Ironman for a Cause

On September 9, 2012, Caleb Pike will compete in Ironman Wiscosin. Pike has not only been training for this event over the past year, he has been raising both funds and awareness for Children’s Cancer Connection at the same time. Caleb is the founder of IM4RM, an organization of “everday average people” who enjoy testing their limits in endurance sports. The group adopted Children’s Cancer Connection as their charity in 2011 and have raised almost $15,000 through fundraising and their signature event, IRONGLUT.

Caleb Pike with is family at Camp Heart Connection Guest Night in August 2012.

Guest Blog by Caleb Pike, IM4RM founder and CCC donor.

I decided to take on an Ironman event last year while in the run portion of the Hy-Vee Triathlon. An Ironman race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run. That's all in one day, back to back. A friend of mine was going to be racing in Ironman Wisconsin 2012 and he had been trying to talk me into joining him. I really didn't feel too comfortable taking on something so huge until my run in the Hy-Vee Triathlon. I had been having fun with my training and everything came together really well in that race and I decided that I could take on Ironman in the following year, 2012. 

My training started almost immediately. I had a 3 month off season training program I followed that prepared me for my 9 month training plan that would take me all the way to race day and also the finish line. Still kind of riding on the high of finishing the Hy-Vee Triathlon and also signing up for Wisconsin, I thought that maybe I could do a little bit more.

Earlier that year my Grandfather had passed away after a short battle with cancer. My Grandpa and I were pretty close for a lot of my life. I always looked up to everything about him; he was a business owner, father, grandfather, friend and just an all-around great person. He treated everyone he met like they were important and they mattered to him. That's how he ran his business and treated his employees as well as his customers. He would go out of his way to take care of someone that struggled to do so themselves. So losing him was a huge blow to our family, myself and in my opinion, our community. So I wanted to turn my Ironman training and race into something larger than myself. I wanted to do something in his name to make an impact in our community. 

I didn't want to fundraise for just any charity, I wanted it to be local and I wanted to know where the money we raised was going to be used. I researched and met with some charities and ended up deciding to go with Children's Cancer Connection. Not only did I feel a personal connection to the cause, but I also felt a connection with the staff. They really seemed to be excited about what I wanted to do and also what they are already doing. So after meeting with Mark, I felt that we were all very excited and I pretty much knew that was the charity we would be going with. And being the father of a 4 year old beautiful little girl, I couldn't help but see her face on all of the kid's in the brochures that Mark had given me as well as on the site. 

So over the past several months we have been able to raise nearly $14,000. My original goal was to reach $10,000 but we realized that we would have to raise that fairly early in our efforts. We are hoping to reach $15,000 before our race in Wisconsin on September 9th. 

As well as the fundraising, the training has been a great amount of dedication and effort. Not only by me but my entire family. Training is typically done before and after work during the week and the weekends are the long workouts. Some training days can get up to 8 to 9 hours long. That pretty much means my entire day is spoken for since that much work wipes me out and all I want to do is sleep afterwards. The physical and mental toll that the training has taken really starts to show this late in the game. With the race only a few weeks away now, it becomes harder and harder to stay motivated to stay on track. To keep pushing hard and to keep working toward the starting line. When I start to feel bad for myself or like I want to just take a day off I think of my grandfather and the kids that benefit from Children's Cancer Connection and also the folks that make Children's Cancer Connection work. I want to make them all proud and I want them to know that I'm not only doing this for myself and my family, but for them as well. I know I have a choice in the suffering I'm putting myself through and I know that there is a lot of suffering that people don't have a choice in. That inspires me to keep going.

What I'm most excited for about this race is, finishing. I want to hear Mike Reilly's voice as I cross the finish line, "Caleb Pike, from Des Moines, Iowa. YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" And then to see my family and friends at the finish will just make this the best day of my life, I'm sure. Aside from the day my daughter was born of course. The second thing I'm most excited about is, not living my life according to my Ironman training plan. My next goals will be much more social and fun. Next year I will be doing one Half Ironman and other shorter distance Triathlons. I am also planning on doing the GoRuck Challenge at the end of summer next year.

Learn more about Caleb and IM4RM at www.im4rm.com

Children’s Cancer Connection would like to wish Caleb the best of luck at Ironman Wisconsin! Please leave your well wishes for Caleb below or send them to socialmedia@childrenscancerconnection.org

Friday at Camp Heart Connection

Friday was the last full day at Camp Heart Connection. Campers enjoyed a full day of activities followed by one of the most special nights all week.

Each week of camp, a graduation ceremony is held for senior campers. The night is bitter sweet for our oldest campers since it is the final summer they will attend as campers, although many will return in staff positions.

Also held Friday night was Wish Night. This camp tradition allows campers to share their wishes for the coming year with fellow campers. The night is a mixture of lots of laughter and a few tears, but always a camper and counselor favorite.

Thursday at Camp Heart Connection

Thursday morning started out cool, but that didn't stop campers from enjoying the day's outdoor activities.

Tie-dye was the craft of the day and was held on the basketball court. Many campers brought white pillowcases, t-shirts, and even some socks to dye. The all-camp basketball tournament was also held on Thursday.

Elly brought up a special lunch of Subway sandwiches that everyone enjoyed. After rest hour the afternoon activity was for the youngest boys.

Mortimer's Boys Only Party was held in Chase for boy campers ages 5-12.Campers enjoyed a snack and burned off some energy with a game of tag.

Thursday night the all camp dance was held. Before heading to the party girl campers went to Glam Slam held in the Arts and Crafts area. Campers had their hair and makeup styled while they posed for pictures. The dance lasted until lights outs and everyone had a great time!

Wednesday at Camp Heart Connection

Wednesday's theme was Showdown at Camp Heart Connection. Many campers dressed in cowboy and cowgirl gear to show their camp spirit.

Instead of the usual camp activities opening after breakfast, the LIT's (Leaders in Training), planned an all-camp activity. Camp Heart Connection Olympics was held on the open field by Pioneer.

Cabins were paired up and given a country to represent in CHC Olympics. They competed in M&M races, tug-o-war, a three legged race, wheel barrel race, and hula hoop competition. Paper metals were presented to the top three teams, but everyone got to enjoy an ice cream sandwich!

Camp activities opened after lunch with a special activity for the youngest girl campers. Aunt Fifi's Princess Party was held in Chase for girl campers ages 5-8. Campers dressed in their finest camp attire (donated prom and formal dresses) and paraded their way through the cabins down to the Tea Party site in Chase. Here they participated in Princess themed crafts and enjoyed some Tea and Pastries, aka Juice and Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

After dinner campers headed to the main stage to watch the all camp talent show. Each cabin presented a skit, making for quite a show! 

An extra special event was held Wednesday night. Campers and all of the support staff headed out into the woods to wait for a visit from Aunt Fifi. She appeared and spoke to the campers about their accomplishments for the week so far. It was a late night and everyone was ready for bed!

Tuesday at Camp Heart Connection

Tuesday's theme was Every Day is a Holiday. Campers dressed up in their favorite holiday attire. We saw everything from holiday sweaters to Halloween masks. (Mask making was also the craft of the day in Arts and Crafts!)
 

The pool was Tuesday's most popular activity. Campers enjoyed swimming, the water slides, and a little water basketball. Another popular activity on Tuesday was Creek Stomping. Campers, lead by their counselors and members of the programs staff, walked along the creek that winds through camp. Although this activity was a little messy campers didn't seem to mind (what's camp without a little mud, right?)

Campers enjoyed a baked potato bar for dinner followed by a movie in Chase for the youngest campers and a movie on the outdoor screen for teen campers.

After a relaxing movie and great great day at the pool and stomping down the creek, campers were ready to call it a night.

Monday at Camp Heart Connection!

Aloha from Camp Heart Connection! Today’s theme was Camp Goes Hawaiian; this was originally the theme of camp in 1993.

Camp activities opened today and campers had a blast. Arts and Crafts featured rock pets and sand art in addition to the usual crafts. The Gaga pits, rock climbing wall, horseback riding, and pool were also popular activities for the day.

Before lunch girl campers enjoyed a dance class from Dance without Limits, a group from the Des Moines Ballet. 

Monday night also brought a few special guests to Camp Heart Connection. Each week of camp Guest Night is held to show our generous sponsors what camp is all about! Dinner was a grill out of burgers and hotdogs and served on the basketball courts. After dinner a recognition ceremony was held at the stage for the Campership Challenge. Fundraisers were recognized with special limited edition t-shirts.

After our camp guests left Teen campers went to a hypnotist show in Chase while younger campers played Words with Friends on the open field. 

The night ended with marshmallow roasting for smores!

Sunday at Camp Heart Connection

Rain, rain, go away…Sunday started out with some rain showers but they ended just after camper registration.

Campers started arriving around 2:00 on Sunday to check-in for their week at Camp Heart Connection. After checking in, both parents and campers attended the carnival complete with sno cones, cotton candy, and great games and prizes.

After settling into their cabins, parents said their goodbyes and headed for home. Campers however, were just getting started. They enjoyed a dinner of lasagna, garlic bread, and cheesy vegetables before taking the all camp photo.

After everyone was fed and photographed they headed to Pioneer for Minute to Win it games. Campers had one minute to complete tasks such as, unrolling an entire roll of toilet paper without tearing it, and putting together a puzzle. 

It was a great first night at Camp Heart Connection, and at lights out even the campers were ready for bed!

The Staff Have Arrived!

Saturday afternoon Camp Heart Connection Sibling Staff arrived at camp to prepare for Sibling Campers on Sunday! The staff has a great time catching up with friends and sharing summer stories before training classes started.

Staff covered a variety of topics including a duty of care course and how to specifically meet the needs of siblings.

The 2012 Camp Heart Connection Sibling Staff have a diverse background. Many were past sibling campers themselves, others oncology campers, and lots working in the medical field. What they all have in common however, is the desire to make Camp Heart Connection a week Sibling Campers will never forget a place where they will be center stage.

Afternoon training was followed by an all staff dinner from Hickory Park. Here necklaces with the Camp Heart Connection bead were given to first year staff members. Their necklaces will continue to grow with beads each week they spend at Camp Heart Connection. T-shirts were given to staff celebrating their 5 and 10 week milestones at camp. 

The biggest recognition of the night went to Camp Health Director, Phil Lee. Phil was honored with the Spirit of Camp Award for his many years of service and dedication to Camp Heart Connection. The Spirit of Camp Award is given to one staff member who has been nominated by their peers each week of camp.

After dinner staff prepared their cabins for campers and had the first camp fire of the week. Everyone is excited to welcome campers tomorrow afternoon.

Meet the Staff Series: 5-8 Year Old Counselors

This week we introduce you to the 5-8 year old counselors. These staff members lead our youngest campers and help ease many into their first week at camp.

• Alex Bogue will return to Camp Heart Connection for the second summer. Alex is a student at the University of Iowa.
• Caitlin Cook is a student at the University of Iowa. Caitlin will spend her second summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Stephy Crippen will spend her 9^th summer at Camp Heart Connection. Stephy is a student at the University of Iowa.
• Mary Edwards will join the Camp Heart Connection staff for the third summer.
•  Natalie Fargher is a student at St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. Natalie will spend her fourth summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Ryan Fessler will return to Camp Heart Connection for the second summer. Ryan is a student at the University of Iowa.
• Meg Flannery is a student at the University of Iowa and a first year staff member. 
•  Doug Fuller will return to Camp Heart Connection for his 16^th summer!
• Elaine Grulke is a student at Drake University. Elaine will spend her 17^th summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Andie Hopp is returning to Camp Heart Connection for the second summer. Andie is a student at the University of Iowa.
• Sarah Kirts is a student at the University of Iowa. Sarah will spend her second summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Kaitlin Mason will spend her 18^th summer at Camp Heart Connection. Kaitlin is a student at DMACC.
• Morgan Perkovich is returning to Camp Heart Connection for the second summer. Morgan is a student at Iowa Central Community College.
• Kelli Schnurr is a student at Iowa Central Community College. Kelli will spend her 14^th summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Courtney Shadrick will spend her second summer at Camp Heart Connection.
•  Zach Slocum is a student at the University of Northern Iowa. Zach will spend his 7^th summer at Camp Heart Connection.
• Sara Stewart is returning to Camp Heart Connection for the second summer. Sara is a student at the University of Iowa.

·         Mary Welsh is a first year staff member and student at the University of Iowa.

Counselors feel free to add more information about yourselves below or share a note with your campers and their families! This is the final post in the Meet the Staff Sibling Edition Series!