Services that were one considered "alternative medicine" by the mainstream are now getting recognized as an integral part of health and recovery. Aurora Health Care knows this, and introduced this month a series of events called "Hope. Heal. Feel: A Mindful Tri Against Cancer." 

Mindful Tri events are free holistic walks that include three stages: stretching with yoga or tai chi, a mindful walk and relaxation with aromatherapy, massage, accupuncture and other relaxation therapies.

"We call it a ‘triathalon’ but there’s no running, swimming or biking required. Instead there’s stretching, walking and relaxing," says Sarah Tomczyk, Aurora’s donor stewardship coordinator. "Plus it's free."

There are two Mindful Tri events on Saturday, June 23: one in Greenfield Park and another in Fowler Park in the town of Summit. The events are open to anyone: survivors, current patients and those who love someone who has or had cancer.

Registering for the event ensures support for local cancer clinics, cancer research or integrative medicine therapies – all of which will benefit cancer patients in Wisconsin. For more information about these events, go here.

Barb Bavinka, who lives in Grafton, finished chemotherapy in February, but suffered a loss of feeling in her hands and feet after treatment. Acupuncture helped her to overcome this debilitating side effect and she was ablate participate in a Mindful Tri walk at Kapco Park in Grafton last week.

"I was very exhilarated by the walk. I think it’s a tremendous program that gives hope to cancer patients and survivors. We need to know there are things available we might not have known about before that can help us feel better," says Bavinka. "It was such a positive experience for me."

Register here.