Saturday, March 16, 2013

This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever with more participants and more challenges.

Race as an individual or form a five-person squad and walk, run, climb or crawl through mud pits, climbing stations and other obstacles built by local members of the Army, Navy, ROTC, Fire Stations, Davis-Monthan AFB and SWAT. The military-style 5K Obstacle Course runs along the Rillito River dirt trail and the adjacent wash at Fenton Park. Prizes will be awarded to the Top Male, Top Female and Top Squad.

All participants with early registration will receive a custom bib with their name or squad name, participant t-shirt and water bottle. All finishers will be tagged with the 2013 Challenge dog tag too!

Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Place: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (course is along the Rillito Wash)

Entry price after Feb. 18:
Individual $40/Squad of Five $180

All fitness levels welcome. All proceeds support Beat Cancer Boot Camp, a local non- profit exercise and support group for cancer patients, cancer survivors and anyone whose life is affected by cancer.

I watched this grueling and fun obstacle challenge for the first time last year, and was impressed with the participants especially the cancer survivors, and all the volunteers that help make this event possible. Last year about 750 people entered and click here for some fantastic photos taken by Dave Johnson.

Hope – Surviving Cancer and Beyond, A Free Educational Forum Presented by Beat Cancer Boot Camp and Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research, Scheduled for Feb. 9 at St. Gregory College Preparatory School

TUCSON, AZ– Beat Cancer Boot Camp and Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research are teaming up to present an educational forum, Hope – Surviving Cancer and Beyond on Saturday, February 9, at 8 a.m. at St. Gregory College Preparatory School, The forum is free and open to the public.

Hope – Surviving Cancer and Beyond will feature a morning of hope, inspiration, camaraderie and knowledge for cancer survivors and anyone touched by cancer in their lives. The forum will kick-off with a fun Beat Cancer Boot Camp workout, led by Anita “Sarge” Kellman.

The forum will be moderated by Allison Alexander, KVOA CH. 4 News Anchor.

The speakers will include:

*Ginny L. Clements, Founder, Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research. Ginny Clements will share her inspirational cancer journey and hope for the future of cancer research.

* Lana Holstein, M.D. Dr. Holstein will discuss “Sexuality after Cancer.”

*Anita “Sarge” Kellman, founder and executive director of Beat Cancer Boot Camp. She will discuss “The benefits of exercise during and after the fight to beat cancer.”

*Rocky LaRose, UA Deputy Director of Athletics. Rocky, a cancer survivor and motivational speaker, and will share her story.

*Joyce Schroeder, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology; Co-leader, Cancer Biology Scientific Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center . Dr. Schroeder will discuss the future of cancer research.

For additional information, please contact Beat Cancer Boot Camp at 520-546-1601 or info@beatcancerbootcamp.com.

Contact:Anita “Sarge” Kellman
520-546-1601
info@beatcancerbootcamp.com

Media Contact:
Katie Garber/520-290-3770

About Beat Cancer Boot Camp. Based in Tucson , Beat Cancer Boot Camp (BCBC) is an exercise and support program that empowers and inspires cancer survivors to take charge of their health, while conditioning their minds and bodies for healing. The 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization was created to encourage and support survivors to engage in physical activity throughout the many stages of fighting cancer. In addition to meeting for exercise, BCBC programs provide support, education and camaraderie for cancer survivors, their families and friends.

Coming up: Beat Cancer Boot Camp 5K Obstacle Challenge on March 16, 7:30 a.m. at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. More info at: www.beatcancerbootcamp.com.

“Sarge” Anita Kellman welcomed everyone very early (about 7:30 a.m.) yesterday morning March 17 at the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. Friend of Beat Cancer Boot Camp District 4 Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll thanked all the sponsors and others who made this 4th Annual event possible, followed by the Tucson Fire Department Color Guard and a Scottish bagpipe player.

When “Sarge” asked how many people knew someone who had survived cancer, almost everyone raised their hand. All photos below (except for last one) courtesy of Dave Johnson.

"Sarge" and Supervisor Carroll on the stage

Then “Sarge” Anita plus three guest U.S. Olympians and National champions led the group in calisthenics prior to the start of the obstacle run/walk.

From what I saw at the very first of 10 obstacles in this 5K challenge, and again at the two in the Rillito River sand bed 1/2 way point by Rio Vista Park (north Tucson Blvd.) this is a grueling, exciting event. The Rillito River sand bed obstacles were — tire runs, a serpentine course around cones, over straw bales followed by an FBI door breach; then another obstacle up in the park: Ammo can 45 lb. lifts, tire run, push ups, more straw bales, tire jump.

FBT breach wall at half way point in Rillito River

The final obstacles were tire runs, then climbing through the back door of a police SWAT car, followed by the last obstacle, the infamous mud pit crawl under wires to reach the Finish Line. Whew. I watched the first few young men (and a woman) come in before I raced over to see the last few participants finish up that portion of the challenge at the Rio Vista Park area. The photos below of the mud pit say it all:

"Sarge" encouraging partcipants at the mud pit

Congrads to “Team Samsar (Southern AZ Mounted Search & Rescue)” consisting of 3 team members who participated wearing St. Patrick’s Day green boas, crowns, glasses, & red tshirts – Nancy, Donita & Charlotte. And congrads also to young professional “Team Name” – Jennifer, John, Jasmine, Jaimee, & Deanna. And kudos to Diane Manriquez (photo below courtesy of Rose Mary Vaughn) at Sunquest for organizing their 6 teams. Not sure I would have recognized any of them after that mud pit.

Congratulations to all the participants, especially the breast cancer survivors, for completing this tough 5K obstacle challenge!

And thanks to all the 100 volunteers who helped with this event and at the obstacle courses, including a friend Tori, a former Marine.

Photos above (except for last one) shot by Tucson photographer Dave Johnson, www.photographybydavejohnson.com, phone 520-275-3921, email: dave@photographybydavejohnson.com.

Meet up and run or walk together — it’s that simple!

The University of Arizona Cancer Center invites you to join our Better Than Ever (BTE) program to have fun, be fit and help in the fight against cancer.

Saturday, Feb. 25
9:30 a.m. Information Session
10:30 a.m. Kickoff
Brandi Fenton Park, Ramada G
3482 E. River Road

Meet up with your team leaders and new participants, and kick off the season with a one-mile walk along the river path.

BTE will be kicking off a spring session on Feb. 25 and will train for two great run/walk events:

Catalina State Park Trail run/walk (5.2 miles) on Saturday, April 7
Cinco de Mayo 10K (6.2 miles) on Sunday, May 2

We encourage you to participate in one or both of these events, but they are not required to participate in BTE.

Reduced fundraising goal for spring 2012! Give your best effort to raise $100 for cancer research and pay a $10 registration fee and you can join in the fun. Running and walking groups are scheduled 5 days a week with volunteer team leaders to guide and motivate you!

Register today at www.arizonabte.org.

Better Than Ever (BTE) is a grass-roots effort by The University of Arizona Cancer Center designed to encourage participants to make exercise a regular part of life, and work to prevent cancer. This fitness and fundraising program provides a welcoming, non-competitive atmosphere for participants of all fitness levels to train for local running, walking or cycling events.

According to the National Cancer Institute, physically active women have a 40 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer, and physically active men have a 10-30 percent reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Exercise can also help in the prevention of colon cancer and certain chronic diseases.

Better Than Ever resources include:

Multiple weekly group training sessions
Volunteer Training Leaders to guide team members
Training schedule and training packet
Fundraising tips and suggestions
Cross-training and social events
Weekly e-newsletters
Free BTE shirt

BTE currently offers group trainings session in Tucson, Green Valley and Sedona. Participants are also welcome to train on their own in any of these cities, or anywhere in the world!

Marisa Allen
Program Coordinator
mallen@azcc.arizona.edu
(520) 626-7177

Mail donations to:
Arizona Cancer Center
Attn: Better Than Ever
PO Box 245024
Tucson, AZ 85724

I hear this event on March 17 is not for wimps, so only the hardy need sign up/apply. Don’t forget the early deadline is coming up on Feb. 19. Thereafter fees go up $10 for individuals ($30 to $40), or even more for the squad of five ($135 to $180). So sign up now to save money, & start training. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 male, top 5 female, and top squad.

Register online at www.beatcancerbootcamp.com.
More info: 520-546-1601, or contact info@beatcancerbootcamp.com.

“Beat Cancer Boot Camp is a unique exercise program designed to empower and inspire cancer survivors to take charge of their lives!”

I recently attended their 8th Annual Birthday Celebration (click here), and was very inspired by the toughness/resiliency of the women survivors of cancer. My sister-in-law in Hawaii survived breast cancer in her early 60′s, and thereafter bought a motorcycle & learned to ride it.

Doing push-ups, courtesy of Beat Cancer Boot Camp

Tucson, Ariz.–The 8th Annual Beat Cancer Boot Camp Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2012, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in Tucson. The event is free and open to the public.

Beat Cancer Boot Camp (BCBC), founded by Tucsonan Anita “Sarge” Kellman, is a fitness and exercise program that empowers and inspires cancer survivors to take charge of their lives. It is estimated that cancer affects one in three people. Research has found strong evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of many types of cancer.

This year’s Anniversary Celebration will feature guest speaker Jay Dobyns. Dobyns is a Federal Agent and New York Times Bestselling author. He will speak about “the amazing human spirit: our ability to overcome any adversity, and the resiliency of never giving up in the face of danger and fear.”

The event will also honor Pima County Supervisor Ann Day.

Space is limited. For reservations and additional information, please call 520-546-1601, email info@beatcancerbootcamp.com, or visit www.BeatCancerBootCamp.com.

About Beat Cancer Boot Camp: Based in Tucson, Beat Cancer Boot Camp (BCBC) is an exercise program that empowers and inspires cancer survivors to take charge of their health, while conditioning their minds and bodies for healing. The 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization was created to encourage and support survivors to engage in physical activity throughout the many stages of fighting cancer. In addition to meeting for exercise, BCBC programs provide support, education and camaraderie for cancer survivors, their families and friends.

About Anita “Sarge” Kellman.Tucson wife and mom, Anita Kellman, R.T., (R) (M), is a licensed mammography technician and a specialist in breast biopsies. She currently works as a clinical liaison for a Tucson breast surgeon. Affectionately known as “Sarge” to hundreds of BCBC “troops” and their boot camp buddies, Kellman has worked in the medical field for nearly 30 years as a clinical liaison for patients undergoing biopsies and other procedures. In 2004, Kellman met a woman who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer at an outdoor Navy Seals-style “boot camp.” Inspired by her new friend and the obvious benefit of the class in her recovery, Kellman, a fitness enthusiast, adapted the boot camp techniques she had learned to create an intensive support group built around physical fitness—and Tucson’s first Beat Cancer Boot Camp was born. Kellman is recognized throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona for her contributions to cancer awareness and women’s health issues. She is host of the popular “Commit To Be Fit” segment on local NBC affiliate KVOA, where she teaches viewers exercise tips. Kellman is the author of “It’s a Beautiful Day for Boot Camp: Empowering Cancer Survivors with Physical and Mental Toughness.”

UPDATE: my notes below in the comment section from the celebration tonight. We were asked how many of us knew someone who had survived cancer (my sister in law) and of course, those who haven’t (my mother-in-law whom I never met, who died from breast cancer at age 61).

Beat Cancer Boot Camp participants

Exercise to beat cancer every Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday (schedule below).

“Beat Cancer Boot Camp is a unique exercise program designed to empower and inspire cancer survivors to take charge of their lives!” See www.beatcancerbootcamp.com.

“Studies show that regular exercise can help relieve stress, anxiety, and combat some of the side effects common to cancer treatment such as nausea and fatigue.

The exercises can be modified for all fitness levels. For those just getting started with their exercise routine there is a Basic Training Class and a Walking Group.”

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
3482 E. River Road
Tuesdays 5:50-6:30pm
Saturdays 8:00-9:00am

Udall Park
7200 East Tanque Verde Road
Ramada # 2
Thursdays 5:30 – 6:30pm

Northwest Community Neighborhood Park
7601 N. Mona Lisa Road
Basic Training Class will resume in the fall.

I admire the fitness of these 10-30 cancer survivors and their founder/trainer “Sarge” Anita Kellman. What camaraderie between these women, all battling various stages and types of cancer.

One of my sisters-in-law beat breast cancer several years ago, and I know her positive attitude was part of her cure. She also became a “biker lady” (motorcycle) thereafter.

To sign up for Beat Cancer Boot Camp contact Anita Kellman
at 520-546-1601 or info@beatcancerbootcamp.com.

“Don’t fight cancer alone” is their powerful message.