Waukesha County Cancer Support Org. Honors Woman's Legacy

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI—A nonprofit organization that works with cancer patients throughout Southeast Wisconsin is raising funds online after their annual gala was canceled due to the pandemic.

The group provides financial assistance, service coordination, and supportive care to cancer patients. Tricia's Troops also focuses on the daily living challenges and out-of-pocket expenses that become a burden for many families during treatment.

"We also provide a variety of free services and supplies to local cancer fighters to ensure they feel the embrace of our community on their journey toward healing," Candice Strong, executive director of Tricia's Troops, told Patch.

The organization was the result of Strong's sister's journey. Tricia Wright, a wife, and mother of two, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer at 35.

During the initial months of treatment, a group of people began providing meals, prayers, cards, and other gestures of support to help and encourage her throughout her battle. The group became known as “Tricia’s Troops” and soon the entire community rallied around Tricia and her family.

"Tricia was very much looking out rather than looking in," Strong said.

Tricia's family thought about the abundance of support given to them and how others might have the same level of support. The family decided to start a nonprofit organization to make life better for people, Strong said. Tricia's husband was in business, Tricia was a nurse and Strong worked with nonprofits.

"It was like they were called together to do something special here," Strong told Patch.

It was May of 2011 that their vision was realized and they proudly hosted the grand opening of Tricia's Troops Cancer Connection.

Tricia died on April 26, 2012.

"She was the most vibrant, giving and caring and just the most incredible person you could imagine," Strong said.

Continuing her legacy

There are three main programs offered through Tricia's Troops which include flower/chemo care power, people power, and prayer power.

People power focuses on financial concerns and daily needs such as fuel, groceries, utilities, and rent.

"We also help with product and supplies such as wigs or lymphedema sleeve or feeding tubes," Strong said.

Strong added that the service covers anything additional a person may need to buy due to the cancer diagnosis. Tricia's Troops also provide home cleaning, lawn care, and snow removal.

"If you don't have that support system at home and you aren't feeling well that kind of stuff is so hard," she said.

Strong said what makes the organization a bit different is they help coordinate the services as opposed to just providing financial support. Strong explained they go out to vendors in the area for pricing and see if they can get a deals.

Sharon Coyle, who was helped by the organization, praised Tricia's Troops. Coyle sent Patch the following statement:

"Tricia's Troops is a great and caring resource for cancer patients and families in so many ways from providing rides, helping pay essential bills like utilities as well as gift baskets and flowers and so much more.

The work done by Candice Strong and volunteers in loving memory of her sister Tricia is
really inspiring and even more essential as we face Covid. Candice (Strong) is an enthusiastic and dedicated executive director of this organization. As a grateful recovered cancer patient all I can say is thank goodness for organizations like Tricia's Troops Cancer Connection."

Philanthropy and the pandemic

Strong said she wanted to make sure cancer patients didn't need to travel to the headquarters in Oconomowoc during the pandemic or have to worry about people coming by.

"Everything we do is over the phone," Strong said.

Strong does assessments with patients over the phone and gift cards for services are mailed to them.

"We are considered essential so we have been able to keep our operations going at full strength," Strong said.

The pandemic has resulted in an increase of applications due to people losing their jobs or having their hours cut back. Strong said she is hearing from people who are dealing with the mental and emotional burden of the pandemic.

"We provide a glimmer of hope. They need a win and need to feel like they are not alone," she said.

The nonprofit's fundraising has been hurt due to the pandemic. Strong said it is hard to ask people for money when so many businesses and individuals are struggling. The November gala which hosts over 400 people and raises over $100,000 had to be canceled.

Tricia's Troops had to pivot and created a “Let’s Make a Memory” photo and activity challenge fundraiser. The fundraiser which started on Sept. 18, ends on Sept. 27.

The cost is $25 per person and is a team challenge for 2-10 participants per team. Each team will have 9 days to score the max points by completing photo and activity challenges together. The winning team gets $2,020.

For more information visit Givesmart.com or to learn more about other ways to give visit Triciastroops.org.