Sandy Springs Jazzercise is the center of choice for nearly 100 Northsiders who have made the decision to take charge of their own health. One dancer in particular, Janis Altshuler, is a two-year breast cancer survivor and has taken Jazzercise classes on and off for more than 25 years. Janis had a double mastectomy in December of 2008 followed by three more surgeries due to complications with reconstruction. Despite not being able to attend classes during that time, Janis was supported by her fellow dancers as well as the Sandy Springs Jazzercise owner, Tami Collie.
“I’m excited to participate in the Jazzerthon for the Cure because Jazzercise is an important part of my life,” said Altshuler. “The event not only represents health and wellness, but also friendship and sisterhood. Dancing together to raise money to fight breast cancer is the best thing I can imagine doing on a Sunday afternoon.”
The ninth annual Jazzerthon for the Cure will be held on Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead and consists of three hours of continuous, high-energy group fitness classes featuring Jazzercise instructors and customers from throughout the state of Georgia. Though the event is only open to current Jazzercise customers, the community is encouraged to support their efforts by making general donations at www.komenatlanta.org.
Jazzerthon for the Cure has raised more than $1.3 million for Komen Atlanta since 2003. The effort is one of many third-party events that benefit Komen Atlanta and also support healthy and active lifestyles.
Seventy-five percent of donations raised during Jazzerthon for the Cure will be earmarked to fund screening, education and treatment programs supported by Komen Atlanta in its 10-county service area. Twenty-five percent of the funds will be allocated to national research efforts to finding a cure. For more information, visit www.komenatlanta.org.