The new StarTrac treadmills purchased with the Salukifunder donations are now in the SIUC Cancer Rehabilitation Lab and are being used well by Strong Survivors participants.   These units have vastly improved our ability to administer fitness assessments and that gives us more accurate data that we can use to create safe and effective exercise programs.  More important than that, these new treadmills enhance the overall exercise experience and that increases the probability for improved fitness and quality of life, which is the primary goal of our program. 

We can't thank all of our donors enough for their generosity.  You have impacted the lives of countless cancer survivors and caregivers.  

Dr. Phil Anton - Strong Survivors Exercise Program Director

Hear what Strong Survivors participants and staff members are saying about the new treadmills and see photos below:

I was in the Cancer Resource Lab at SIU today and there were new treadmills in there!  Yay! Thank you for them!  They are so much smoother than the old ones and I love the handrails! Thank you, thanks you, thank you for the new equipment! A huge blessing it is and I just wanted to say thank you.   - April Turner 

What a difference the new treadmills have made on my routine  already. Taylor had me on one them immediately. I never realized there could be such a range in the quality of the equipment -- extra cushioning under the belt, side rails and built-in fans. Even the heart monitor is in sync with my Fitbit, making it easier for Taylor to check it. Thanks so much for replacing those old ones. Great improvement!  - Karen Binder

The new treadmills boosted my motivation to keep moving. They are so much nicer than the old ones. I'm so grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of the donors.  - Laura T. 

The new treadmills allow for more variance when participants engage in their aerobic exercises. Before, participants tended to stay away from the old treadmills limiting them to a short list of aerobic options. Now, I find participants wanting to use the new treadmills allowing the trainers to incorporate more treadmill based exercises into their sessions. This creates a more diverse workout when participants come to exercise. They love them.

- Josh Podzielinski, Senior, Biological Sciences

Saying these new treadmills are an upgrade compared to the old ones is understatement. It seemed as if the old treadmills came before Davies. Not only do the new treadmills have the latest features but they also provide a greater sense of stability for our participants. This leads to a safer more successful workout. Just walking in the Cancer Rehab Lab with this new equipment gives it more professional atmosphere that helps set the tone for each session. These treadmills are greatly appreciated and will benefit many participants and trainers for years to come.  

- Taylor Wassi, Senior, Exercise Science

Hi All - as you may have seen, thanks to your generosity, we made our $5000 goal and will soon be able to purchase the new treadmills.  Thanks so much for your help!  We'll post pics of the treadmills as soon as we have them in place. 

Thanks again! 

Dr. Phil Anton, Strong Survivors Exercise Program Director and Director of the SIUC/SIH Cancer Rehabilitation Laboratory

(On behalf of the Strong Survivors Fundraising Team)

Hi everyone -

Thanks to everyone who has donated to our initial fundraising effort!  We have 8 days left and are about halfway to our initial goal.   Please pass this link on to family, friends, colleagues, etc. - anyone you think might be willing/able to support this valuable community resource that has helped countless cancer survivors and caregivers regain, maintain, and improve their quality of life, as well as providing SIUC students with invaluable professional and personal experience.  

 Thanks, 

 Dr. Phil Anton

Strong Survivors Exercise Program Director