Wellness Rocks SEVEN For Cancer Survivor's Charity Event

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 20,2012) – Cancer survivors and those desiring to support them will gather at SEVEN, the event destination , on May 1 for Wellness Rocks, a fundraising gala to provide survivors with needed scholarships for exercise and wellness programs. Survivors who benefited from the scholarship funds raised at the first Wellness Rocks event in 2011 will be at SEVEN to share how the exercise program helped them move forward in their cancer recovery.
The event benefits the Cancer Survivors Wellness Fund housed within the Fairview Foundation, which works with survivors as they transition from treatment to post-treatment by supporting exercise and wellness programs.
Cathy Skinner, a national expert on cancer exercise and principal at The Art of Well, will host the event. Skinner is the only certified American College of Sports Medicine Cancer Exercise Trainer in Minnesota. She says exercise and wellness programs tailored to individual needs help survivors reclaim their bodies and their lives.
“Intuitively, we know that exercise is good for you,” Skinner says. “This is especially true for cancer survivors. Medical research shows that exercise can help survivors increase strength and range of motion, decrease pain, and improve quality of life. The cancer experience is highly disempowering. Your body betrays you. After survivors begin an exercise program they feel empowered, they feel successful, and they regain their confidence.”
Skinner takes her motivation from her father, who died from multiple myeloma 13 years ago. “My vision is to make exercise an integral part of cancer treatment and recovery as a way to empower survivors to get their bodies back. I want this for all survivors, not just those fortunate enough to have the necessary resources,” she says.
SEVEN’s principle partners, Alexus and David Koch, are excited to host this repeat benefit in the Twin Cities. “We are delighted to be involved with Cathy again on such a worthwhile endeavor,” David says. “Being able to play a small role in raising awareness for such a noble cause is humbling.”
Proceeds will go directly to the Cancer Survivor Wellness Fund. The organization hopes to raise $30,000 that it will use to  provide scholarships for over 120 cancer survivors to embark upon various exercise and wellness programs within the Twin Cities.
Skinner hopes the event also educates survivors and oncologists about the important role exercise plays in the post-recovery process. “The biggest challenge is awareness,” she says.
Attendees will be treated to live music by Nachito Herrera, silent and live auctions, and fabulous food and drinks. Cancer survivor Stephanie Hansen from myTalk radio 107.1 will be on hand, sharing her story and describing how exercising helped enhance and empower her recovery.
Tickets for the gala cost $50 in advance or $60 at the door. VIP Tables for parties of 10 are available for $750. For more information about the event at SEVEN, visit http://wellnessrocksevent.eventbrite.com/.