Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin Campus, 2025 Community Benefits
HEAL Program Empowers Female Cancer Survivors with Free Classes
Ascension Wisconsin’s Healthy Eating, Active Living, or “HEAL” program, is a free program designed specifically to meet female cancer survivors wherever they are in their journey. It is a 10-week long class held at the New Berlin YMCA and includes health education, nutrition counseling, exercise classes, and on-going support from an oncology registered dietitian, certified lymphedema occupational therapist and three oncology-registered nurses and certified cancer exercise specialists.
HEAL supports female cancer survivors in living healthier lives after a cancer diagnosis. Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin patients participate in the program. The program is also accessible to all female cancer survivors living in the greater Milwaukee area.
"These classes have given me a lot of information about diet and nutrition, other kinds of exercise, and resources in the community that are available," said two-time breast cancer survivor Terri Lawler.
Originally launched in 2024, to serve female breast cancer survivors, the HEAL program has now expanded to include all female cancer patients between the ages of 19 and 80 who have been diagnosed with stage I, II, III, or IV cancer, are currently undergoing treatment (radiation, hormonal or immunotherapy), or have completed treatment within the past five years.
The program offers:
This virtual format breaks down barriers when accessing care, particularly for those who are immunocompromised, actively in treatment, face transportation challenges, or live in remote areas of Wisconsin. Classes are offered at various times to provide flexible scheduling, allowing participants to join from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Ascension Wisconsin's Cancer Survivorship Program received a Healthy Eating Active Living Grant to start this free program from American Cancer Society and Kohl's Cares, for two consecutive years. HEAL is also supported by Ascension Wisconsin Foundation.
Past participants have come from Milwaukee, Franklin, Racine and additionally Waukesha County, highlighting the program’s growing reach and impact across southeastern Wisconsin. Over the past two years, the HEAL program has assisted around 60 women in survivorship.
HEAL supports female cancer survivors in living healthier lives after a cancer diagnosis. Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin patients participate in the program. The program is also accessible to all female cancer survivors living in the greater Milwaukee area.
"These classes have given me a lot of information about diet and nutrition, other kinds of exercise, and resources in the community that are available," said two-time breast cancer survivor Terri Lawler.
Originally launched in 2024, to serve female breast cancer survivors, the HEAL program has now expanded to include all female cancer patients between the ages of 19 and 80 who have been diagnosed with stage I, II, III, or IV cancer, are currently undergoing treatment (radiation, hormonal or immunotherapy), or have completed treatment within the past five years.
The program offers:
- Personalized exercise and nutrition plans
- Ongoing healthy lifestyle support
- A free 3-month household YMCA membership
- Access to two free teaching kitchens
This virtual format breaks down barriers when accessing care, particularly for those who are immunocompromised, actively in treatment, face transportation challenges, or live in remote areas of Wisconsin. Classes are offered at various times to provide flexible scheduling, allowing participants to join from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Ascension Wisconsin's Cancer Survivorship Program received a Healthy Eating Active Living Grant to start this free program from American Cancer Society and Kohl's Cares, for two consecutive years. HEAL is also supported by Ascension Wisconsin Foundation.
Past participants have come from Milwaukee, Franklin, Racine and additionally Waukesha County, highlighting the program’s growing reach and impact across southeastern Wisconsin. Over the past two years, the HEAL program has assisted around 60 women in survivorship.
Ascension Wisconsin’s Franklin Family Health Night Brings Health Education to the Community
Community members had the opportunity to meet doctors, nurses, and emergency response professionals in a fun, hands-on environment at the 13th Annual Ascension Franklin Family Health Night.
The goal of this event is to engage and educate community members about health and prevention. It encourages families to educate themselves about staying safe and healthy through interactive activities and demonstrations. Attendees of all ages got an inside look at how emergency situations are handled, and had the chance to connect directly with first responders.
“It’s important to educate our local communities about health and safety,” said Jonathon Matuszewski, president of Ascension Franklin. “Allowing the community to interact with our associates, local fire and police departments, and surrounding agencies helps teach children valuable skills, like CPR, fire safety, and general public safety awareness.”
Highlights of the evening included a teddy bear clinic, CPR training, hands-on practice with medical tools used within a hospital setting, and an up-close look at the Flight for Life helicopter.
This has become an annual affair and is expected to take place again in the summer of 2026. Around 300 people attended the most recent Family Health Night.
The goal of this event is to engage and educate community members about health and prevention. It encourages families to educate themselves about staying safe and healthy through interactive activities and demonstrations. Attendees of all ages got an inside look at how emergency situations are handled, and had the chance to connect directly with first responders.
“It’s important to educate our local communities about health and safety,” said Jonathon Matuszewski, president of Ascension Franklin. “Allowing the community to interact with our associates, local fire and police departments, and surrounding agencies helps teach children valuable skills, like CPR, fire safety, and general public safety awareness.”
Highlights of the evening included a teddy bear clinic, CPR training, hands-on practice with medical tools used within a hospital setting, and an up-close look at the Flight for Life helicopter.
This has become an annual affair and is expected to take place again in the summer of 2026. Around 300 people attended the most recent Family Health Night.
