Crossfit KMK Barbells For Boobs Fundraiser

FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Oct 29, 2016 - 1 in 8 U.S. women (about12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime (www.breastcancer.org). This Saturday, Crossfit KMK of Fairfield hosted a fitness competition in an attempt to combat the disease that has affected thousands of women and theirfamilies.

Local crossfitters competed in the challenge aimed at contributing to cancer research through Barbells for Boobs, a charity founded in 2009 in California at a local Crossfit gym by Zionna Hanson. The organization, dedicated to the belief that "Everyone has the right to know,” is focused on the early detection of breast cancer in men and women under the ageof 40.

Teams of two athletes competed in two separate "benchmark" workouts famous for being physically demanding, and true to the Crossfit standard of "high intensity, constantly varied, functional movement." The first workout, named "Helen,” combined short-distance running with kettlebell swings and pullups, while the second,"Grace," challenged the competitors to complete a set amount of olympic lifts for time.

Combining the Crossfit community with Barbell for Boobs in charity workout events has proven successful in providing 38 517 procedures to men and women to date. Although the event at Crossfit KMK was free of charge, 40 athletes contributed over $640 for the charity - meaning that 8 more women will now have the ability to receive cancer screenings.