SMYRNA, Tenn. - The North Rutherford Family YMCA in Smyrna is putting on its dancing shoes - and plenty of pink - this October as part of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Smyrna Location - Map).
The Smyrna YMCA, located at 2001 Motlow College Boulevard, will host a Dance-A-Thon from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 24. The event will feature two special dance fitness classes designed to honor breast cancer survivors while raising awareness. The Rutherford County event is part of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s month long Pink with Purpose campaign.
Throughout October, YMCA locations across Middle Tennessee are hosting fitness events, community celebrations, donation drives and fundraisers benefiting the Y’s After Breast Cancer (ABC) program. The program has helped hundreds of women regain strength and confidence and find support following breast cancer treatment.
“Breast Cancer Awareness month presents us the opportunity to shine a light not only on breast cancer itself, but on all the survivors we serve through our program,” said Denise Mattox, director of the Y’s After Breast Cancer program. “For more than 26 years, ABC has helped hundreds of breast cancer survivors in Middle Tennessee navigate life after treatment to find their “new normal” and to create a community that understands their journey.”
The YMCA is also encouraging Rutherford County residents to participate in Pink Out Launch Week, Oct. 17-24, by wearing pink. Individual YMCA locations may offer special themed group exercise classes and other activities during the week. In addition, all 12 YMCA locations across Middle Tennessee are collecting pink lipstick, lip balm and other pink-themed makeup items through Oct. 24 for goodie bags provided to ABC participants. Supporters can also purchase $25 ABC T-shirts, with proceeds benefiting the program.
The YMCA’s After Breast Cancer program was created by survivors for survivors and is offered at no cost to participants. The 16-week program provides exercise and wellness opportunities for people recovering from breast cancer treatment, including lymphedema education, 24 hours of customized group personal training, nutrition education with a registered dietitian, Journey to Wholeness support groups and a free YMCA membership for the duration of the program.
Other Pink with Purpose activities are scheduled throughout Middle Tennessee during October, including events in Brentwood, Nashville, Springfield, Clarksville and Hendersonville. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee operates 12 family wellness centers and reported reaching more than 238,000 people last year through its facilities and community-based programs.
- Learn more about the After Breast Program: ymcamidtn.org/after-breast-
cancer.
