The Sumner County Family YMCA will hold two "Spooky Spin" cycling fundraisers in October to raise money for breast cancer survivors.
The Halloween-themed rides take place Monday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 29, both at 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA's Hendersonville location, 102 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Each class requires a minimum $50 donation, and only 20 spots are available per session.
Proceeds support the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's After Breast Cancer (ABC) program, a free 16-week wellness program for survivors who have completed treatment. The rides are part of the YMCA's broader "Pink with Purpose" campaign, a month-long series of workouts, fundraisers and donation drives for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as first reported by Sumner County Source.
"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," Denise Mattox, director of the ABC program, told Sumner County Source.
How the ABC program works
The program places survivors in small groups of eight to 10 people. Over 16 weeks, participants complete 24 supervised workouts with a Pink Ribbon Certified Trainer across 12 weeks. They also attend four weekly virtual nutrition sessions with a registered dietitian.
Nine weekly support group meetings, each 90 minutes long, are led by survivors and ABC graduates. The curriculum includes lymphedema education with a certified therapist.
The entire program is free, funded by grants, private donations and corporate sponsors, according to the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Participants also receive a complimentary four-month YMCA membership. The joining fee is waived for those who continue after the program ends.
The ABC program is available at 10 of the YMCA's 12 Middle Tennessee locations, including the Sumner County branch. A virtual option through Zoom is also available. Survivors who have completed all treatments and surgeries and have medical clearance may enroll. Those with metastatic breast cancer are also eligible.
Other ways to help
All 12 YMCA locations are collecting pink lipsticks, lip balms and pink-themed makeup items for ABC participant goodie bags through Saturday, Oct. 24. ABC T-shirts are available for $25, with proceeds going to the program.
Residents interested in the ABC program can email Mattox at [email protected] or fill out an interest form on the YMCA of Middle Tennessee website. The Sumner County Family YMCA can be reached at (615) 826-9622.
Upcoming community dates:
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Pink makeup item collection deadline at all YMCA locations
- Monday, Oct. 26, 5:30 p.m.: Spooky Spin cycling fundraiser, Sumner County Family YMCA
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m.: Spooky Spin cycling fundraiser, Sumner County Family YMCA
