It’s my pleasure to introduce Candice Strong, wife, mother and friend to so many. Her super power is helping those challenged by cancer, something that has touched her family on a personal level. Her positive spirit is contagious, and is evidenced by the love and support she and her organization spread throughout the Lake Country area.
Meet Candice Strong
Candice Strong has a 20 year history of working in the field of non-profit business administration and has been the executive director of Tricia’s Troops Cancer Connection for 10 years. The organization provides financial assistance, service coordination and free support services to more than 500 cancer fighters each year throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Leading Tricia’s Troops and supporting the cancer community is a work of passion for Strong as she is the sister of the late Tricia Wright, who founded the organization before she passed away from colon cancer at the age of 38. Strong believes that we can all bring purpose through our pain, and impacting the lives of those living with cancer is her life’s mission, in loving memory of her sister.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m blessed to have a 4 year old son named Ryan and a husband named Scott. One is a police officer and the other THINKS he is and probably will be someday! We also have a dog named Oakley. I tell each of them often that they’re lucky they’re cute! We have a house filled with chaos and love.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the executive director at Tricia’s Troops Cancer Connection. I wake up every day excited to go to work because I have the honor and privilege of carrying on the legacy of my sister, Tricia Wright, who started the organization before she passed away from cancer at the age of 38, nearly 11 years ago. My work is also in memory of my mom, who I also recently lost to cancer. I love what I do because I have the opportunity every moment of every day to offer hope and help to other families experiencing the challenges of cancer just as my family has. I find great strength and peace being able to bring a sense of purpose through what we have endured together.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love connecting with new people over coffee at Roots and catching up with family and friends over chips & salsa at Fiesta Cancun.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
With the exception of going away to college in Oshkosh and starting my young adult life in Milwaukee for 10 years, I have always been rooted in the Lake Country area through my family, my church or my work.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting people I’ve known in our community are Mike & Wendie Mitchell. I’ve always been intrigued by their genuine way of lifting up everyone and everything around them. They are among the most selfless, generous and compassionate people I know.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
These days I rarely see anything but Bluey and Paw Patrol on the TV, but before having a child it was typically all sports all the time for me and my husband! I know almost every line of the movies Top Gun and Major League, but I’d say my favorite is Field of Dreams.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Try to put the serenity prayer into practice in your life — to have the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Kiltie. It reminds me of summer days and nights with all my favorite people throughout my life.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d choose a Picnic Basket lunch on a lakefront in the area with a private acoustic concert by Matthew West. His music brings comfort to my soul!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is the people who live here. The support we have received from individuals, families and businesses to carry out the mission of Tricia’s Troops is something I will forever be in awe of and grateful for. We have the power to make such a meaningful impact when we have so many people caring to make a difference together in our special ways!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
It is my goal every year to continue to elevate the work of Tricia’s Troops so we can be serving even more people in need during such a challenging season of their lives. And also to continue enjoying my family as life continues to evolve!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Much of the work I do in my career stretches me far out of my comfort zone. But I have two quotes I love that keep pushing me forward: “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called” and “If He leads you to it, He’ll lead you through it.” We can all do hard things when we put our trust in the process.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sanibel Island — may it someday be restored to it’s former beauty post Hurricane Ian.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My nieces and now my son. I want to be the best version of myself to help them experience their best lives possible!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort. Security. Love.
Learn more about Candice Strong and Tricia’s Troops at www.triciastroops.org.
