The 4th annual
Spin for the Cure will be held this year on October 10 at the Cintas Center at Xavier University.
The event was founded in 2006 as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and has grown and become more successful each year.
Spin for the Cure provides a unique opportunity to lift spirits and instill hope in hundreds of participants during an empowering four hour spinning class.
Founder, Vickie Magliano, started the event after discovering that several of her close friends had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since then, raising funds for a cure as well as awareness for the cause has been her goal.
This year, in order to raise more awareness about breast cancer, Spin for the Cure is profiling three cancer survivors under the age of 40 and their journey to beat the disease.
Local survivors Heather Ray (Symmes Township), Karen Woodworth (Anderson), and Angie Knoechel (Mason) share their amazing stories, and how spinning and exercise have helped them battle breast cancer.
“These three surviving women are the epitome of strength, character and motivation. They each have their own touching stories to tell about fighting breast cancer, and how they got through the medical treatments and diagnosis. I believe that launching the survivor program to share their stories will be truly inspirational to others who may be experiencing similar situations,” says Vickie.
Since the young age of 13, Heather Ray has struggled to fight cancer. Heather is now the mother of two, and a fighter. Even with the loss of her left leg, Heather is extremely fit and participates in spinning classes on a regular basis.
“I know it is important to stand strong and to fight. My girls are growing up with the understanding that it is possible to accomplish anything you want to,” says Heather.
“If I can spin for four hours on one leg, anyone can complete this event. It is truly an empowering feeling to spin for four hours in a room with so many people who are fighting and riding for my cause.”
Karen Woodworth is proof that awareness is important. After discovering a suspicious lump, she went to her doctor as soon as possible which led to the most immediate treatment she could receive.
She reflects, “I had Stage II breast cancer, but KNOWING meant I could take action. I could fight it and win!”
Today, Karen is cancer free and celebrating life.
Angie Knoechel kept a positive attitude from the beginning of her diagnosis.
“My girlfriend and her husband came over the night I received the biopsy confirmation.
We shared dinner. We shared encouragement and laughter. We opened a 1968 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and toasted day one of my healing”, she said.
Angie continued to train for cycling events throughout her treatments. She won her battle with cancer and recently won the women’s 20k Ault Park Criterium race.
With the help of Twitter (
spin4curecincy) and Facebook (
Spin for the Cure), Spin for the Cure will help these three women share their stories with the world and inspire cyclists and spinning enthusiasts to Spin for the Cure.
Check out Heather, Karen and Angie’s stories along with facts about exercise and its’ effectiveness in cancer prevention.
All proceeds from the 4th Annual Spin for the Cure will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Cincinnati affiliate.
Three hundred bikes will be available for the event which will be held at Xavier University’s Cintas Center.
Participants can sign up as an individual rider, or form teams of 2 – 4 to split the duration and cost of the ride.
A $150 donation is requested to reserve a bike for the day of the event.
