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BREAKING A SWEAT TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photos By Kim Fink Burning calories has never been more meaningful for the women of Curves Fitness Center on Route 70 since last week when they turned their daily workouts into donation money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. |
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When 16-year-old Brianna White showed up for work at Curves Fitness Center on Route 70 last Monday morning, she knew it was going to be a special day.
"I don't get to come into the gym and help my mom that
often because of school but today worked out great for me because it's Columbus
Day," said White. "I really like to help out on the days we have fundraisers, and this is a very important one."
On Monday, October 8, Curves held an open house at their gym in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Day, donating all proceeds to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Brianna's mother, Noreen White, the franchise owner of the women's circuit fitness training facility in Manchester, believes it's up to businesses like hers to step up to the plate in the fight against the deadly disease.  | | Shelby Hurley, Noreen White, April Chmiel and Brianna White are all smiles as they commemorate their loved ones on Breast Cancer Awareness Day. |
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"We thought this would be the best way to get the money where it needs to be," she said. "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a division of the American Cancer Society that focuses solely on breast cancer research. It's so important that we continue to support these charities because we've come so far in recent years with awareness and research."
Having lost an aunt and a cousin to breast cancer 10 years ago, Noreen insists things could have been different for her family members if they knew then what they know now.
"When my aunt was sick, Tomoxifen was an experimental drug. Now it is used for almost all types of breast cancer, and is having terrific results," she said. "I know many people who were terribly ill and have survived due to recent treatments. It's amazing."
The day long fundraiser consisted of discounted workouts, raffle drawings and overall fun for all involved.
"We hung this giant bra from the ceiling and people have been throwing quarters in it. It's hysterical," said White. "I already threw $6.25 in. It's really hard to do, but it looks pretty full."
Participants also made donations by purchasing pink ribbons and hanging them on the gym wall in memory of loved ones.
In an effort to also help remind attendees of how important it is to get tested regularly, Curves offered a $125 discount on their regular service fee for anyone who showed proof of a recent mammogram.
"We all know how important early detection
is and there's no better way than to have a
mammogram every year," said Noreen White. "It could save your life."
As she worked up a sweat during her daily workout routine, Susan Mariaschin, of Manchester, was impressed with the dedication and charitable contributions shown by the Curves staff.
"I'm so glad she's doing this," Mariaschin said of Noreen's efforts. "It's a very important issue that all women need to address. I'm going to make my mammogram appointment today."
In another attempt to raise funds, Curves also offered $1 minute massages for women, courtesy of Shelby Hurley, from Stress Therapy and Massage in Toms River. In all, Hurley gave in excess of 20 massages by early afternoon alone.
"It feels wonderful," stated White. "It was the best part of the day."
Curves will be offering discounted memberships and
raffle entries throughout the month of October. For more information, contact
Noreen White at 732-657-1901. auditorium of Fernwood Hall will be held at the
annex instead, due to Election Day. The annex can be reached by walking past the
front of the clubhouse to the far edge of the building. Final arrangements will
be made for attendance at the November Veterans Day observance.
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