Zumbathon Raises Nearly $500 for Fight Against Cancer

Breast cancer couldn’t keep Bobbi Jablonski from doing what she loves.

A breast cancer survivor celebrating her third year free of the disease, Jablonski learned about her cancer from a mammogram she received in 2008.

“It was unbelievable … heart-wrenching,” she recalled. “I was devastated.”

Jablonski spent six months undergoing radiation therapy and surgery, which she credits for her recovery. After taking time away from fitness and other physical activities, she dove right back into all her old favorites, including Zumba dance classes.

Fast forward several years, and Jablonski was among 65 enthusiastic participants—most of them sporting pink outfits—who showed up at last Saturday to “groove for the cure” as part of the Party in Pink Zumbathon.

This was the first time the community center hosted a Zumba fitness charity event, according to Amy Crary, the fitness center coordinator and Zumba instructor. Zumba combines high-energy Latin and international music, like salsa, cumbia and merengue, with a dance-based workout system.

While participants danced and partied themselves into better shape, 75 percent of the Party in Pink Zumbathon ticket fees went to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and its global non-profit partners to fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

“We’re just grateful to be able to offer it, because we have such great instructors,” said Crary. “We’ve had so many at our club that have had breast cancer and beaten it, and [we have] such a beautiful facility that we can offer [the event].”

The two-hour Zumba event raised $610—beating the group’s fundraising goal of $500, Crary said. At least $450 of that will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Jablonski, who took up Zumba five years ago, said it helps you keep moving and is a good workout.

Jeanne Muench, another loyal Zumba enthusiast, said she enjoyed the atmosphere at the event.

“It’s a great way to bring everyone together, Muench said. It’s dancing for a cause.”

“I think it’s great, the turnout we had. I think it’s because we have such fantastic instructors, and they networked and spread the word to their family and friends, and posted on Facebook,” said Sue Schaumann, a personal trainer at the community center. “About half the participants were from classes here [at Veterans Memorial Community Center]. The others heard about it online or word of mouth.”