Working out to improve your health and wiping out a debilitating disease at the same time is what a dedicated group of fitness fanatics are doing.
“My mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 2003 and she passed away 2010,” Benjamin Rudolph said.
Benjamin Rudolph knew he wanted to do something special to honor his mother, Francis Rudolph, who was a leader in the Tampa Bay area.
“She was on the board of the Straz Center, the Florida Holocaust Museum, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, she really like to help other people,” Benjamin said.
So Benjamin and friends organized “Ovarian Cycle Tampa.” It is taking place at SoHo Cycling Studio, and they are hoping to raise $50,000 for ovarian cancer research.
“It does feel good to do something physically active and positive to support women’s health,” Benjamin said.
Yadhira Maldonado, a spinning instructor at SoHo Fitness, plans to take part and says it’s a perfect way for her to give back.
“It’s wonderful just to tie, to link it together — fitness, the event, the cause, and just raising money,” Maldonado said.
For Benjamin, it’s all about raising awareness and having fun doing it — just like his mom would like.
“This is not a time to think negative thoughts. This is about what we can do moving forward.” Benjamin said.
“Ovarian Cycle” started in Atlanta a few years ago. This is the 2nd year for the event in Tampa. They raised $40,000 last year.