Residents Zumba to Fundraise for Neighbor’s Cancer Bills

Western Springs’ Village Club on Wednesday night hosted a Zumba event to raise money for the medical bills of a Village resident who spent most of 2012 fighting breast cancer.

Organizers wouldn’t say how much money was raised for Danielle Pender, of Western Springs, but about 80 locals pitched in donations to join the floor, where local instructor Megan Albee ran the hour-long exercise session.

“I think it’s very rare to find an activity that people of all ages can truly enjoy, and being able to come together and have everyone do one hour of Zumba fitness honoring someone’s cancer journey is quite something,” Albee said.

Honoring the journey because, after chemotherapy and other procedures, Pender is now in full remission. She appeared at the event and spoke after the workout session.

Albee did say that the fundraiser was a success both financially and emotionally.

“It exceeded our expectations threefold,” he said. “Everybody felt the energy and the positive experience that we were all sharing together.”

She also thanked the Village Club for hosting the event.

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