What started as a love for dance fitness has grown into a powerful way to give back. At a Jazzercise studio in Conifer, Colo., instructors and students come together each October for a Jazzercise breast cancer fundraiser rooted in personal stories, community support and a shared commitment to ending breast cancer.
Finding Joy and Purpose Through Jazzercise
Kimberly Johnson won’t let anything keep her from Jazzercise – not even breast cancer. As a long-time Jazzercise instructor, movement has always been central to her life.
Kimberly became a certified Jazzercise instructor 27 years ago. Now, she regularly teaches and participates in classes in Conifer, a small mountain community 45 minutes outside Denver. Over the years, Jazzercise has become more than a workout – it’s a constant source of joy and connection in her life.
“I come from a dance background, and Jazzercise really aligned with my experience,” she said. “The program checks all the boxes when it comes to aerobic fitness. I’ll be hooked forever.”
A Family History of Breast Cancer
Because of her family history of breast cancer – her mother and maternal aunt received diagnoses – Kimberly knew she was at an increased risk for the disease. Every year, she had a screening mammogram and breast MRI. Despite this, she never expected the call that came in early 2017 notifying her that she had breast cancer.
“It was a massive shock,” she said. “Getting that call was about as destructive as anyone could possibly imagine.”
Teaching Jazzercise Throughout Breast Cancer Treatment
Kimberly moved forward with a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and then 12 weeks of radiation. Although her treatment was daunting, she remained positive throughout. She even continued teaching Jazzercise. “My chemo treatments were on Friday, so I would teach class on Saturday morning,” she said. “I wanted to get my heart rate up and my blood flowing to help the chemo move through my system.”
Staying active during treatment gave Kimberly a sense of control during an unpredictable time. Sundays were rest days, and then Kimberly would be back in the studio on Monday. “I was in class every day, whether I was teaching or a student,” she said. “The structure is how I handled things.”
Conifer Jazzercise Steps Up with Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Aimee Pless owns Jazzercise Conifer Fitness Center, the studio where Kimberly regularly teaches. Each October, she brings the community together through a Jazzercize breast cancer fundraiser for Komen, honoring members and teachers impacted by breast cancer.
“We held our first event in a church, but we’re now in a big center that allows for more people,” Aimee said. “The first year, we invited our students and staff and kept it within the Jazzercise family. As time went on, we expanded to include the entire community.”
On a Saturday in October, the Jazzercise breast cancer fundraiser brings participants together for a morning of classes, followed by a yoga class.
Participants donate a minimum of $20 and can participate in as many classes as they’d like. Aimee sets up the fundraiser through Komen’s Go Pink for the Cure sports-focused fundraising program.
“It’s so easy to set up,” Aimee said. “We’re able to create a QR code that goes directly to our fundraiser, which has made it much easier and accessible for people to donate.”
Community Support Helps Grow Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Additionally, the studio works with the local Chamber of Commerce to secure sponsorships from area businesses. “Businesses want to get on board because they know this fundraiser is a big deal in our community,” Aimee said. “The event has really grown, and businesses want to be a part of that growth.”
Local businesses also donate door prizes to help add extra incentive to participants. “We usually will draw for five prizes at the end of each class,” Aimee said. “It’s not the main reason people come, but it helps add a little more excitement.”
In 2023, Aimee expanded the fundraiser to include an evening wine tasting at a local restaurant. “We added it for people who couldn’t make the Jazz-a-thon or who aren’t interested in Jazzercise,” she said. “It’s smaller and more intimate, and it’s been a fun thing we’ve added along the way.”
For Kimberly, participating in the Jazzercise breast cancer fundraiser is a way to provide support to others impacted by breast cancer. “You don’t really understand breast cancer until you go through it, but it was always about being strong for someone else,” she said. “The Jazzercise community is predominantly women, and we have a place in our heart for events like this.”
How to Join Go Pink for the Cure
Go Pink for the Cure is Komen’s sports and schools-focused fundraising program that encourages breast cancer awareness and healthy living while fundraising to help end breast cancer. Whether you’re looking to fundraise with a school group, sports team or fitness studio, you can play for a purpose when you Go Pink for the Cure. Learn more at Komen.org/GoPink.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
