I’ve written about this terrific group before, and for more info: http://beatcancerbootcamp.com/. Pima County Supervisor Ann Day (District 1) is retiring and will be honored at this event. Here’s their latest press release:

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).