Since 2010, my sister, Amy, has participated in Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s annual fundraiser, Reach and Raise/Yoga on the Steps. In 2012, Amy (along with her good friend and fellow cancer survivor, Jewel) created a team for the fundraiser, naming it Thrivin’ and Survivin’. Amy cherished this event, which connected thousands of people in support of women living with breast cancer. Every year, she would send out the call, asking her friends and family to join the team and participate in the event. Every year - rain or shine - Amy would head to the Philadelphia Art Museum, arriving early to mark what she considered to be “her spot.” Once there, she rolled out dozens of yoga mats, all from her personal collection (she owned A LOT of mats) to save space for her team members. As teammates arrived, the area would expand further, each member securing still more space to ensure that everyone had room. Amy was the mayor of yoga, like she was the mayor of everywhere. She knew everyone and everyone knew her. The photographers covering the event always noticed the mayor, taking her picture, which inevitably ended up in a brochure or photo array.

In January of this year, Amy and I discussed this year’s event. Amy, of course, planned to participate, just as she had for the past 15 years. Unfortunately, Amy passed away in February after her amazing 18 1/2 year battle with breast cancer. 

This event meant the world to Amy. I cannot think of a better way to honor her than to “pick up the baton,” stepping in as the team lead for her.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Reach & Raise. Unfortunately, due to COVID, this year’s event will be held virtually. While it is sucks that we all can’t be together on what would hopefully be a warm, sunny Sunday morning in May, we can still practice yoga together, with Jennifer Schelter leading the class. This year’s class is being dedicated to Amy and all that she gave to LBBC and those around her.

If you are able, please register to join Jewel, me and the Thrivin’ and Surivin’ team on Sunday, May 16th.