Local Breast Cancer Survivor Holding Fundraiser to Help Others

Submitted by Exeter Hospital:

Kathy for a Cure, a fundraiser where participants get to take part in an array of unique and fun fitness classes while at the same time helping raise funds to support local cancer patients, is preparing for its sixth year.

The all day fitness fundraiser that benefits local cancer patients at Exeter Hospital is planned for Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Oyster River High School in Durham. Those interested in participating are asked to make a donation, which enables them to take part in an array of fitness classes throughout the day. Funds raised will benefit The Beyond the Rainbow Fund, which provides financial assistance and support to Exeter Hospital cancer patients in need.   

The fundraiser was founded by Lee resident Kathy Kerrigan, a breast cancer survivor and local fitness instructor. Kerrigan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2007, says she is thankful for not only the care she received at the Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital, but the fact that she had health insurance. She recognized that many women in her situation find themselves facing a cancer diagnosis while coping without insurance and struggling to pay bills.

“Throughout my treatments I continued to exercise to maintain my strength and positive mental outlook. My motto became movement heals,” Kerrigan explained. “This is what led me to choose a day of fitness classes as the format for my fundraiser. I see this event as a celebration of life and health. It is open to all ages and fitness abilities.”

The event includes an array of classes including Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, hip hop, strength and agility training and more. This year the event will also include a Native American dance performance at noon, as well as children’s Zumba and Creative Movements. There will also be raffle prizes and silent auction items, including New England Patriots tickets.  “Movement Heals” t-shirts will also be available for purchase. 

The founder of Exeter Hospital’s The Beyond the Rainbow Fund, Anne-Marie Viviano, was also going through breast cancer treatment at the same time as Kathy, and it was suggested that Kerrigan should meet Viviano because they had a lot in common. Viviano, of Hampton, lost her 14-year courageous battle with breast cancer in May of 2009.

“Unfortunately I never got to meet her,” Kerrigan said. “After she passed away, I felt that my fundraiser might be one means to help keep Anne-Marie's vision alive.”

Viviano started Beyond the Rainbow in 2002 after attending support groups during her own treatment. She walked away from them wanting to help people who were struggling to meet expenses relating to their treatment and care. In addition to providing financial assistance, The Beyond the Rainbow Fund provides wellness and fitness programs, as well as integrative therapy, such as massage, that further assists patients in their recovery.   

Kerrigan is a fitness instructor at Durham Parks and Recreation, Seacoast Sports Clubs in Newmarket, the University of New Hampshire and the Oyster River School System.