The first installment of The CancerDance Initiative, an evolving series of interactive events dealing with the life-changing ramifications of cancer, will take place on Saturday, May 7, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Pace Yourself Health Club for Women in Cobleskill.
(PRWEB) April 20, 2005 -- The first installment of The CancerDance Initiative, an evolving series of interactive events dealing with the life-changing ramifications of cancer, will take place on Saturday, May 7, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Pace Yourself Health Club for Women in Cobleskill. Titled Survivors Saturday," the event will highlight the importance of an ongoing cardio-vascular exercise regime for all women, focusing on the special needs and concerns of cancer patients and survivors.
The open house event is specifically for women who have had – or are currently dealing with – a diagnosis of cancer. The free event will include door prizes, a chance for participants to use all Pace Yourself exercise equipment, and a demonstration of low-impact exercise initiatives. Donations will be accepted on behalf of Schoharie County's Marathon for a Better Life, a patient-support organization, which will hold its annual walk-a-thon, June 4 on the SUNY Cobleskill campus. MBL will hold a 50/50 raffle during Survivors Saturday" to benefit its patient-focused initiatives.
This special pre-Mothers Day event is the brainchild of Schoharie County businesswoman and Communications Consultant Joellyn Kopecky, a three-time cancer survivor.I see this as a relaxed, free-wheeling day," says Ms. Kopecky. Dont hesitate. Dont worry if youve never exercised, if you dont know what to do. If youre a woman who has had cancer, we want you there. Cancer is serious, more frightening to some than to others. But we can use it to create common ground for communication.
Exercise is a vital part of recuperation," she adds, but its not often highlighted the way it should be, even by medical experts. It makes a huge, positive difference with hormone balance and energy levels that are critical to long-term physical and mental wellness."
Ms. Kopecky says that she titled her evolving series The CancerDance Initiative because often from the moment of diagnosis, women find themselves involved in a complex interplay of people, places, and events related to wellness and recovery that is almost overwhelming. People often say they are ‘fighting cancer. What we fight, fights back. I think there is a better way to involve oneself in the cure once youve had the diagnosis. If you think of it as a dance, you can learn to listen to your inner music, to attune yourself to your body as never before, and to absorb what you learn into your ongoing experiences coping with this illness. Some of us stop doing anything out of fear or ignorance about what to do. But here is a chance to begin, with the help of other women, to master the ‘dance steps that move you toward recovery."
Pace Yourself
Ms. Kopecky stresses the need to pace oneself physically – and mentally as well. Dealing with cancer can feel impossible, too big to handle. And in our multitasking, Type-A perfectionist society, its too easy to defeat yourself with expectations of instant results. The view needs to be long term; the focus on the day-to-day, taking some small step every day to further recuperation." It is a lesson she has learned firsthand and repeatedly through three bouts with breast cancer (1989, 2001, and 2004) even as she continued to pursue her professional career.
It is both by coincidence and serendipity that Survivors Saturday" will take place at Pace Yourself Health Club for Women, but the generosity and hospitality of Pace Yourself owner Margaret Jackman-Pryor speak for themselves," notes Ms. Kopecky. When I shared my thoughts with Maggie one day after exercise, she immediately invited me to hold the event there. It could just as easily been held at any of the areas gyms and fitness centers, but she saw it as a real value-added offering to her clients and to the women of Schoharie County. It was an offer I couldnt refuse."
Ms. Kopecky says that she hopes that sessions such as the one scheduled at Pace Yourself Health Club for Women over Mothers Day weekend will be repeated throughout the Capital Region and wherever women face the uphill battle of reenergizing themselves and feeling better about their lives and their bodies. [Pace Yourself Health Club for Women, 125 Granite Drive, Hilltop Square (adjacent to Price Chopper Plaza), Cobleskill, 518-234-7701].
About Marathon for a Better Life
Marathon for a Better Life helps residents of Schoharie County who are fighting cancer. MBL proudly boast that every cent raised stays in Schoharie County to help those in need. They have helped pay for wigs, mammograms and hospital tests for those without insurance; covered utilities bills, purchased food, paid insurance premiums, had a ramp built for a wheelchair patient, provided transportation to treatments, covered dental needs caused by treatments, and assisted with co-pays. MBL representatives will be on hand on Survivors Saturday" to provide information on the June 4 marathon and to sign up team members for that event. [MBL, 518-255-5449].
Taking it on the road
Future Survivors Saturdays" and installments of The CancerDance Initiative will be scheduled throughout the Capital District region in the coming months. Health and fitness center principals and area businesses with an interest in hosting or sponsoring Survivors Saturday" sessions are invited to contact Ms. Kopecky at wordsvoices@capital.net. Women interested in future sessions should express their interest in an email to the same address.
EDITORS, TALK SHOW HOSTS, PLEASE NOTE: Joellyn Kopecky is available for interviews related to The CancerDance Initiative Survivors Saturday" events. Your professional support to alerting your readers/viewers/listeners to this important topic to omen everywhere is sincerely appreciated.
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