Movement Minister Stephanie Brown Kegler returns with her 10th annual Health & Fitness Cancer Awareness event for a weekend of celebrating and supporting those with cancer.
Kegler owns Dancing Without Sin Fitness, enabling Christians to break a sweat while listening to music they enjoy. The DWS Health & Fitness Cancer Awareness event brings that familiar fun while raising funds for a nonprofit cancer charity. The event was established because of Kegler’s family history of cancer and her desire to assist others.
“Everyone’s affected by cancer one way or another, whether you have it, whether it’s a family member, co-worker, friend, neighbor. I was affected a lot with my family, so I felt like, they say there’s no cure, but I can at least raise money to help the charities that are giving back to those with cancer,” Kegler said. The fitness and health focus stems from the knowledge that nutrition and exercise benefit cancer warriors at different stages of their journeys.
All proceeds will go to the Raleigh-based organization 1ofUs, which financially assists women undergoing gynecologic cancer treatment.
“Ray Thomas at Bronco iRadio station, he has a connection with 1ofUs,” Kegler said. “I had reached out to him because he definitely supports — usually breast cancer every October, and he talks about it on his radio show.”
Kegler chose 1ofUs due to their focus on helping patients after treatment, such as paying rent for those who can’t return to work. Previous charities have reported how the money from Kegler’s events has benefited specific individuals or gone toward procuring wigs, providing transportation to doctor appointments and paying patient bills.
“Fayetteville has a very giving heart. Any kind of compassionate events, not just my event, they always want to be a part, so it’s been fantastic in that aspect,” Kegler said.
As this is a milestone occasion, this year’s festivities encompass both Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12.
Prepare to dance on cancer’s head at the Club DWS Fitness Party on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Blissful Alchemists on 414 Ray Ave. The night will feature fan-favorite line dancing from DWS fitness instructors. Adult tickets are $25, and tickets for kids ages 10 to 15 are $12. They will remain on sale online until Sept. 7; after this date, attendees pay at the door.
Several vendors will be attending Club DWS, including Pink Mantis, 9Round Fitness, Ballard Bling Boutique and Fizz, Scrubs & Suds.
On Sept. 12, the Cancer Ball will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Palace on 1418 Clinton Road. It honors cancer warriors through songs, praise dancing and inspirational speeches; poetry will be read by Myra Clark and Kimberly Rochelle, who also read at Kegler’s 2019 Cancer Ball. Tickets are $85 and will remain on sale until Sept. 7.
Buy your tickets on the DWS website at https://www.dancingwithoutsin.com/event-details-registration/10th-annual-health-fitness-cancer-awareness.
Sponsors make everything possible. Those who want to support can choose from tiers ranging from $100 to $1,500 or pick their amount through the “Cancer Donator” tier.
Some who have already contributed their funds and talents include Club DWS venue sponsor Brittany Campbell, Cancer Ball decor sponsor Renee Elder, Club DWS decor sponsor Ayana Washington and Military Impact Sponsor Danice Langdon with Blue Star Families of the Greater Fayetteville Region.
This annual get-together proves the strength of community when people come together to do good and have a nice time.
“There’s plenty to do in Fayetteville; you just have to support,” says Kegler.
Secure your tickets or become a sponsor through the DWS website, or contact Kegler at dancingwithoutsin@gmail.com or 910-703-7075 for more information.