Just as a caterpillar spins her cocoon and slowly changes into a beautiful butterfly, Back in the Swing is undergoing a major metamorphosis as it emerges from its first decade of retail therapy and enters its second decade with a revised program of parties and learning.
When Back in the Swing was founded in 2000 by Barbara Unell, her focus was on raising funds to help breast cancer survivors answer simple questions like, “How should I exercise? What should I do to help my immune system? What do I do to get back to life?” At the time there were very few resources for breast cancer survivors.
“People did not talk about the survivors 11 years ago,” said Barbara, “now we can. An almost unthinkable gap in care existed then. They (medical system) cared for cancer but not the survivor.”
But Back in the Swing changed that in the Kansas City area. Over the years “retail therapy” was embraced by many supporters throughout the area, raising more than $2 million. Today there are several post-treatment centers for breast cancer survivors in the area.
“It was exciting,” said Barbara, “People knew about our organization, but they thought we only did shopping cards. When we did research about people’s knowledge of what we did, they did not know about the care we give.”
“Two things have changed in 10 years,” said Bob Unell, who helped found the organization with Barbara. “When we started we were the only card…. It was unique. But now a shopping card is not unique. And dynamics have changed for everyone because of the economy. So retail therapy had to change as well.”
‘A Cause for Celebration!’
Back in the Swing Parties will focus on “providing access to cutting-edge, survivorship education for local oncology nurses, as well as clinical care and research,” according to promotional materials about the change. Instead of purchasing discount shopping cards, this year more than 200 parties will be held throughout the Kansas City area.
“We saw things happen at the grassroots level,” said Bob. “People had parties or shopping events. We were given time to come up with a program and provide education. So we thought, ‘Wow if we want to educate and celebrate … could and would the parties work?’”
Thus the theme for the parties this year is “A Cause for Celebration!” Over the winter the Unells spoke to their supporters and individuals about holding parties where people could sometimes shop, but always gain education about breast cancer survivor services.
Three types of parties will be held. The first are retail parties. Most of these will be held between Oct. 10 and 16.
“Retailers are creative,” Bob said. “For example Crate and Barrel is calling their event ‘Crate Big Pink Party.’” They plan to have 10 stations around the store with food, demonstrations, decorating and education. People will buy tickets with the proceeds going to Back in the Swing. Crate and Barrel could never participate in the shopping cards, but they can have a party for the survivorship celebration.
Home parties will also be held. A teacher is having one to honor her fellow teachers who have survived breast cancer. She is inviting staff and parents. The school is coming together to support Back in the Swing. People will make a donation to come to the party. In return they will get treats and party favors, as well as education about survivorship programs.
Finally there are corporate parties. One law firm invited clients, partners and staff and is having EBT restaurant provide food. Representatives will come and talk about how Back in Swing has helped them get healthy. “The young man who organized it is so excited about doing something that will bring his company together and raise money for the cause,” Bob said.
People will learn about the parties through special sections in two local newspapers. There will be 200 parties in 20 days … and these parties are open to the public. “Everyone can come to any event,” Barbara said. “They are not private, they are open to the public. You don’t need to be invited.”
Bob said funding from the events will go to two tracks — oncology nurses and survivors. Back in the Swing has provided the initial funding for a new curriculum entitled “Delivering Survivorship Care” as part of the “Cancer Survivorship Training for healthcare Professionals.” It will address 12 survivorship nursing care content areas, including: Emotional Issues and Cancer, Exercise and Energy Balance, Fatigue and Cognitive Difficulties, Fertility Preservation, Genetic issues and others. Members of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, the Unells are aware of the importance of understanding your genetic situation to help prevent breast cancer.
The parties will kick off with a special event from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Dean and Deluca in Leawood. There will be discounts throughout the store as well as free samples to taste from the “Back in the Swing Cookbook: Recipes for Eating Great and Living Well.” (To be published by Andrews McMeel.)
Although the cookbook will not be published until fall of 2012, it is an important part of the future plans of Back in the Swing. Written by Barbara Unell and Judith Fertig, the book will feature not only 130 recipes, but will be a resource for nutrition, exercise and relaxation for the breast cancer survivor.
“The book is not talking just of cancer,” said Barbara, “but of improving and protecting health … getting back in swing. We focus on wellness, not the illness of it.
The cookbook will be helpful for people who have been through the experience as well as those who want to keep healthy. “
They hope that the book will become a major fundraiser for Back in the Swing as it will have international distribution and a part of all profits will go to the organization.
As Back in the Swing changes, Barbara said, “This shows that our organization is not only interested in breast cancer, we are interested in wellness and health and healthy living.” They would like an end to breast cancer reoccurrence and improved health for all.
Just as a butterfly brings beauty to the world, they hope the book and the parties will bring healing and joy to women throughout the world.