Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 pm, Simon Family JCC
by Leslie Shroyer
A two-hour party with dancing, sweating, fun and door prizes to benefit FORCE’s lifesaving work will take place at the Simon Family JCC.
FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) is a national non-profit that focuses on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. One FORCE chapter is based in Virginia Beach.
With the high occurrence of the presence of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations among Jewish populations, this event will provide an opportunity to increase awareness about hereditary cancer, the risks and support for those at high risk and/or diagnosed with cancer, both among the JCC membership and the general community. Most people (90 percent) are unaware of their increased risk for hereditary cancer. The Zumbathon will help raise funds to support efforts to close the gap between those that need to know and those that do not know about their risk.
Carin Simon, who took a proactive approach to reducing her risk for cancer several years ago when she tested positive for BRCA, says that “because the BRCA gene occurs heavily in the Jewish community, I thought it would be a great fit to hold the event at the JCC. So many of us have cancer in our families or have personally been touched in some way by these genes. Zumba is a fantastic way to feel good about your health and raise awareness about this organization that works tirelessly to educate and help those dealing with cancer.”
Get Movin’, Get Fit, Save Lives!
To reserve a spot, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/teamforce/ZumbaForFORCEVAB or sign up the day of the event at the door, starting at 12:30 pm. $10 per person if pre-registered; $15 at the door. Call 321-2310 for more information.
Connect with FORCE Locally: Stay up-to-date on FORCE’s local events, information, and support for individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer by visiting and liking the Virginia Beach FORCE Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachFORCE.
The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.