The Crocus Foundation

10/28/2026

💜 MEET THE TEAM: DANA FRANCK! 💜

Behind every strong mission is a team of people dedicated to making a difference!

Today, we’re kicking off our Team Spotlight Series by introducing Dana Franck, Director of Community Impact at The Crocus Foundation!

In her role, Dana helps strengthen community relationships, build meaningful partnerships, and plan and coordinate events, big and small, that bring people together in support of our mission.

From connecting with community partners to creating opportunities for people to get involved, Dana plays an important role in helping us make cancer rehabilitation and wellness support more accessible.

We’re grateful for Dana’s dedication and the impact she helps make in our community! 💜

10/26/2026

💜 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ISN’T JUST PINK.

Did you know men can develop breast cancer, too?

While breast cancer in men is rare, their need for awareness, support, and recovery resources is just as important.

💪 MOVEMENT MATTERS!

Following breast cancer treatment, some survivors may experience lymphedema, a buildup of lymphatic fluid that can cause swelling, tightness, and limited mobility.

Gentle, intentional exercise can play an important role in recovery by helping to:

💜 Support lymphatic flow
💜 Improve mobility and range of motion
💜 Reduce stiffness and tightness
💜 Rebuild strength and confidence

At The Crocus Foundation, we believe exercise-based rehabilitation should be accessible to EVERY cancer survivor, regardless of gender.

Our goal is to help survivors regain strength, restore confidence, and improve their quality of life through personalized movement and support.

Small movements can make a BIG difference. 💜

Always consult your healthcare team before beginning exercises following cancer treatment, especially if you’re experiencing swelling or symptoms of lymphedema.

ExerciseIsMedicine

10/24/2026

💙 MONTHLY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: MercyOne Cancer Center!

This month, we’re proud to recognize MercyOne Cancer Center and the incredible partnership we share!

At The Crocus Foundation, community partnerships play a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission. Through our partnership with MercyOne Cancer Center, we’re able to connect more cancer survivors with individualized, exercise-based rehabilitation programs that help rebuild strength, restore confidence, and improve quality of life.

We are incredibly grateful for MercyOne’s Cancer Center continued support, trust, and shared commitment to improving the lives of those impacted by cancer.

💙 Thank you, MercyOne Cancer Center, for being a valued partner in our mission and helping us make a difference right here in our community!

10/20/2026

💜 PATIENT SPOTLIGHT: MEET BETH! 💜

“My body feels good again!”

After her second major surgery for appendix cancer in one year, Beth came to The Crocus Foundation wanting to rebuild her strength and prepare her body for what lay ahead.

With the guidance of Cancer Care Specialist Tina, Beth safely rebuilt strength, improved her posture and movement, and regained confidence in her body. She even saw improvements in her yoga practice! 💪

One of her biggest milestones? Transitioning to independent workouts with the knowledge and confidence to continue progressing on her own!

Beth’s story reminds us that progress goes beyond physical strength. It’s about rebuilding trust in your body, gaining independence, and finding a community that understands.

Beth, we are so proud of you and grateful to be part of your story! 💜

10/17/2026

🎀 We’re Stronger Together. 💗

Breast cancer affects more than just the person diagnosed. It touches families, friendships, and entire communities. But together, we have the power to make a difference through education, awareness, early detection, and compassionate care.

💗 Did you know?
About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. While not every case can be prevented, there are steps we can take to help reduce risk and support early detection.

🌸 Know Your Body: Be aware of changes in your breasts and speak with your healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right.

🌸 Prioritize Screenings: Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, sometimes before symptoms appear. Talk with your provider about when screening is right for you.

🌸 Build Healthy Habits: Staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower breast cancer risk.

🌸 Support One Another: Check in on loved ones, encourage important health conversations, offer a helping hand, and remind those facing cancer that they are never alone.

At The Crocus Foundation, we believe care doesn’t stop at diagnosis or treatment. Through exercise-based cancer rehabilitation, we’re committed to helping survivors rebuild strength, restore confidence, and improve their quality of life.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s do more than wear pink. Let’s start conversations, share knowledge, support survivors, and show up for one another.

Because awareness matters. Early detection matters. And every person matters. 💗

10/15/2026

💙 NEW TECHNOLOGY. MORE INSIGHT. BETTER CARE.

We’re excited to introduce Kinotek to The Crocus Foundation!

Kinotek is an advanced movement assessment technology that allows us to take a deeper look at how our patients move, identify imbalances, and track measurable progress throughout their rehabilitation.

So, what does this mean for our patients? 👇

💙 Personalized Care: Identify movement limitations and imbalances to help guide individualized exercise programs.

💙 Measurable Progress: Use objective data to track improvements in mobility, balance, and movement over time.

💙 Consistent Assessments: Every patient will receive an initial screening and be reassessed every three months to help us evaluate progress and make adjustments when needed.

💙 Confidence in Movement: Help patients better understand their bodies and see the progress they’re making, even when those changes aren’t immediately noticeable.

At The Crocus Foundation, our goal has always been to help cancer survivors rebuild strength, restore movement, and improve their quality of life.

Kinotek gives us another powerful tool to make that care even more intentional, individualized, and measurable.

Because every improvement matters, and now we have another way to help our patients see just how far they’ve come. 💙

10/13/2026

💚 October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know? Liver cancer is one of the few cancers in the United States where death rates have increased over the past several decades.

It’s a statistic that reminds us just how important awareness, education, and early detection truly are.

At The Crocus Foundation, we believe no one should have to face cancer alone. Through individualized exercise-based rehabilitation and supportive services, we’re here to help cancer survivors rebuild strength, regain confidence, and improve their quality of life.

This October, we’re spreading awareness for those fighting liver cancer, honoring those we’ve lost, and standing beside every survivor. 💚

10/12/2026

Once again, THANK YOU!

We’ve already shared a few highlights from the evening, but our first Shooting for a Cause was so special that we wanted to say thank you one last time.

Together, we reached our $100,000 fundraising goal! Together, we are committed to helping those impacted by cancer.

We’re deeply grateful to the Dubuque Shooting Society for hosting us, and to our sponsors, guests, volunteers, auction item donors, and local vendors who made the event possible.

The gun-handling demonstration and cigar bar added to the fun, and The Joy of Photography captured the evening beautifully. Thank you to everyone who helped make our first event so memorable.

Your support means so much to The Crocus Foundation and to the cancer survivors who take part in our programs. We couldn’t do this work without you.

We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do it again next year. Thank you!

10/09/2026

💜🥂

October’s Cocktail for a Cause:

FRENCH HARVEST! 🍂 🍁 🍎
Lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and sparkling c***r

For every cocktail sold a dollar will be donated to The Crocus Foundation. Stop in and have a drink for a good cause!

“The Crocus Foundation is proud to be the only cancer rehabilitation center in the state of lowa. Located in Dubuque's Millwork District, our mission centers around survivorship and improving the quality of life for individuals navigating cancer treatment and recovery throughout the tri-state area.
Through prescribed exercise plans, nutrition guidance, emotional support, and one-on-one coaching from certified cancer exercise specialists, we work directly alongside oncology providers to support patients during and after treatment. While many patients receive chemotherapy or radiation, there is often little rehabilitation support throughout the process. Research continues to show that when exercise, wellness, and whole-person care are implemented during treatment, patients experience improved strength, mobility, reduced side effects, and a significantly greater quality of life.
The Crocus Foundation removes the financial burden for participants enrolled in our certified clinical exercise programs through a referral process from oncology and medical providers. Three years in, we are proud to say this vision was developed right here in Dubuque with hopes of expanding across the state of lowa.”

10/09/2026

🩷 Let’s PACK THE RINK IN PINK! 🏒🎀

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re coming together to show our support for MercyOne and everyone whose lives have been touched by breast cancer!

Let’s fill the rink with PINK and show just how strong our community is when we stand together. 💕

🛍️ Shop our Pink Collection and wear your support proudly!

🔗 Shop the collection: https://stores.district20supply.com/crocusfoundation/shop/home

🎀 PINK THE RINK IS BACK! 🎀

On Friday, October 9, Pink the Rink returns to Dubuque, and we’re excited to welcome back MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center Cancer Center as our 50/50 raffle organization for the night!

Come out for Pink the Rink, grab your raffle tickets at the 50/50 booth, and help support MercyOne Cancer Center.

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://tinyurl.com/PinkTheRink1