FIT to FIGHT...

For Immediate Release
June 15, 2008
Contact: Elyse Jarard
Cell phone: (513) 368-9319
Email: elysej@venus4her.com


“F.I.T. to Fight” Benefits Ovarian Cancer Research

Two “thirty-something” friends dying from ovarian cancer inspired Elyse Jarard to organize a fundraising benefit to create more awareness about the disease. “Fit to Fight Ovarian Cancer Triathlon Festival is dedicated to the fighting spirit of the women who have died from this deadly disease. This year it takes place on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Corwin Nixon Park/Mason Community Center, in Mason, Ohio. The event presenters are Venus Fitness for Her in Montgomery, and the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Those not wanting to participate can make a monetary donation online. Registration for the event, and donations can all be made at www.fittofightoc.com. Proceeds will benefit the Barrett Cancer Center at the University of Cincinnati, Cancer Family Cares, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) to provide much needed funding for research, support, and awareness.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers. If caught early, survival is as high as 90%, but women are not aware of the disease’s symptoms, or are quick to attribute them to “something else.” “Consequently, when diagnosis does occur, it is already too late for 75% of patients,” states Jarard, a Kenwood resident.

The triathlon festival is an event to involve the whole family. Encompassing three separate events, “everyone in the family can participate,” says Jarard. The events consist of a women’s only triathlon, a men’s only triathlon (the only one of its kind), and a kid’s distance triathlon. Participants can choose to race individually or as a relay team. The event is a good opportunity to empower all family members, especially those who have been touched by ovarian cancer. It gives each member a chance to do something powerful in support of their loved one. “I chose a fitness format for this event to highlight the importance of exercise for good health, and its ability to empower women” states Jarard, who is a personal trainer and owner of Venus Fitness for Her, a fitness studio for women and girls located in Montgomery. “We women are naturally intuitive about our bodies, but our society tends to dismiss generalized ‘feelings’ in favor of hard evidence when it comes to diagnosing and treating disease. Ovarian cancer’s symptoms are vague and can be attributed to other, benign conditions, so it is often overlooked until it is too late.” Abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, pressure or “feeling full,” and gastrointestinal problems are among the most common ovarian cancer’s symptoms.

For more information, to register or to make a donation, visit the event’s website, www.fittofightoc.com, www.hfp.com, or call Elyse Jarard at (513) 984-4437.