2024
From June 3-9 over 200 participants from around the world ran, walked, rollerbladed, golfed, swam, hiked and more, completing over 2,150 miles together for the 4th Annual Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge. The premise of the challenge was to pledge and complete a mileage of your choosing through any activity, the goal being to bring people together from afar for a common cause.
The 4th Annual Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge raised $24,550, which will go towards funding for the laboratory research and clinical trials program within the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Throughout the weekend, 2 Virtual Events premiered involving movement, mindfulness and fitness. We’d like to thank Sebastian Little and Chris Hemmerich for leading these amazing Virtual Events!
For the Love of Me: A Guided Meditation of Self-Love for Runners, Walkers and Athletes of All Levels
Life can be hectic with responsibilities pulling us in many different directions. It can be hard to take time to focus on yourself, and you might even feel guilty doing so. But self-love is more than a luxury; it's essential for a fulfilled life.
Join Chris Hemmerich for a motivating and self-encouraging meditation dedicated to self-love. This session includes a 10-minute warm-up and a 30-minute exercise, guiding you to connect deeply with yourself.
The Authentic Hero: A Celebration of Authenticity and the Courage to be Yourself
I love being around people with paper thin Authenticity.
Folks whose intent is pure, whose heart is filled with love, and whose smile brightens the world around them. Their front perfectly matches their back (ie, the paper thin ;)
Over the past few years, I feel like Authenticity has been co-opted to mean, “I’ll say or do what I want because I’m entitled to my Authentic-Self”.
And to that… I roll my eyes and click my teeth 😆 yuck 🤮
But I digress 😅, I love this word and what it represents. To me, authenticity is self-ownership, which is the prerequisite to the experience of belonging, utilization of one’s greatest strengths, and a bridge to genuine and unabashed love and connection.
Here’s what I’ve learned about Authenticity:
✨ Authenticity sparks joy. People perk up and when they share about something that positively consumes them. The energy pours out of them. Notice the next time a person starts to ramble about something they love… it’ll point to the passions and philosophies that define them.
🌘 Authenticity can wax and wane. Self-ownership isn’t always ‘on’. It can allude us, play games, and even deceive us. It is not always easy or available to locate ourselves.
💼 Authenticity is an inside job. The only one who gets it right is you. And you’re the only one with a scorecard.
❓ One pathway to authenticity is to tend to our internal curiosity. A willingness to question what you know and relearn who you think you are.
As we continue to expand in the world, know that your expansion is directly proportional to your gravity. Our lives are like the solar system. Our ‘gravity’ – depth and volume of our sense of self – is equal and opposite to how quickly and impactfully we create results. Want more expansion… get more gravity? Want more gravity, be more authentic. The world needs it, and you.
If you need way to get started, ask, what would Theresa do?
Hint: Probably smile :)
With love, Seb
2023
On May 4 - 7, 2023 over 350 participants from around the world ran, walked, rollerbladed, golfed, swam, hiked and more, completing over 2,200 miles together for the 3rd Annual Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge. The premise of the challenge was to pledge and complete a mileage of your choosing through any activity, the goal being to bring people together from afar for a common cause.
The shirt design for this year’s Miles For Smiles is an ode to our beginnings & the roots Theresa planted.
In 2011, Cheshire’s Relay For Life inspired Theresa’s peers to create a team supporting her fight against cancer. The Relay theme was board games & the team name, Theresa’s Battleship was born. The logo for this first team was a sailor steering a boat as seen on this year’s shirts.
For the 2012 Relay For Life, inspired by & in support of “Project Purple,” Theresa & her peers selected a purple shirt, symbolizing the color of hope, in Theresa’s favorite design, tie dye.
This year’s Miles For Smiles logo design is inspired by the logos of the 2011 & 2012 teams. Lead by Theresa, these teams laid the foundation for this community to grow.
The 3rd Annual Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge raised $27,300, which will go towards funding for the laboratory research and clinical trials program within the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Throughout the weekend, 3 Virtual Events premiered involving movement, mindfulness and fitness. We’d like to thank Craig Strange, Melissa Silva and Chris Hemmerich for leading these amazing Virtual Events!
Looking for a quick and healthy snack before or after your workout? Look no further! Craig Strange is here to show us a few simple steps to making some of the best Hummus we’ve ever had!!
Join Melissa Silva from The Yoga Room, CT for 5 minutes of yoga flow.
The Yoga Room is located on Waterbury Road in Prospect, CT. To learn more about available classes visit their website here: www.theyogaroomct.com
Theresa’s Battleship was represented across 3 countries, (Unites States, Spain, & United Kingdom), and 22 states!
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, shared kind words and invited friends! The outpouring of support and enthusiasm was unbelievably inspiring and we loved seeing everyone out on a beautiful day enjoying time with family and friends!
#KeepSmiling
2022
On May 5 - 10, 2022 over 400 participants from around the world ran, walked, rollerbladed, golfed, shuffleborded, swam, hiked and more, completing over 2250 miles together for the 2nd Annual Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge. The premise of the challenge was to pledge and complete a mileage of your choosing through any activity, the goal being to bring people together from afar for a common cause.
The event raised $35,202, which will go towards funding for the laboratory research and clinical trials program within the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Throughout the weekend, 3 Virtual Events premiered involving movement, mindfulness and fitness. We’d like to thank Christina Rowland, Kat Doyle, Dr. Toni Hemmerich and Chris Hemmerich for leading these amazing virtual events!
An 8 minute flow with Yoga Instructor Kat Doyle focusing on Abs and Glutes.
For more from Kat please visit her Vimeo page!
Theresa’s Battleship was represented across 2 countries, (Unites States & Norway), and 21 states!
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, shared kind words and invited friends! The outpouring of support and enthusiasm was unbelievably inspiring and we loved seeing everyone out on a beautiful day enjoying time with family and friends!
#KeepSmiling
Messages from Donors
“This is a great cause, thank you for organizing “ - Kevin Fiala
“Excited for another year of smiles!!” - Alexis Sansone
“Here’s to another year of sweating for the cause!!!” - Andie Sansone
“So happy to be participating for such a great cause!!”- Max Formica
“CHSGS let’s get it!” - Ella Crerar
“Lets Go CHS Soccer “- Addison Emons
“Another year supporting this great cause!!” - Gonzalo Fernandez Escribano
“What an amazing group of girls we have! Go rams! “ - Kylee McIntosh
“So proud of your fundraising efforts in Theresa’s memory. GO Team! GO!” - Carol Ploch
“Congratulations to all who participated in honor of a very special person💜“ - Carina Martone
“Let’s go, Rams!” - The Dziura Family
“Looking forward to getting lapped by Joe in the race” - Asa Enclade
“GO TEAM!!!!!!!” - Erik Lindblad
“Go CHS Girls Soccer!!” - The DelRosso Family
“Coppermine is the BEST!! “ -Matthew Stromberg
“Kickstarting our group's contributions to Theresa's Battleship. Here's to a heartfelt, successful campaign to support research and clinical trials at CCMS's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in loving memory of Theresa's unforgettable impact on our lives - KEEP SMILING!” - Mary E Galiette
“Thanks for all you do for Childhood Cancer. Maureen Fitzpatrick is an amazing inspiration. Go Team Maureen! Just keep swimming!” - Ceci Manuszak
“Love you all- have a good challenge day!” - Mrs Scinto
“This is a great cause and cant wait to go for a hike!!” - Emily Curtis
“❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️” - Meredith Lawder
“Let’s do it!”- Asa E
“We love you Theresa. Good luck everyone , keep smiling :)” - The Stauffer Family
“Go team Joe!” - Joe Huennekens
“all the love to the fitzpatrick’s!!!” - Cara Zimmerman
“Great job, Rams. Crush it!! “ - Everett Shaw
“Theresa's legacy is beyond amazing!” - Love Auntie Joan & Uncle Tim
“Go Team T!” - Christopher Beach
“Tune up those bikes!” - Mike Barry
:) - Ken Dolitsky
“Love you TT!!!!” - Valerie Strange
“WAHOOOOO!” - Tamara Burton
“The Manatees at Palm Beach Masters shout out a big WAHOOOO for Theresa's Battleship! Go TEAM!” - Ken Bolog
“Friends who selfie together, stick together.” - Shagufta Pasha
Love you T!! 💜 -Nick Velleca
“Go Rams ❤️⚽️🖤” - Theresa Zurolo
“Let's go team Phosphene!!!” - Shannen Miceli
“Woohoo! Go Team Phosphene!” - Michael Miceli
“Go goalies and west” - Eric Burgess
“Go Coppermine!!” - Cristin Berrier
“Way to go Cheshire Rams! “ - Jill Hale
“Let's go, Team! Have a blast and thanks for your support!! You continue to inspire, T! Keep smiling! Wahoos for T! “ - Maureen Fitzpatrick
“Go Aunties, Family and Friends of T!!” - Gerald Neipp
“WE LOVE YOU JOE!!!!” - Jehan Jillani
“Good luck to everyone participating!!” - Emma Ferraro
“In memory of extraordinary Theresa!” - Carleen Cohen
“Shoutout to the Cheshire Girls High School Soccer for always supporting this great cause!” - Samantha Rosenberg
“Good luck!” - Joseph Cicarella
“Let's Go!!!!!!!” - Clancy Healy
“Palm Beach Masters Swimming for T!!” - Tamara Burton
“Doing 2 sessions of SILVER SNEAKERS! How Theresa must be smiling now!!!” - Dorie DonVito
“Make it so! ❤️” - Bryan Lugo
“Thank you all for the motivation with the Miles for Smiles.” - Wendy McCarthy
“Thanks for all the important work you do in fundraising!! Keep it up. Hope yo see everyone soon!” - Laura Johnson
“Go Team Darcey!” - Shannon Knudsen
“So proud of how far the team has come in the past couple of years, on and off the field!! Keep up the awesome work! I miss you all so much and hope to meet the rest of you at an alumni game some day soon (: “ - Jessie-Marie Allendorf
“Have Fun! ... Don't Hurt Yourself!!!!!” - David & Betty Ann Connolly
“To everyone feeling and spreading their love and smiles this weekend!” - Eric Ploch
2021
On May 1 & 2, 2021 over 570 participants from around the world ran, walked, golfed, biked, hiked, rollerbladed, swam and skateboarded, completing 2800 miles together for the Inaugural Miles For Smiles Virtual Challenge. The premise of the challenge was to pledge and complete a mileage of your choosing through any activity, the goal being to bring people together from afar for a common cause.
The event raised $40,902, which will go towards funding for the laboratory research and clinical trials program within the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
2021 Miles for Smiles Teams, Rainbow Dragons & TT's Brother and Friends joined in Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY after their run, making friends with strangers and participating in field day activities.
Team Sansone Strength held a 1 hour HIIT workout in Branford, CT.
Throughout the weekend, 3 Virtual Events premiered involving movement, mindfulness and fitness. We’d like to thank Chrissy Tracey, Carina and Sebastian Little for leading these amazing virtual events!
How to make Granola Power Bars with Vegan Chef, Chrissy Tracey! Link to How to Video here!
Yoga Instructor, Carina, leads us through a 30 minute beginners morning flow taking a few minutes of mindfulness to reflect on Theresa and the joy she brought to each and every day.
Finding your focus and motivation with leadership coach Sebastian Little. Connection is a Choice. Resilience is a Mindset. Positivity is Infectious. Bring the Juice.
Theresa’s Battleship was represented across 6 countries, (Unites States, Canada, Germany, Vietnam, Norway and Aruba), and 27 states!
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, shared kind words and invited friends! The outpouring of support and enthusiasm was unbelievably inspiring and we loved seeing everyone out on a beautiful day enjoying time with family and friends!
#KeepSmiling
Messages from Donors!
“Keep Smiling Everyone!” - Valerie Strange
“Outside, happy and smiling! Theresa's life!” - Joan Fitzpatrick
“Wonderful cause! Perfect name for a charity in honor of Teresa , whose smile lit up any room she entered” - Jane Cuppernull
“Embrace life, love life, smile :) Good luck everyone, have a great day!!” - Alexis Sansone
“Let’s go boys!!!” - Scott Grenier
“Good luck!!” - Lorraine Lapman
“Thanks for organizing this event! I think it will be a huge success. We love and miss Theresa!!” - Dorothy Ross
“Believe in yourself. Accept others. Be Kind. Pursue, overcome, achieve. Embrace life, love life… Smile. GO TEAM JOE!!!!!” - Nicole Stauffer
“yay!” - Jaimie Park
“GO TEAM ROUX!!” - Shannon Edmonds
“Go Coppermine!” - Kate Flowers
“ Go Phosphene!”- Elizabeth Ann Connolly
“Stronger Together”- Andie Sansone
“Good luck to all involved” - Lisa Fitzpatrick
“Good luck team!”- Susan Roberts
”Good luck everyone!!!”- Emily Greco
“Let’s Go!!” - Tara Courtmanche
“Go Team Coppermine!!” - Wendy Mendelson
“Go Coppermine!!!” - Heidi Bowen
“Go Coppermine!”- Angela Kozlowski
“Go Coppermine!!”- Amy Gemmill
“Love you all!” - Joe Fitzpatrick
“We are friends forever!” - Mike Gozzo
“Go Coppermine! “- Karma Quinn
This continues to be so wonderful!! Go team! Love, Cara & EJ
“Way to go, Coppermine!” - Jane Berg
“Here’s to you Audrey! Thank you for your energy!” - Patricia Babij
“Good Luck Team!!” - Wayne Newman
“Go Coppermine! SMILE!”- Heather Kormanik
“Can’t wait !!!” - Aubrey Keplin
“Who Dem Boyz lol“ -Tucker Bartone
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!”-Nicholas Kostallas
#faithlovehope - Eric Teschemacher
“I'm a friend of Maureen. The odd $ amount is based on the Hebrew word for life which is also the word for 18. So, $36 is "double life". Best wishes for a successful event!” -Joan Zieky
“All smiles for our T!” - Kelly Rosadino
“It's such a loving way to remember her. I'm sure she knows and is very proud of you” - Paula DeClement
“Good luck everyone!!” - Carol Goodyear
“We dem boyz” - David Gomes
Have fun everyone! :) from Dave and Sammy
“Bromans on the Run are ready! Let’s go get the miles and smile!” - Michele Broman
“Go Bromans” - Patty Palencer
“Go Team Roux!” - Kimberly Burger
“Let’s go Rams!!!” - Adam Larke
“We will be thinking of you when we walk our 5K on May 1st!” - Marlys Vaccari
“I admire so much all the work everyone puts into this. So proud to be part of this and be able to help out and support the cause, family, and friends” - Gonzalo Fernandez
“We can’t wait to participate and pass on our SMILES for the event. Go Team Brother & Friends!!!!” - Bob & Wendy
“Such a great cause! Good luck to all the Coppermine teams :) “ - Shawn McNulty
“Good luck Coppermine! “ - Darcy Carroll
“Go Team Phosphene!!” - Amy Longwell Atamian
“Support from across the Hall at Marketing & Media! GO COPPERMINE” - Julie Gochar
“Good luck to best friend Andie and all of Team Sansone Strength!“ - Brendan Mormile
“Good Luck!” - Carol Friia
“GO TEAM PHOSPHENE!!!” - Shannen Miceli
“Say Cheeeeese!“ - Alec Hochenberger
“Don't forget to smile!“ - Levi Curnutte
“Let's Go!!!!!“- Shannon Scott
“Good luck team! We are rooting you on! “ - Lisa Brown
“We love you Joe and way to inspire us all!” - Ann and Bob
“Good luck! Go Audrey! You’re awesome!” - Patti Wilson
“Goooooooo Team!” -Viv & John
“Good luck. Have fun.”- Kimberly Cashman
“Way to go!”- Sandra McKean
“Good luck Phosphene!” - Trish & Will Tomlinson
“The Cure is in the Cause” -Nicholas Palumbo
“Thrilled and honored to be a part of a wonderful cause!” -Rob LeDonne
“Keeping Theresa's spirit close in our hearts!”- Paula Kulpa
“Go Coppermine 2024 Blue!” - Kelly Broske
“Miles For Smiles represented on Cape Cod! Thank you for including us!”- Cindy and Mary
“Proud of you girls bringing cancer awareness into your community! Good luck!”- Judy Hurlbut
“Can’t wait!!⚽️” - Noel Fletcher
“Go Girls!! Good Luck!!”- Margaret Boucher
“Good luck Team! Cheering you on from New Hampshire!” -Ida & Dave Dziura
“Thank you to everyone on the Roux team” - Brian Morrissey
"Have fun Roux Team!” - Courtney Lind
“Great job girls!” - Gail Arak
“Go Rams!!” - Bonnie Bouwman
“Go team!!” - Nelia Luis
