Team Phoenix:
Survivorship redefined
Team Phoenix empowers women to become proactive in their own health care and survivorship, move beyond the title of cancer survivor, and redefine themselves as athletes through introduction to the joys of exercise and living well.
Watch this two-minute video to learn more about the Team Phoenix experience.
Email Teamphoenix@aah.org to join the upcoming group of Team Phoenix athletes.
Team Phoenix athletes & triumphant moments
What is Team Phoenix?
Team Phoenix is an innovative 14-week fitness and education program in which a leadership team of multidisciplinary clinicians, triathlon coaches and volunteers encourage and assist cancer survivors to regain health and wellness after cancer treatment by training for a sprint-distance triathlon. Joining our Team Phoenix group is the silver lining to a cancer diagnosis. We support you in building lifelong habits of fitness, healthy living, ongoing connections with health providers and camaraderie with other cancer survivors.
An Aurora Health Care training and research program
Designed specifically for women cancer survivors of any type of invasive cancer (including ductal carcinoma in situ), and created for all stages, ages and fitness levels. Survivors from all health care facilities are welcome. There is no time limit from when your cancer treatment was completed.
Focused on reconditioning
No experience needed if you can walk 100 yards unassisted, bike 100 yards unassisted and swim 25 yards (or be willing to take our learn-to-swim classes). Our medical team and coaching staff help each athlete train safely and successfully throughout the season so they can cross the finish line
Medically overseen
Participants provide a medical clearance from their oncologist to ensure they’re able to safely participate. Professionally coached training sessions include prescribed training plans with individualized support from medical professionals. We focus on the individual needs and ability of each athlete.
Consistent training
Athletes train for 14 weeks to prepare for a sprint distance triathlon (1/4-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run/walk) Training begins in mid April and goes through the end of July. Group training is twice a week, with prescribed training plans for training at home the other three days.
Ongoing support
Once an athlete crosses the finish line of the triathlon they are not only a triathlete but they also earn the highly coveted title of "Team Phoenix alumnae." Ongoing social and training opportunities are offered year-round exclusively for alumnae.
Modified levels
There are three ability levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) of training plans for each of the four disciplines (swim, bike, run/walk, strength). Plans are selected for each individual based on their ability, strength, stamina and medical conditions.
Community supported
Team Phoenix is subsidized by donor and community support. Support is also provided by medical and community volunteers, as well as past and present athletes.
Popular
There is a maximum capacity of 60 athletes per season and spots fill up quickly. Registration is offered first to Aurora Health Care patients. In February, spots are confirmed for patients from other cancer programs.
Great value
Program costs are subsidized by the generosity of Aurora Foundation donors and program grants to reduce the participation fee for athletes. The $175 participation fee includes coaching, training plans, a training shirt, a competition jersey, facility fees, race registration and other training support provided by community partners.
What are the requirements to join?
Be a female survivor of any type or stage of invasive cancer who was treated by an oncologist or oncology team. Treatment may have been completed at any time. You’ll be asked to provide the name(s) of your oncology team when registering.
You don’t need to be physically fit to start the program. You just need to be able to:
- Walk 100 yards unassisted
- Bike 100 yards unassisted
- Float in open water and put your face under water (Ideally you can swim 1 length of the pool without stopping – including through deep water)
- Preseason swim lessons are available for nonswimmers
Your current doctor will need to complete a clearance form assuring you are medically safe to participate.
- Be available for 14-week training period (April through July)
- Be available for the triathlon event day in July
- Mandatory sprint distance triathlon: TriIng for A Cure last weekend in July. This is the program training goal. All Team Phoenix athletes must complete this triathlon.
- Self-guided training four days a week
- Group training twice a week:
- Group training is held mostly on Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-8 p.m.
- Held in a different park in the Milwaukee Metro area each week. Introduces athletes to a variety of locations to train.
- Attendance at a majority of the group training sessions and the race is required. Athletes build not only fitness skills and endurance, but also lifelong friendships.
- Provide your own transportation to and from training sessions including your own bike. We recommend carpooling, but athletes must be able to provide their own transportation.
- Group training is held mostly on Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-8 p.m.
The participation fee is $175. A majority of the Team Phoenix program is subsidized by generous donations to the Aurora Health Care Foundation. Some scholarships based on financial need are available.
Provide your own bike, bike helmet, water bottle, bike bottle cage, running shoes, swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, fitness tracker and training clothes.
Bring your “can-do” attitude. You’ll be re-invigorated by training side-by-side with other survivors, program alumnae, our great coaches, medical leadership and many enthusiastic volunteers.
Currently, Team Phoenix is hosted by Aurora Sinai Medical Center. All training takes place in and around the Milwaukee metro area – within 25 miles of Aurora Sinai.
Email Teamphoenix@aah.org to join the next group of Team Phoenix athletes.
Why support or join Team Phoenix?
Completing a sprint triathlon is a great accomplishment for anyone, but after enduring the medical triathlon of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, this achievement can be life-changing for cancer survivors. Crossing the finish line is empowering beyond words.
Since the program’s inception in 2011:
- 100% of Team Phoenix alumnae report that their experience with Team Phoenix has had a positive impact on their life
- 100% of Team Phoenix alumnae would recommend the program to a survivor friend
- More than 80% of the athletes who have participated continue with regular fitness activities whether running, biking, swimming or other exercise activities they’re inspired to join
The Team Phoenix leadership, along with many Aurora medical staff, coaches, alumnae and volunteers, are proud to have helped change the lives of hundreds of female cancer survivors.
Our research
Team Phoenix complements efforts to better understand how exercise improves survival after cancer. Our researchers collaborate with higher education institutions on the effects of moderate exercise on aerobic capacity, strength and psychological well-being after cancer treatment. With the help of cancer survivors, we’re making steady progress in advancing all aspects of cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and survival.
Thanks to our supporters
Sponsors & donors
Team Phoenix is fully funded by philanthropic dollars. Thanks to generous gifts from individual donors, fundraising events, and local and national companies’ financial and in-kind contributions, the program continues to grow and thrive.
Financial gifts pay for program facilitation, professional coaching, equipment and facility rentals, athlete gear, team jerseys and attire, race entrance fees, and financial support for those who would be otherwise unable to participate.
Volunteers
Team Phoenix also relies on the donated time from volunteers who donate their medical or triathlon training expertise. The combined expertise of these volunteers is invaluable and contributes to the uniqueness of this medically overseen training and wellness program.
Alumnae of Team Phoenix give back by volunteering at successive years’ training sessions to inspire and support current athletes and continue to promote health and wellness year-round by organizing additional group exercise opportunities. Their insights and personal success stories bring new perspective to redefining cancer survivorship.
More information
If you are looking to join the team or have questions about sponsorship, we’re here to help.
Email: teamphoenix@aah.org
Donate to Team Phoenix
Support Aurora Health Care's cancer survivorship program.
Aurora cancer care
Providing the options and resources you need and the personal care and attention you want.
Get care
We help you live well. And we’re here for you in person and online.