Fitness Studio to Hold Fundraiser For Lung Transplant Patient

Cinnaminson resident Nereida Smith touched the hearts of many in the area over the past few months with the news that she needs a very expensive double-lung transplant in order to keep her alive.

Now, residents who have wanted to help out will have another chance to do so.

Smith has an autoimmune disorder called systemic scleroderma, which has attacked her lungs and esophagus. The condition has worsened greatly this year.

As part of the goal to help Smith afford the $650,000 operation and subsequent cost for follow-up care, Kimberly Stoeckley and Viviana Campanaro, co-owners of Jump Studio, are holding a Zumbathon on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The fundraiser, which is being done in conjunction with the National Federation for Transplants, is the second being held for Smith. The first fundraiser was held a few weeks ago at PJ Whelihan’s in Cherry Hill.

Stoeckley was moved about Nereida’s story when her husband, Richard, walked into Jump Studio back in July with flyers for the first fundraiser.  

“(Viviana) and I were unable to attend that night because we have a lot of classes and events going on,” she said. “But we wanted to hold something to help the family out.”

Saturday’s event will include a lot of Zumba, a 10-minute Kangoo Jump demonstration and refreshments. There will also be giveaways for a t-shirt and studio gift certificate. 

“Nereida is a kind, special lady, and it break my heart to know she’s going through so much right now,” said Claire Prince, the fundraising consultant for NFT, in a press release. “But it’s amazing that people like Kimberly are willing to rally together and help.”

Smith originally reached out to the NFT for help about two years ago. The NFT has responded by setting a goal of $50,000 to raise for Smith through fundraising events and donations. All of the proceeds raised on Saturday will bring Smith closer to that goal.

So far to date, a total of $6,700 has been raised towards Smith’s cause. A good portion of that money was raised at the PJ Whelihans fundraiser; over $2,000 was donated that night.

The number of donations that came through in the first fundraiser has made many excited to see what Saturday’s event brings.  

The price to attend Saturday’s fundraiser is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, Aug. 16 to receive the advance rate. 

Those who cannot attend Saturday’s event can still donate to Smith’s cause. Donations are being accepted online by visiting the NFT website and selecting Find a NFT Patient. For anyone who wishes to mail in a donation, checks can be sent to NFT New Jersey Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119