On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Miami Dolphins alumni and Women’s Organization Members, in partnership with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), hosted an evening of yoga with cancer patients and survivors in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“The Miami Dolphins and DCC are committed to fighting cancer of all kinds,” Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “We are happy to host this event for the second year in a row and invite those who have been affected by cancer to come together and take part in a fun and relaxing evening centered around yoga.”
The event took place at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Upon arrival, the women received pink Dolphins Breast Cancer Awareness shirts and were invited to take pictures in a DCC themed photo booth. The group then heard from Dolphins Cancer Challenge Director of Operations and Logistics Amanda Chase, pancreatic cancer survivor & DCC participant Camille Moses and Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida Oncology Exercise Physiologist Joann Santiago.
“Exercise was considered to be taboo during cancer treatment, not only in breast cancer patients, but any cancer patient,” Santiago said. “More studies are emerging on the benefits of exercise and yoga in relationship to breast cancer patients. They’re starting to see that cancer patients can benefit from participating in physical activity. It’s exciting to be a part of an event like this and it’s something that I’m very passionate about.”
Participants then performed synchronized yoga poses while listening to relaxing music. Dolphins alumni in attendance included Elmer Bailey, Troy Drayton, Arturo Freeman, Lousaka Polite and Twan Russell.
At the conclusion of the event, everyone received Dolphins bags filled with Miami Dolphins head bands, necklaces, breast cancer awareness bandanas and wristbands as well as Miami Cancer Institute water bottles. Pink cupcakes, fruit and granola bars from Publix also were served.
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***