Supporting Young Cancer Fighters: Recap of the Barre Event

Supporting Young Cancer Fighters and Young Cancer Survivors

I usually don’t post on a Sunday, but I just had to share my thoughts today. Friday’s event was a success. Just to recap, I co-hosted a barre class with Lauren (from Chi Chi Life) to fundraise for Imerman Angels at Exhale Spa – Gold Coast. Honestly, leading up to the event, I was SO nervous about the turnout and if I would be able to raise enough. This was my first time hosting such an event and this one meant a lot because I was fundraisng for something I am passionate about – supporting young cancer fighters and survivors.

To my surprise, Friday’s turnout was AMAZING! It was a full house at Exhale Spa! Not only did Lauren teach an amazing barre classe – that girl kicked my butt (in a good kind of way), but this barre class raised over $600 for Imerman Angels!! 100% of the ticket cost is donated so everyone’s participation meant a lot and several provided extra donations. THANK YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH for making this event such a success! And I want to thank Exhale Spa – Gold Coast for the studio space. Without their generosity, there would not have been a location for this event!

 

What is Imerman Angels

Imerman Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides personalized one on one support for individuals who are diagnosed with cancer at a young age (such as myself and Lauren). They will partner an individual diagnosed with cancer to a mentor that survived that same cancer.

Their matching process is unique because they will do their very best to pair you up with someone almost identical to your situation. When I was first diagnosed, I utilized Imerman Angels and I was in awe at how they were able to pair me with a cancer survivor with identical breast cancer and personal life story. It was incredible and at the same time gave me what I needed most, a feeling that I wasn’t alone. I love how raw we can be and provide honest thoughts. Ever since, I have been an advocate for Imerman Angels and I became a ‘Mentor Angel’. This is why I felt strongly about fundraising for them. I’m all about supporting young cancer fighters and survivors.

More About My Co-Host Lauren, Chi Chi Life

Lauren is also a young cancer thriver. She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. This girl is a powerhouse, not only did she beat cancer TWICE, but has astonishing athletic abilities. She turned her experience into something positive and that is how Chi Chi Life came to be. She is passionate about fitness and used her amazing strength to fundraise for cancer charities.

Lauren and I met through Instagram. It is amazing how many people I have connected with and found support through Instagram and Lauren was one of those incredible people. We connected one day and Lauren reached out to me if I wanted to co-host an event to support young cancer fighters and survivors. Since I was so passionate about this cause, I totally jumped on board.

Lauren is one of the finalists for Reebok America’s Most Inspiring Trainer, and I definitely think she deserves this title.  Let’s vote for her!

What’s Inside the Goodie Bag

I strongly believe that any good deed should be noticed and rewarded. And our partners strongly believe that as well. I am so grateful for their generosity. Lauren and I were very excited about these goodie bags because it was filled with our favorite things and we were so glad we could share it with everyone that participated! Check out who are partners were and what they contributed to the goodie bags!

• Vera Bradley – RFID Georgia Wallet
• Patchology – FlashPatch Restoring Eye Gels and FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gels
• Sticky Be Socks – Be Strong Grip Socks
• Lora Sasiela of Essential Oil Rocks – Essential Oil Sampler
• Limitless Coffee – Provided Cold Brew Coffee Beverages – Original Flavor, Salted Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla, and Matcha Sweet Mint
• Clif Bar – Provided a variety of Luna Bars.
• HIPPEAS – Bag of Chippea puffs
• Levana Meal Replacement – Vanilla Bean flavor
• Dona Jo – headbands
• York Athletics – raffled a new Featherweight sneakers
  

Thank you again to our partners and Exhale Spa – Gold Coast for their amazing contributions and very generous gifts! A big thank you to everyone that participated! I honestly believe that my most challenging experience was meant to be for something positive. Thank you all for your support and helping me bring awareness to supporting young cancer fighters and young cancer survivors. This means the world to myself and Lauren.

And of course, thank you Lauren for letting me be a part of this amazing event and co-hosting with you. It was an amazing experience and I’m glad I was able to share it with a fellow cancer thriver. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

xo RD