By Rebecca Cox
As part of its 30-year anniversary celebration, non-profit Cancer Support Community – Benjamin Center is hosting a Yogathon, a six-hour yoga extravaganza, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 25.
To be held at Naam Yoga, there will be many different styles of yoga, meditation techniques, pranayama exercises, kirtan singing and chanting, music, poetry, yoga sutras, and dancing, followed by an hour of celebration, fundraising, raffles, food, and beverages.
The participants will benefit from a full day of mind, body, and spiritual classes taught by 10 prominent Yoga instructors all in one studio. Each attendee is committed to raise at least $500.
This is the first Yogathon in CSC’s history and it is the perfect way to showcase what the company really does, according to Teresa Bond, CEO and President of the Cancer Support Community.
“The reason why we are having this Yogathon is to raise funds so that we can continue to provide these programs at no cost and to showcase who we are and what we do,” Bond said. “We want this to be fun for everyone who participates, have a deeper appreciation for yoga practices and understand how important yoga is to cancer treatment.”
The organization is at the forefront of patient centered cancer care, which incorporates the idea that the body and mind are connected, and psychosocial support is a key element for quality of life and may even help with recovery.
CSC offer activities that are intended to relieve stress, help strengthen the immune system and body, and support the outcome as a patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Allyn Cioban, Director of Major Gifts, said the organization has had an overwhelming response.
“We have been receiving three to four registrations every day and we are so close to reaching our goal of participants for this year,” Cioban said. “I would really love for people to take a moment to look at yogathon.org and read some stories of people who have registered. It really gives a lovely explanation what CSC does for support as a non-profit organization.”
Today the CSC continues to serve people living in West Los Angeles and the broader Los Angeles community with a full menu of free-of-charge, essential programs overseen by licensed therapists including support groups, mind/body classes, educational and nutritional workshops, social activities, and individual counseling sessions.
CSC intends that all proceeds from Yogathon will be used to sustain free-of charge program offered at the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center.
Naam Yoga is located at 1231-35 4th Street, Santa Monica.
To donate to CSC – Benjamin Center and for more information about how to participate contact Allyn Cioban.
For more information please visit yogathonLA.org.
