Yoga teacher Cathy Jackson instructs Ken Drescher on his Warrior Pose during her Power Vinyasa Yoga class at Sangha Yoga Studio.
Locate your inner peace, aid local cancer patients
By: DENECHIA POWELL
Posted: 10/3/07
It's time to do some yoga. Raise your arms. Raise your legs. Raise money to help a local cancer center.
Sangha Yoga Studio at the Healing Arts Centre is hosting Yogathon! on Saturday, Oct. 20 to benefit the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support.
Meghan Burke, founding director of the studio and an alumna of the University, said the Loran Smith Center is an invaluable resource in Athens.
"The Yogathon! was born on my desire to somehow contribute to the community's available resources when dealing with cancer," Burke said.
The Center, a non-profit organization, provides cancer patients and their loved ones with free classes in yoga, creative writing and art to help them through their experience.
Burke said many of her family members have had cancer, but the associations and walks that exist seemed far away to her. The money raised from the event directly will benefit the Athens community.
Participants will raise money by getting sponsors to donate $1 for each sun salutation, a warm-up exercise, they complete.
Burke said everyone is welcome to participate in the Yogathon! and should not be intimidated.
YOGATHON!
When: 11 a.m. Oct. 20 Where: Sangha Yoga Studio in the Healing Arts Centre More Information:www.healingartscentre.net or 706-613-1143, www.armc.org/health/cancer.shtml
Registration packets can be picked up at the Healing Arts Centre.
"The Yogathon! is accessible to all," he said.
There will be teachers at the event to lead children, senior citizens and even people in wheelchairs.
The event will be held as a sister fundraiser to "In Her Shoes," a breast cancer walk being held on the same day. The 13-mile walk also will benefit the Loran Smith Center.
The route will bring walkers in front of the studio as they near the finish line.
Participants in the Yogathon! will act as cheerleaders for the walkers, Burke said.
Michael Moore, who teaches a form of yoga called Feldenkrais at the studio, said the event will be an opportunity for people to come together and serve the community.
"This is the chance for people to step outside of their own personal issues and contribute to the community," Moore said.
He said although the studio focuses on helping people deal with cancer, it might help other people adopt a better perspective as well.
"Sometimes it makes a difference in our own lives when we see people who are facing a life and death situation," Moore said.
