Fight Cancer

Getting Younger Women Involved: How to Walk for Breast Cancer Research

Written on May 10, 2013 at 9:24 am , by FITNESS Intern

Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern

Sadly, chances are most of us know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. Many of us know about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk program to help raise funds in the fight against the deadly disease. But a new campaign has come to town for the younger women looking to get involved—Young Women Walking (YW2)—and we’re ready to don our hottest pink hues in support.

Designed for women between the ages of 16 and 23, YW2 lets participants experience one day of the Komen 3-Day walk. While the 3-Day walk has women cover 60 miles in three days and raise $2,300, the YW2 contingent will clock 20 miles and raise $750.  Sounds like a great way to dip your toes into the water, right?

Here’s what we really love:  While spending the day alongside their elders, the YW2 girls learn breast cancer facts and discuss action steps necessary to reduce their own risk.  Forget the clichés: knowledge is power.

Oh, and don’t forget about the after party!  After completing a day on their feet, walkers celebrate with a pink (of course!) party and enjoy well-earned foot massages, inspirational speakers and a dance party.

Interested? Visit their website for more information, or to find an event near you.

Now you tell us: What’s the farthest you’ve walked in one day?

Cycle for Survival: Every Bike Counts

Written on March 4, 2013 at 2:51 pm , by Lauren Cardarelli

This past weekend, over 6,000 cyclers rode together to raise awareness and funding for research led by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. New York City and Los Angeles Equinox clubs were packed with fit participants and celebs—Olympian Nastia Liukin, New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich and SNL funny guy Seth Meyers, to name a few—spinning their support for Cycle for Survival. As one of the fastest-growing athletic fundraising events, Cycle for Survival is dedicated to advocating for rare forms of the disease that account for half of all diagnosed cancers. The charity has raised more than $30 million since its 2007 inception, $13.5 million in 2013 alone.

To donate or find out how you can join the national battle, visit their website and get up-to-date news by following @Cycle4Survival on Twitter.

Victoria’s Secret, SoulCycle Spin for a Cancer Cure

Written on July 14, 2011 at 11:22 am , by Samantha Shelton

Ever wonder what it would be like to exercise with a Victoria’s Secret Angel? Sixty people found out July 12, when they bought a ticket to participate in SoulCycle’s Supermodel Cycle charity ride!

Victoria’s Secret paired up with SoulCycle Tribeca to raise money for Pelotonia, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. All of the money raised went directly to Pelotonia, which donates all of its proceeds to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

So which Angels showed up? Allesandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Erin Heatherton and Lindsay Ellington arrived in matching workout gear, looking as cute as ever. Instructors Clare Walsh and Melanie Griffith led everyone through a sweat-tastic workout, and they still managed to look good after!

There was a mix of male and female participants, but most of the riders were male (go figure), says Gabby Etrog Cohen, director of public relations and marketing at SoulCycle. “There was a lot of fesitivity in the air and so much excitement about beating this disease,” she says. “It really was a fabulous event.”

How did people score this sweet deal? They had to pay a pretty penny, that’s for sure. All riders selected a level of participation, each with its own price tag: bronze was $1,000, gold was $2,000 and platinum was $2,500. All seats sold except for one platinum! Riders were also able to bid on special goodies, including a photo-op with one of the Angels and a pair of those famous angel wings. Who wouldn’t want to rock that look?!

By the end of the night, the event raised $102,000. Victoria’s Secret then pledged to match that amount, so overall more than $200,000 was donated to Pelotonia.

If you’re itching to participate in a philanthropic spin, SoulCycle has another charity ride on July 30—this time in East Hampton, to benefit the Tory Burch Foundation. You can visit the event site for more information and to sign up!

Now tell us: Are you sweating for a good cause this summer? If so, share your stories in the comments!