Dance to Beat Breast Cancer with Sunday Zumbathon

Residents of Union County will be shaking their booties Sunday when Curves of Westfield holds its first "Dance to Beat Breast Cancer Zumbathon."

Zumba, is a popular new exercise that involves dancing at a fast pace to lively Latin music. is a women’s gym on South Avenue in Westfield owned by Jerri Hochron and Elissa Bennett. October is breast cancer awareness month, and Hochron said the gym has done walks and benefits in the past, but never anything like this. It should be a fun day that will help a worthy cause, Hochron said, adding that she wants it to become an annual event.

“I thought this would be just more attractive to people,” Hochron said.

So far 20 people have pre-registered and Hochron said she hopes more members will attend. People grabbing breakfast further down in the strip at Bagel Chateau or people driving will hopefully stop to dance or donate, Hochron said      

“When you do anything for the first time you don’t know what to expect,” she said.

Shari Leopore, of Westfield, who is a member of the gym and said she is looking forward to the Zumbathon because she is a breast cancer survivor. While battling cancer, she exercised at Curves and they were very supportive, Lepore said. Although she admits she is uncoordinated, she loves participating in the energetic dancing.  

 “I love Curves. I’m addicted to Zumba,” Lepore said.       

Another member who loves to work up a sweat while doing Zumba is Hanan Haddad of Westfield. Hadaad, has a few friends who are breast cancer survivors, and plans to attend the event.

“I would love to support the cause,” she said.

The event is from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot in front of the gym. It is $15 at the door. All of the money will be donated to the City of Hope charity, which is dedicated to fighting breast cancer.