Gymnasts unite to help cancer patients at Pennsylvania Convention Center

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “I used to be a gymnastics coach a few years again,” stated Sue Weldon, a breast most cancers survivor. “That was my wheelhouse and after I was identified, I used to be nonetheless teaching.”

Weldon channeled her experiences into the nonprofit, “Unite for HER,” which gives integrative therapies to sufferers identified with breast or ovarian most cancers. The ‘passport’ permits members to obtain present playing cards, massages, cooking courses, exercise routines, and importantly, schooling about their journey.

About 15 years in the past, Weldon was capable of companion with AJS Pancott Gymnastics in West Chester to include the game into the better mission of Unite for HER.

“We have been capable of put collectively this unimaginable gymnastics occasion to lift funds to do some schooling for the group,” she stated. “It allowed us to springboard into serving hundreds of men and women.”

What turned often called the “Pink Invitational” began as a meet of 800 in Downingtown and have become a weekend-long competitors that includes greater than 4,000 athletes close to and much. A lot of them carried out their very own fundraising efforts at dwelling. The whole raised this 12 months between donations and sponsorships is estimated to hit half one million {dollars}.

“All of the groups are carrying the identical leotard,” stated Daniella Chavero-Diaz, a member of AJS Pancott Gymnastics. “It is actually highly effective as a result of it reveals how everybody in the neighborhood will get collectively to assist such a great trigger.”

A number of survivors got here to the occasion on the Pennsylvania Conference Middle to share their tales and make the connection really feel actual for the gymnasts.

Crystal Williams from Oaklyn, New Jersey, has yet one more surgical procedure to finish earlier than she places breast most cancers within the rear-view mirror. She discovered about Unite for HER and was capable of develop into a member throughout her journey.

“You may get massages, you might be part of a exercise plan,” she stated. “I utilized for it after which I used to be authorized. And actually, this has simply been the largest blessing that I may simply ever ask for.”

To be taught extra about Unite for HER and tips on how to get entangled, go to their web site.

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