8 years old) a reason to get out and move every day. Not only are we getting more exercise, but we are bonding in doing the challenge together. — Derek Parker

Just over 5 years ago my husband was diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia. While he was treating at the Hillman center we made a promise to do better with our health. Since then we ran the Lemieux 6.6K every year. When this challenge came up I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support a foundation that benefitted my husband. — Courtney Caylor

I have a sister, Sue, who passed away from cancer and I’m doing this in memory of her along with supporting your wonderful foundation! — Jo Ann Patchan

My friends told me about the challenge, I joined it along with them to keep active, it’s much more motivating when you’re doing it with friends! It was just an added benefit that it also helps out a great cause! — Amanda Siegel

I am a 46 year old women working from home do to Covid. I take our dog for a walk every day so I said this will keep going. I grew up watching Lemieux and love how his charity helps so many. This is a Blessing during this time to get people moving. — Kimberley Coulter

What better way to support the Foundation than by making sure to stay on track with fitness during the winter! — Amy Morrow

I am getting a double knee replacement in a few months and I wanted to be in better shape beforehand to help with the recovery so I started walking/lifting weights. My Mom passed away a couple of months ago and I’m having a really hard time getting motivated to do anything right now. I was scrolling through Facebook and the Winter Challenge popped up. I took it as a sign from my Mom and as something to get me moving again. We had half season tickets back when the Penguins weren’t so good, before Mario lol So we were there his first game on Pittsburgh ice. I of course adored him haha We got to meet him and Mike Bullard at the Foodland in Greensburg. We were the first in line, I just HAD to be ha We took all kinds of pictures and I was SO excited! My Mom told me a few days later that she forgot to put film in the camera... as a teenager, I was devastated! Needless to say, it was always a joke between us (once I dealt with the disappointment lol). The way I’m looking at it, the ad popping up was my Mom’s way of telling me it’s ok, that’s she’s ok, that I have to get moving. Between my own grief, and the chance to support an amazing cause, how could I not do it?? — Wendy Yurko