2011%20CT%20Challenge%20Annual%20Report

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Leadership

Jeffrey Keith • President, CEO, and Co-Founder

Bob Mazzone • Chief Operating Officer

Board of Directors

Jeffrey Keith George Richards Jonathan Slavin Evan Vosburgh, MD

John Ragland • Co-Founder Daniel Rose, MD Michael J. Smith Matthew Vossler

Program Staff

Tamara Deyle • Program Director, Center for Survivorship

Julia Pemberton • Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Sharyn Taymor • Director, Survivorship Network & Outreach

Honorary Board of Advisors

Jonathan Bass • Managing Director, Mizuho Bank

Mark Brostowski • Partner at Regiment Capital

Winston Holt • Partner at Maverick Capital

John G. Macfarlane III • Chairman, Zafferano Capital LP

James E. Walker III • Managing Partner at Fir Tree Partners

Michael Wamp • Managing Partner at Lake Water Capital

David “Tiger” Williams • Founder and Managing member of Williams Trading

Medical Advisory Board

Keith Bellizzi, PhD, MPH • University of Connecticut

D. Barry Boyd, MD • Greenwich Hospital

Mitch Golant, PhD • Cancer Support Community

Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH • Yale School of Medicine

Nina Kadan-Lottick, MD • HEROS Clinic, Yale University

Susan Mayne, PhD, FACE • Yale School of Public Health

Mary McCabe, RN, MA • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Kenneth Miller, MD • Sinai Hospital

Carrie Stricker, PhD, RN, AOCN • Abramson Cancer Center, UPENN

Doug Ulman • Livestrong Foundation

Evan Vosburgh, MD • Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation

250 Pequot Avenue • Southport, CT 06890 • 203-292-8722 • www.ctchallenge.org

OUR MISSIONThe CT Challenge empowers cancer survivors to live healthier, happier,

longer lives by creating and funding programs, offering credible

resources and building a community of support.

OUR IMPACTThis year, with your support, we were able to help more cancer survivors

than ever before.

21,500 cancer survivors were impacted directly by CT Challenge programs.

28,460 visitors to CTChallenge.org sought information and resources.

38,483 cancer survivors were helped by our hospital partners in the

CT Challenge Survivorship Network.

3 Letter from the President

4 Programs

4 Center for Survivorship

7 CTChallenge.org

8 Survivorship Network

9 Survivorship Summit

10 Grants

11 Funding our Programs

11 Bike Ride

12 Stand Up Paddle

13 Spinathon

13 Band Together

14 Making A Difference: Survivor Stories

16 Financial Summary

Kate, Breast Cancer

Survivor, and family

CONTENTS

Kate, breast cancer

survivor and family

Cover photography by Carolyn Taylor

2011 Annual Report 3

Dear Friends,

This past year was marked by tremen-dous growth as the CT Challenge (CTC) has become a much-needed resource for cancer survivors as they come to terms with and learn to manage their healthcare issues. The stories of thou-sands of cancer survivors that we come in touch with through our programs in-spire us to continue to build and grow the CT Challenge.

The CTC’s mission is to empower cancer survivors to live happier, healthier and longer lives and this is evident in every page of our annual report. We have sought to highlight the numerous ways in which your generous support has al-lowed the CTC to impact the field of survivorship and assist tens of thousands of cancer survivors.

During the past year, the CTC was able to continue to fund and support our hospital network partners and cancer support organi-zations. We expanded our CTC sponsored programs including the new “Center For Survivorship” and our annual “Survivorship Summit”. The Center operated satellite programs at various locations including our highly successful inner city support group project. Our commitment to providing services to people with the disease remains strong and in 2011 we were able to expand our cancer survivor education programs and develop new resources for survivors, their loved ones and caregivers.

Every day, we hear stories of amazing courage and determination demonstrated by the many cancer sur-vivors our programs we fund. We want to highlight

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Jeff Keith with his daughter Madison, at the 2011 CT Challenge

Bike Ride

The stories of thousands of cancer survivors that we come in touch with through our programs inspire us to continue to build and grow the CT Challenge.”

that our growing impact is possible only through the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and corporate and community partners. Thank you for your ongoing support of our mission.

Best,

Jeffrey Keith President & CEO

4 Connecticut Challenge

A PROGRAM OF THE CT CHALLENGE

SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS

CENTER FOR SURVIVORSHIP

In 2010 the CT Challenge embarked upon an ambi-tious plan to create the CT Challenge Center for Sur-vivorship. In 2011 we began construction. The Center for Survivorship will open in the fall of 2012. It will be the first of its kind in the country, a standalone survi-vorship program offering fitness, nutrition, psychoso-cial support and educational programming to cancer survivors and caregivers.

The cornerstone of the Center for Survivorship is the 12-week wellness program that will form the basis of a study on healthy behaviors that is designed to advance what is known about the impact of these activities on the health and wellness of cancer survivors, in order to advance the field of survivorship care.

The Center for Survivorship will provide exactly the support that I and other cancer survivors need to challenge cancer for the rest of our lives.”– Kari, cancer survivor

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR UNDERSERVED WOMEN

Weekly Intensive GroupIn partnership with Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach initiatives, the CT Challenge began a series of sup-port groups in Bridgeport, CT at the United Congre-gational Church. Two separate support groups were established, comprised of women living with cancer, to provide them with a community of support where they can share their experiences, strengths, fears and hopes. The groups meet once a week for 12-weeks. Meals and childcare are provided.


SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS: CENTER FOR SURVIVORSHIP

I think the CT Challenge has opened a universe of hope to survivors when we were unclear what our path may be.

It can be very dark at times, and the CT Challenge has offered me sunshine for the rest of my life!”

– Anne, cancer survivor

The Martinez Family

Monthly Graduate GroupUpon completion of the intial 12-week program, the women can transition into a graduate program de-signed to ease them from the intensive weekly program to meeting once a month. This gives them the opportu-nity to continue to provide support for one another as they manage their ongoing survivorship issues.

EXERCISE A growing body of research suggests that cancer sur-vivors benefit from certain types of exercise. Benefits include reduction in risk of recurrence, second can-cers, fatigue and anxiety. This year we began a regular schedule of free yoga, pilates and mindful meditation classes for cancer survivors and caregivers. With the Center under construction, classes were held at South-port Galleries, across from our new location, and will move to the Center in the Fall of 2012.

The 12-Week wellness program will begin in 2012, en-compassing exercise, nutrition and psychosocial care.

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SURVIVOR EDUCATION & RESOURCES

Website & Video Library The CT Challenge online video library provides a com-prehensive educational resource on a wide range of key survivorship issues. This year, new additions to the library include the topics of:

Nutrition

Pilates

Cancer rehab

Physical therapy

We have also begun to share personal stories of survi-vorship as a resource and inspiration for others.

Speaker SeriesThe CT Challenge Speaker Series hosted three events with notable speakers this year, educating and inspir-ing cancer survivors and the community at large.

Carolyn Taylor: Without Borders

Carolyn Taylor is an accomplished photographer. At the height of her career in 2006, she was diagnosed with ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her ordeal inspired her to put her talents to work communicating the ex-periences of cancer survivors around the world with the idea that “We are all intrinsically linked through our can-cer experience.” She won a grant from British Airways (BA) to photograph women around the world. At the

(left) Cancer survivor Scott Capozza, a survivor of testicular cancer,

shares his experience. Scott is a physical therapist at the CT Chal-

lenge Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center. (below) Cancer

survivors from around the world, photographed by Carolyn Taylor.

SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS: CENTER FOR SURVIVORSHIP

end of the BA project Carolyn founded the non-profit organization Global Focus on Cancer to continue her work. Her photojournalism and storytelling captivated audiences in Fairfield and New Canaan and graced the Survivorship Summit in November. We look forward to many collaborations with Carolyn and GFC.

Linda T. Gottlieb, MS, CPT, CET

Linda Gottlieb is a certified cancer exercise trainer and a regular contributor to the CT Challenge Blog. As a research associate with Dr. Melinda Irwin at the Yale Cancer Center, she is working to determine the impact that exercise has on reducing the risk of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors.

Linda spoke to audiences in Fairfield about her most re-cent book, No If’s, Ands, or Butts, bringing a positive mes-sage to survivors. “Don’t let the diagnosis define you,” she encouraged. Linda believes that exercise, as little as ten minutes a day, should be part of a cancer treat-ment plan. We agree!

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The CT Challenge provides a compre-hensive online resource for survivors and their families at CTChallenge.org, where they can learn about the issues cancer survivors face and find resources that can help.


CTCHALLENGE.ORG

SITE STATISTICS

17,433 (+53%)Unique Visits

28,460 (+39%)Visits

72,448 (+23%)Page Views

Having built some websites, I’m very impressed with yours, it’s lively, engaging and manages to offer lots of good info and opportunities just on the landing page. I was inspired!”

– Karen Syrjala, PhD / Professor and Director, Biobehavioral Sciences Co-Director, Survivorship Program / Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center


Members of the Network served the needs of 38,483 cancer survivors in 2011.

In 2009 the Survivorship Network was formed with a mission to improve the lives of the estimated 171,850 cancer survivors in Connecticut, by making quality survivorship care accessible to all. Just three years later, The CT Challenge Survivorship Network has grown from a handful of programs into a robust network of survivorship programs at over 50% of the leading hospitals and cancer centers in the state.


SURVIVORSHIP NETWORK

Network Members Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center

Danbury Hospital’s Praxair Cancer Center

HEROS Clinic at Yale University

Stamford Hospital’s Bennett Cancer Center

REACH For the STARS Clinic at CT Children’s Medical Center

Hartford Hospital’s Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center

Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma F. Pfreim Cancer Institute

MidState Medical Center: New Beginnings at the Palladino Family Cancer Care Center

Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center

New Milford Hospital Regional Cancer Center’s PEACE Survivorship Program

Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital

Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute at Eastern CT Health Network

Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center – Stepping Forward

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and the Center for Cancer Care

Day Kimball Healthcare

SWIM Integrative Survivorship Center at St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Jenn Lewis, above, a survivor of

appendicial cancer, got involved

with the CTC after taking part in

a wellness seminar at Stamford

Hospital, sponsored by the CTC.

“The camaraderie of being with

other cancer survivors is very

comforting because makes you

realize you are not alone. I realize

the CT Challenge had such a

huge impact on my recovery.”

See more of Jenn’s survivor story

on our website.


The second Annual CT Challenge Survivorship Summit took place on November 15th at the New Haven Lawn Club. The Summit is an accredited conference for med-ical professionals, bringing together leaders in survivor-ship to build better programs for cancer survivors.

This year, over 150 members of the survivorship community were in attendance, including nurses, doc-tors, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists,

(top, left) CTC President &

Co-Founder Jeff Keith makes

opening remarks;

(top, right) Sharyn Taymor, Dr.

Eileen Gillan of the REACH

for the STARS Survivorship

Program, Jeff Keith and Tamara

Deyle of the CT Challenge;

(left) Mary McCabe, RN, MA,

Director, Survivorship Program

at Memorial Sloan-Kettering

Cancer Center


SURVIVORSHIP SUMMIT personal trainers and cancer survivors. Representa-tives from over 90% of the state’s hospitals were in attendance, as were all members of the Survivorship Network.

Speakers this year included experts in survivorship from Yale Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD.


(top) Maura Harrigan gives a seminar on nutrition to

students at St. Vincent’s College School of Nursing.

A grant is funding a curriculum in survivorship there.

(bottom) 2012 scholarship recipients.

2011 was a groundbreaking year for the CT Challenge in many ways. What began with a single grant to cre-ate the first clinic in Connecticut for adult survivors of cancer in 2006, The CT Challenge Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center, has developed into a grant pro-gram that now provides support to unique survivor-ship programs throughout Connecticut, benefiting thousands of cancer survivors.

This years grant recipients are a diverse group, includ-ing many of Connecticut’s leading healthcare institu-tions, an organization providing college scholarships to cancer survivors, and one that provides emergency financial assistance to the families of childhood cancer patients. Each grant awarded will result in a measurable impact on the lives of cancer survivors in our state.


GRANTS

Grant Recipients Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital

Carolyn Taylor’s Global Focus on Cancer

Center for Survivorship and Integrative Medicine Program at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and the Center for Cancer Care

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute at ECHN

Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center

Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital

Palladino Family Cancer Center at MidState Medical Center

Rose Bove Larose Hematology Oncology Center at Day Kimball Medical Center

The Susan Fund

SWIM Integrative Survivorship Center at St. Vincent’s Medical Center

The Tommy Fund

Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital

Young Survivor Athletes Fund

This year, programs directly funded by the Connecticut Challenge impacted the lives of 15,853 cancer survivors.

Mike Smith, Burkitt’s Lymphoma Survivor, Young Survivor Athletes

Fund Recipient

A CT Challenge grant to the Susan Fund will send 32 cancer survivors to college.


July 30, 2011After 6 years at the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, this year’s bike ride moved to a new home at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, CT, a move necessitated by years of growth.

We are fortunate to have found this wonderful venue and to be so graciously welcomed by the membership, several of whom formed the Hunt Club Chain Gang team and swapped horse saddles for bike saddles for the day!

The bike ride is the engine that fuels our mission and thanks to the overwhelming support of riders, volun-teers and donors, it was a record setting year. Cancer survivors throughout New England will benefit from programs funded by the bike ride.

FUNDING OUR PROGRAMS

7th ANNUAL CT CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE

A record $1.5 million raised!

Co-Founder

Jeff Keith

BIKE RIDE FACTS

1,171Riders

113Teams

266Volunteers

116Cancer Survivors

11,500Donors

$1,300Avg. Raised/Rider



2nd ANNUAL CT CHALLENGE STAND UP PADDLE

$24,740 raised!

September 10, 2011In just its second year, the CT Challenge Stand Up Pad-dle event has established itself as a fun and successful fundraiser.

On a beautiful September morning, 44 stand up pad-dlers departed from Jacky Durrell Pavilion on Fairfield Beach and navigated a 6.5 mile loop, taking just under 2.5 hours to complete the course.


December 4, 2011 127 Spinners took part in the 1st Annual Spin CT Chal-lenge event, hosted by EDGE Fitness of Fairfield, and raised $29,000 to benefit the CT Challenge Center for Survivorship.

May 12, 2011Band Together’s second benefit concert for the CT Challenge brought down the house at the Fairfield Theatre Company. We were honored to once again be the beneficiaries of this extraordinarily talented and philanthropic group! Joining Rob Fried, Jerry Vigorito and Band Together were featured perform-ers Christine Ohlman “The Beehive Queen” and Joe Bouchard, founder of the legendary Blue Oyster Cult.


1st ANNUAL SPIN CT CHALLENGE

2nd ANNUAL BAND TOGETHER CONCERT

$29,000 raised!

$13,500 raised!

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No one chooses cancer, cancer chooses you.

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 14

years ago. I was given a 50% chance to defeat this

wicked disease. I put together the best defense team

to win my personal challenge. My son Daniel gave me

courage, and hope; Peter my fiancé showered me with

love, strength and unending support day and night,

and my parents came with me to every treatment offer-

ing nourishment, confidence, and optimism. Not once

did my team give up on me; through every biopsy, all

the chemo treatments and weeks of radiation.

Peter, now my husband has endured multiple adversi-

ties and survived cancer. He had basal cell carcinoma of

the nose. Peter’s strength is like no other person I have

met. He managed to defeat cancer with his treatments

and lives in a home as a paraplegic because of a cata-

strophic accident. He is a survivor to the tenth degree!

Every day since what seemed like a death sentence

my family has filled my cup with endless energy, love

and hope. No matter what the adversity we all shared

in the same goal of revitalization and sustainability!

In 2010 I had the good fortune to be introduced to

United Congregational Church in Bridgeport, CT. Rev.

Sara opens every service saying- “No matter where you

are in life’s journey you are welcome here.” That man-

tra spoke to my mission and belief in the strength of

community and support of those who have faced fear

and will understand the challenges we are faced in our

lives everyday.

The United Congregational Church piloted the Con-

necticut Challenge’s first Women’s Cancer Support Group. It was offered to our church community and surrounding urban area in the city of Bridgeport. This grew into a group of 7 core members and 3 facilitators. Our group was made up of a family, friends, and new friends. Through the course of 12 weeks our weekly group went through an evolution; we gave birth to a cancer support group of courageous, fearless, hope-ful, powerful women. We support each other tooth and nail; we call each other between groups, we go to events together, we even extended our group beyond the 12 weeks in order to continue support for each other. Each of us has walked the path of treatment with our families and friends. It really hit home for me to know how fortunate I am to be a survivor and con-tinue to survive every day. It will never take away the deep seeded fear of the disease recurring and rearing its ugly head down the road. If and when that time should ever come I have a defense team like no other.

The CT Challenge is open to everyone, friends and families, in addition to those who have walked the path as a patient and as a caregiver. When you cross that finish line on July 28th or when you complete your treatment and every day following – the CT Challenge support group is ALWAYS there to help. I want to per-sonally thank the CT Challenge for your unending support and never giving up on any of us.

Today the Women’s Cancer Support group contin-ues to meet every week. Our family has grown to 16 women. We are all here for each other every week. We are undefeated in our strength to support and stand by each other no matter what the challenge.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

SURVIVOR STORIES

Anne Spelman Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivor

CT Challenge has opened a universe of hope to survivors when we were unclear what our path may be. It can be very dark at times, and the CT Challenge has offered me sunshine for the rest of my life!


MAKING A DIFFERENCE

SURVIVOR STORIES

Lauren Pade Cancer Survivor, Scholorship Recipient

Lauren is one of 32 cancer survivors attending college thanks to a CT Challenge

grant to the Susan Fund.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

At the young age of 21 years old, I heard the words

from my doctor that everyone prays to avoid – a cancer

diagnosis. In that exact moment, time froze as I was

overwhelmed with hopelessness and suddenly became

so unsure of my future. The next few weeks were a dis-

tant blur as plans were rapidly being made for prompt

surgery and treatment. With the advancements in

medicine, I finally began to wrap my head around the

idea that I had the chance for a cure, but more impor-

tantly, a sense of hope and the opportunity to look at

life in a new way.

My family and friends have shown me their uncondi-

tional love and devoted support as I went through my

ups and downs, and ultimately my celebration of life.

Having them by my side every step of the way gave

me the courage and determination to persevere and

look forward.

By overcoming my diagnosis, I found the inspiration

to make powerful changes in my life. A year after I

finished treatment, I graduated Magna Cum Laude

with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. However, from

my experience in the hospital, I found my passion in

the medical field and will be entering my senior year

of nursing school in the fall. Being in remission has

significantly contributed to the huge amount of effort

and dedication I have put into this program.

I am thankful to have had influential people in my life

throughout my journey to see me grow and support

my battle to overcome cancer. The Susan Fund has

allowed me the opportunity to pursue my dream of

making a difference in peoples’ lives by becoming a

nurse. It has also provided me with a group of caring

people who are by my side, instilling hope and strength

to help me achieve my future goals. I participated in

the Connecticut Challenge in the summer of 2011 and

was inspired to witness the large gathering of survivors

and caregivers united. It was extremely comforting

to celebrate survivorship with those around me and

know that I am not alone.

My experience with cancer, while being a very difficult

one, has redirected my life in a positive way. I have

an immense appreciation for life, a desire to empower

others, the courage to never give up, and the strength

to keep me going… “You never know how strong you

are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

Marnie, Christine & Lauren, scholarship recipients, at the

CT Challenge bike ride


88 cents of every dollar spent was allocated to program services and grants.

CT CHALLENGE 2011

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATIONTotal Expenses$1,492,440

6% Fundraising$85,862

6% General & Administrative$83,847

88% Program Services

& Grants$1,322,731EX

PEN

SES

REVE

NU

EPR

OG

RAM

EXP

ENSE

DET

AIL

Total Program Services & Grants$1,322,731

9% Program & Policy$122,275

23% Education & Program Development$301,921

68% Programs & Grants$898,535

2% Corporate Sponsorships$33,495

Total Revenue$2,108,079

4% Other Revenue

$85,766

8% In Kind Donations

$164,390

12% Donor Restricted Contributions$254,000 74%

Riders & General

Donations$1,570,428


Muskus & Wilemski, LLC performed the 2010 and 2011 audits for the Connecticut Challenge. Audited financial statements are available on request.

The CT Challenge is committed to making a real difference in the lives of cancer survivors. As part of our commitment, we continue to monitor costs, dedicating as much money as we can to program services. By relying on a team of volunteers and keeping administrative and fundraising expenses low, the CT Challenge in-vested in grants and program services related to cancer survivorship through public health, education and research.

Our marquee program is the Center for Survi-vorship, which will open its doors in 2012 and be the premiere program for the CT Challenge.

For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 the CT Challenge recognized $2,108,079 in rev-enues to support cancer survivors, thanks to the dedication of riders, volunteers and staff who helped raise these funds through the marquee charity bike event, and numerous in-dividual donors and special fundraising events.

Because of the hard work of all our friends

and family, 88 cents of every dollar spent was

allocated to program services and grants.

Statement of Financial Position As of December 31, 2010 and 2011 2010 2011

Assets Cash and Investments $ 900,836 $ 1,019,248Contributions Receivable 17,068 30,396Prepaid Expenses 10,861 4,774Security Deposit 1,000 13,750

Total Current Assets 929,765 1,068,168

Intangible Assets, Net 17,986 13,710Computer Equipment, Net 3,740 5,178Construction in Progress – 574,091

Total Assets 951,491 1,661,147

Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 16,428 60,316Grants Payable 112,500 168,265Deferred Revenue 4,312 –Other Current Liabilities 1,324 –

Total Liabilities 134,564 228,581

Total Net Assets 816,927 1,432,566

Total Liabilities and Net Assets 951,491 1,661,147

Statement of ActivitiesAs of December 31, 2010 and 2011 2010 2011

Public Support and RevenueContributionsRiders and General Donations $ 1,198,503 $ 1,570,428Corporate Sponsorships 6,000 33,495Donor Restricted Contributions 172,500 254,000In-Kind Donations 36,000 164,390

Total Contributions 1,413,003 2,022,313

OtherRegistration Fees 53,315 83,792Interest Income 2,913 1,988Loss on Investments (255) (14)

Total Other Revenue 55,973 85,766

Total Public Support and Revenue 1,468,976 2,108,079

ExpensesProgram Services 819,765 1,322,731Fundraising 56,669 85,862General & Administrative 75,626 83,847

Total Expenses 952,060 1,492,440

Change in Unrestricted Net Assets 516,916 615,639Unrestricted Net Assets, Beginning of Year 300,011 816,927Unrestricted Net Assets, End of Year 816,927 1,432,566

WWW.CTCHALLENGE.ORG

Connecticut Challenge • 250 Pequot Avenue • Southport, CT 06890 • 203-292-8722

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