FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 23, 2007
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Saylor, Ulman Cancer Fund
Holly Gannoe, CANCER to 5K
ALEXANDRIA WOMAN ORGANIZES FITNESS PROGRAM
FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia —Alexandria resident Holly Gannoe was recently honored with a Visionary Grant from the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to start a free 12-week fitness program for young adult cancer survivors ages 18-40. The CANCER to 5K Training Program™ is a 12-week program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity by providing them with the training, coaching, encouragement and support necessary to complete a 5K (3.1 miles) distance road race.
The CANCER to 5K Training Program begins its first session on August 7th and concludes with participants racing in the "10-THE RACE" 5K Run on Saturday October 27, 2007 in Columbia, MD. The program’s website, www.cancerto5k.com offers more information on the details of the program, how to register and volunteer opportunities.
The concept originated from Holly's own experience of marathon running and participation in the 2006 LIVESTRONG™ Summit. While undergoing diagnosis and treatment of Stage III Malignant Melanoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer, Holly trained for and completed the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon with the help of her oncologist and coach. She found, through training, that exercise significantly reduced many of the side effects associated with her chemotherapy treatment.
"Exercise became an outlet for me during that year of chemotherapy" said Holly, "Having a goal like the marathon gave me something else to focus on emotionally and the physical benefits of exercising daily definitely helped me manage side effects like fatigue and depression."
LIVESTRONG Summit 2006:
In October 2006, cancer survivors from across the country gathered in Austin, Texas, for the first LIVESTRONG Summit. Created and hosted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), the LIVESTRONG Summit was a three-day event held Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29, designed to organize, inspire and direct the efforts of cancer survivors from across the country to change the face of cancer survivorship.
“Participating in the LIVESTRONG Summit strengthened my resolve to do more for cancer survivors,” said Holly, "The LIVESTRONG Summit gave me the resources and the encouragement to develop a personal action plan to start an exercise program geared to local young adults."
Holly Gannoe was one of approximately 700 delegates selected from more than 1,500 applicants to attend the LIVESTRONG Summit.
About the Ulman Cancer Fund and 10-THE EVENT:
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults enhances lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults, and their loved ones, affected by cancer. Through its Visionary Grants Program the UCF strives to cultivate the next generation of community based outreach and support programs for this often overlooked population. The goal is to provide seed money to projects like Cancer to 5K Training Program, ultimately building a grassroots network of young adult support services throughout the country. For more information, visit www.ulmanfund.org.
10-THE EVENT embraces the concept of using sports to overcome cancer. The race is a day of cycling, running, and walking to celebrate a decade of helping young adults fight cancer. Athletes of all levels will get a chance to participate in a 5K Run, a kid’s run/walk and 20 and 60 mile bike rides on October 27, 2007. 7-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, will kick-off the celebration at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. For more information, visit www.10TheEvent.com.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation:
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. From the moment of diagnosis, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.livestrong.org.
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2 comments:
That's really wonderful, Holly! Maybe in the future, you can expand the program to include slightly "older" adults. My 47-year-old friend is back to triathlon training after spending the last year defeating breast cancer. She, too, found that regular activity helped her get through treatment, especially chemo.
Hi Holly,
That's great that you will be doing that. What a wonderful program.
Cheers, Carver
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