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Zumbathon for Breast Cancer Awareness

Elizabeth Hart, Women's Outreach Center coordinator, demonstrates how to properly give a breast self-exam using a model.
Photo by Stephanie Brooks


On Oct. 22, more than 25 women danced their way toward a healthier lifestyle -- and a cure for breast cancer.

OU's first-ever Zumbathon was held at the Huston Huffman Center, a culmination of a joint effort between Recreational Services and the Women's Outreach Center to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Activities at the Zumbathon also helped to raise awareness and address concerns about breast cancer among young women.

"So many women are affected by this disease, and not just the ones who have it, but also the ones close to them," said Kathy Moxley, Women's Outreach Center coordinator.

Each participant paid a $10 entry fee, all of which was donated to the Komen foundation. Upon payment, participants gained entry to a 2-hour long Zumba class, taught by instructors at the Huston Huffman Center. Some attendees stayed for the entire class, but all were free to come and leave as they pleased, or take breaks when needed. A food table, with fruit and water, was on hand for those prepared to dance the night away.

Zumba is a high-energy, cardiovascular exercise to music and resembles hip-hop dancing. Moxley said the idea of using Zumba to raise money for breast cancer research came from Amy Davenport, director of recreational services. Davenport decided to stage the event in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Once the date was set, Davenport enlisted the help of the Women's Outreach Center to teach participants about the disease.

"There are so many myths and misnomers (about breast cancer) out there, and we wanted to put some of those to rest," said Elizabeth Hart, Women's Outreach Center coordinator. Hart also serves as the Susan G. Komen graduate assistant for the Women's Outreach Center.

One of the activities during the Zumbathon included an educational segment on the four keys to breast health. Every half-hour or so, the Zumba music stopped, and Hart and Moxley spoke to the group about a particular way to help guard against breast cancer.

"Exercise is one of the keys to breast health. By being here, all of you are already taking that very important step," Hart said.

Zumba itself has been catching on quickly at the Huston Huffman Center, usually with full or nearly-full classes, Davenport said. While Zumba just made its debut this semester at OU, the fitness craze -- marked by bass-thumping music and on-the-spot choreography -- did not start here. Hart said Zumba's influence extends to both coasts of the country as well as overseas.

"It's been around for a lot longer than people think," she said.

Emma Newberry-Davis, University College freshman, was one of the approximately 25 women who participated in the Zumbathon. She said she does not attend regular Zumba classes, but usually attends special Zumba events -- especially if a cause is involved.

"I think what's so great about Zumba is that, besides encouraging people to exercise and get fit, with this (event), it also encourages the idea of girl power," Newberry-Davis said.

In between Zumba sessions and educational segments, Hart and Moxley drew participants' names for various prizes, such as massages, personal training sessions and cookbooks.

Outside the Zumba room was a quieter side of the Zumbathon. In the Huston Huffman Center lobby, registration and information tables offered literature on breast health, as well as shower cards to remind women to give themselves monthly breast self-exams. One of the tables even featured breast models, so that passersby could practice examining them.

"Each of these (models) has eight lumps in it, though it's hard to tell," Hart said. "That's why you have to be so thorough (when giving a self-exam)."

At another table, the Alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority sold T-shirts and raffle tickets, with all proceeds benefiting the Komen foundation. The sorority partnered with the Women's Outreach Center to create and sell the T-shirts. Luanne Vo, pre-medicine senior, said the sorority hosts several events throughout the year to raise breast cancer awareness, including Mr. Pink and Pie-a-Prof.

"This is a cause we really stand behind. We raised $2,600 last year, and this year, we're going for $3,000. We want to get better every year," Vo said.

Overall, Zumbathon coordinators they were impressed by the turnout and hoped to make the Zumbathon a recurring event. Newberry-Davis expressed a similar sentiment.

"I loved the Zumba, the prizes were fun, and I think it was a really great night of unity," she said.




Emma Newberry-Davis discusses her experiences with breast cancer and how she stands behind the cause.



The 4 keys to breast health: