Making a Difference, Sally Miley and MB Blanding: Building a Cancer Recovery Community

Madison is lucky. We have doctors researching, nurses educating the diagnosed and specialists delivering treatments. Yes, our cancer-fighting community is armed for the battle. While it's easy to recognize the degree-wielding medical professionals, this June brings a milestone for two local women working to treat cancer with one of the most important medicines of all: camaraderie. Jumping on board A year ago, Sally Miley was as she puts it a professional volunteer. But after a visit with local attorney Steve Schaefer, Miley's work was given an important focus; Schaefer asked her to spearhead WeCanRow, a program for women recovering from cancer.
Founded in 2002 by United States Olympic rower Holly Metcalf, WeCanRow originated as a recovery program for breast cancer survivors. Programs have since been created in several states, and now, Wisconsin. There's a lot of programming for women with breast cancer [in Madison], but not for other cancers, Miley says. Based on community feedback, Miley decided to open Madison's WeCanRow to women affected by any cancer. With added inclusivity, local health and cancer advocacy networks have responded with overwhelming support.
Another individual thrilled about the program is Miley's counterpart, Mary Beth MB Blanding. A graduate of UW-Madison and a master rower, Blanding is an English teacher at Sun Prairie High School by day, and a junior rowing coach by night. She's now taken on the head coaching position for WeCanRow with gusto. A group effort While Blanding and Miley are the main faces of the program, they're quick to give credit to Amy Silder for providing valuable insight. An assistant rowing coach at UW-Madison, Silder was part of an established WeCanRow program in East Lansing, Mich., and contributed her advice on what Miley and Blanding should anticipate. [We've] talked a lot about women reconnecting with their bodies, Miley recalls. Women who've been through [many] medical procedures get to a point of disassociation and are constantly being invaded. [WeCanRow] is a way for them to get comfortable with their bodies again.
Blanding and Miley enlisted the help of Lisa Steinkamp chairman of the UW physical therapy department to assure that the physical side of WeCanRow is executed correctly. Lisa understands what muscles are affected if patients have surgery, Miley says. That way, she's been able to figure out what exercises will be needed to help women row. Building a community After extensive fundraising, public relations efforts, research and training, Miley and Blanding are finally set to launch WeCanRow.
While countless women across the area are recovering from cancer in the various ways they know how, WeCanRow offers an active opportunity to recover in good company. As renowned author Jane Howard once said, Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. For more information on WeCanRow, visit www.camprandallrc.org