Eighty-six local tennis players and pros took part in the American Cancer Society 7th Annual Hit for the Cure, October 20 and 21st at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club. One of nine breast cancer survivors in the tournament, Jane Wakefield, picked up victories in the Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. The event raised over $15,000.00 for women in the East Valley affected by breast cancer and helped raise awareness that, while a cure has not been found, it is treatable, with more options than ever for women.
The two-day tournament culminated in final rounds on the stadium courts whipped by blustery October winds at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club. Wakefield, and her partner in the Women's Doubles challenge, Barb Oates were able to use the wind to their advantage, coming away winners after two sets. Later that day, with the wind in her sails, Wakefield teamed up with Andy Browning for a straight set match that ended in a grinding victory for the duo in the Mixed Doubles category. Wakefield is quick to point out that she was able to win because of great partners, but she is also proud to say that her own nutritional care has not only helped her achieve success in tennis, but with her overall health and wellness.
The 7th Annual Hit for the Cure was a solid monetary success and Wakefield believes it will help raise awareness of the fact that breast cancer is now a very treatable disease with more options available to women. She attributes a change in diet and a positive outlook to achieving victory, personally, and on the court. Wakefield offers hope for others with her own story of survival, which as she puts it, "…was a life changing experience, to say the least. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I changed my diet to focus on strengthening my immune system, which has given me the added benefit of youthful energy to enhance my tennis game." When she is not on the tennis court, Wakefield spends much of her time as a nutrition coach for women dealing with breast cancer, and for others who choose to lead healthy lifestyles with all natural foods.
The money raised at the 7th Annual Hit For The Cure Tennis Benefit is going to the American Cancer Society-East Valley organization, benefiting breast cancer research, education and patient services. A portion of the proceeds is being used to buy wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy. The player entry fees of twenty-five dollars were more than enough to cover raffle and tournament prizes, including trophies. The silent auction raised even more money with donations from local businesses. Court sponsors included Barnett, Delaney and Perkins, Pyramid Technologies, and Gilbert Vista Dental.
For additional information on the American Cancer Society 7th Annual Hit For the Cure tennis benefit, Tournament Director, Ray Kheshvadjian, can be reached at rayk@rmcc.com. Jane Wakefield is a graduate of Arizona State University with a background in education, food and nutrition. Through the web site, http://www.BestHealthFoodStore.net, she offers her services as a Nutrition Coach. You may contact Ms. Wakefield at 480-654-3170 or at this Email address: info@besthealthfoodstore.net.
