Local Breast Cancer Survivor to Hold Fundraiser

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of Greatest Person profiles on Exeter Patch highlighting people who make extraordinary contributions to the community.

A local woman who was treated for breast cancer at is holding a fundraiser Saturday to support local cancer patients.

The fourth annual "Kathy for the Cure" event will be held in Durham Saturday at Oyster River High School. It is being organized by Kathy Kerrigan, a Lee resident who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

The event will feature fitness classes like Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, hip hop and strength training.There will also be performances by the University of New Hampshire Sisters and Seacoast West African Dance and Drum.

“Throughout my treatments I continued to exercise to maintain my strength and positive mental outlook. My motto became 'movement heals,'” Kerrigan said in a statement through Exeter Hospital. “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.”

Funds raised will benefit The Beyond the Rainbow Fund at Exeter Hospital, which helps local cancer patients in need.

The fund was started by Anne-Marie Viviano, who lost a 14-year battle with cancer in 2009. Viviano started it after attending support groups during her own treatment.

“After she passed away, I felt that my fundraiser might be one means to help keep Anne-Marie's vision alive," Kerrigan said.

For more information, email Kerrigan at kerrigan6@comcast.net.

If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, checks can be made to: Kathy Kerrigan, 5 Little River Road, Lee, NH, 03861.