At Your Own Pace, In Your Own Space: How to Be a Hero in a Pandemic

“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” said Amy Hollub, ovarian cancer survivor who—along with the help of her family, close friends, and an advisory board—spearheaded a fundraising event in Miami. “It’s my whole community.”

Indeed, the idea of community plays a big role in Amy’s ovarian cancer experience – from her own family history to those in her synagogue who have been touched by women’s cancers. While the Rock n’ Run event to raise money for ovarian and breast cancer research launched in 2013, Amy was diagnosed in 2009 when her doctor discovered a large tumor during an annual checkup.

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Exercise to Decrease Your Risk of Breast Cancer

We all know that exercise is good for your heart, but did you know that it also decreases your risk of breast cancer?  As a breast surgical oncologist, I am often asked by patients if there is anything they can do to lower their risk of developing breast cancer. 

Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices, regular exercise is one of the best things women can do to keep the risk of a first-time breast cancer or recurrence as low as it can be. Studies have shown that patients who are physically active can achieve up to a 50% lower risk of breast cancer compared to sedentary patients1. Exercise has also been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who have already been treated for cancer2. As a result, the American Cancer Society recommends that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as those who haven’t, exercise regularly.

More research is being done to determine how exercise decreases the risk of breast cancer, but the current theory is that the female hormone estrogen plays a key role.  Higher estrogen levels in the blood place women at an increased risk for developing breast cancer and physical activity helps regulate these hormones, which can fuel breast cancer growth3. Additionally, exercise boosts the immune system, aiding the body in being able to fight off disease and potentially target and kill cancer cells, or slow their growth.

While the exact amount of exercise needed to decrease the risk of breast cancer is still being investigated, studies have shown that any amount of exercise is better than none. Also, more vigorous activity is more effective than less vigorous activity.  “Regular exercise” is defined as about 4 to 5 hours per week at a moderate intensity level. Examples of moderate intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, practicing yoga, golfing, gardening, and leisurely bike riding. Jogging, basketball, tennis, soccer, and swimming are considered more vigorous exercise routines. Interestingly, if women stopped exercising, the risk-reducing benefits have been shown to quickly disappear.  Finding time to exercise on a daily basis can be difficult.  One technique you can try is to break up exercise into 20- or 30-minute sessions that add up to about 4 hours per week. Walking is a great way to start, even if it is only a short session on your lunch break. Also, exercising with a friend will help you be accountable to keep up this healthy habit and will allow you to socialize at the same time.

If you are looking for a way to kick start your exercise routine, please consider joining me at the Rock ‘N Run hosted by the Village of Pinecrest and presented by the Miami Cancer Institute at Evelyn Greer park on September 22, 2019 at 7:45 AM, where you can run, walk, or dance for breast and ovarian cancer awareness.  There will be a certified chip-timed 5k and dance class, led by Zumba’s own Claudine Nannini and the Videosync team.

Now in its 7th year, this annual grassroots fundraiser has become a beloved local event, bringing together survivors, their friends and family to share a fun, action-packed morning. Last year, Rock ’N Run raised over $100,000. These funds enabled Rock ’N Run to support its beneficiaries’ efforts to help women in need and save lives.

Those interested in participating in Rock ‘N Run can pre-register at www.rocknrun.org or sign up the morning of the event for $35. 

If there is a topic you would like to hear more about pertaining to women’s health or more specifically breast health, you can message me on Facebook @drstarrmautner.

Running to Fight Breast Cancer

Since its creation, Rock ‘N Run has donated over $600,000 to the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

It’s time once again for the annual 5K fundraising event. Last year, more than $100,000 was raised for the cause. Rock ’N Run will be Sept. 22 at Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124th St. in Pinecrest. The Village of Pinecrest is a Community Partner and Miami Cancer Institute is the Presenting Sponsor.

Beneficiary non-profits include UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer — Cancer Link, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Ovarian Research & Education Fund-MCI, The Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative, Sharsheret, and FORCE.

Hundreds of participants will “Fight ‘N Heal Pink ‘N Teal” as they gear up to dance, walk or run at the annual community event that brings together survivors and their friends and family members.

“It feels like a big reunion every time,” said Jackie Zucker, a longstanding Rock ‘N Run sponsor. “I love touching base with everyone, getting the chance to catch up with old friends while helping women in need.”

You can register early for $30 at www.rocknrun.org or sign up the morning of the event for $35.

Rock 'N Run has most successful fundraising event

By Sergio Carmona

The recent sixth annual Rock ‘N Run that took place at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest drew nearly 500 participants and sponsors who helped raise more $100,000. It was the most successful year for this annual walk, run and dance fest.

The fundraising event was created to unite the community in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer and promote awareness to enhance prevention and early detection. It started as Pinecrest teen Aliya Hollub's bat mitzvah project in 2013 in honor of her mother, Amy Hollub, an ovarian cancer survivor. After watching her mother bravely battle the disease, Aliya knew she wanted to make a difference for others diagnosed with this disease.

“I realized just how many women were going through this ordeal and wanted to help them,” Aliya, who created Rock ‘N Run in 2013 along with her mother, family and friends, said. “I knew I wanted to create an ongoing event that would be fun, inspirational and give survivors the opportunity to gather together and celebrate their incredible journey back to health.”

The idea for this fundraising event came from Aliya and her sister Rylee. As the first year happened to coincide with Aliya's bat mitzvah, the event became her mitzvah project. The event's mission is to energize the local community and raise funds for organizations that help women struggling with breast or ovarian cancer. It has brought together survivors, their friends and family to share what has been considered a fun-filled, action-packed day. The event has also become an opportunity for women who’ve battled breast and ovarian cancer to discuss their journey, inspire others and share stories and advice.

Since its creation, the event has raised and donated to non-profits such as Cancer Link and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

“After what I went through, it feels good to be able to give back and help other women in need,” said Amy Hollub. “My family and I enjoy hosting this incredible fundraiser, knowing that we are bringing light to people who may be living some of the darkest and most difficult moments of their life.”

Through the years, the event has established what has been considered a unique sense of community as many of the participants have been with it from the start.

“It feels like a big reunion every time,” said Jackie Zucker, who has sponsored Rock ‘N Run from its inception. “I love touching base with everyone, getting the chance to catch up with old friends while helping women in need.”

The event's presenting sponsor this year was the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.

Visit rocknrun.org for more information on this annual fundraiser.

Ovarian Cancer Survivor Ready to Rock N Run to Help Stamp Out Disease

By Christina Mayo

It’s said that one thought put into action can change the world. Amy Hollub and her supportive friends are doing just that with Rock N Run.

This year marks the fifth annual event that was created as a way for Hollub to give back after her own battle with ovarian cancer. Rock N Run 2018 will be Oct. 7 and is expected to raise $100,000 for six cancer organizations.

Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, will serve as its 2018 presenting sponsor.

“We are thrilled to have one of the nation’s leading cancer research facilities as our presenting sponsor this year,” said Hollub in a release. “By working together with the Miami Cancer Institute, we help increase awareness of breast and ovarian cancers and raise funds for life-saving research.”

Established in 2013 by Hollub, her family, and friends Meredith and Carlos Wolf, Rock N Run is a daylong walk/run and dance fest that raises funds and awareness for groups that help those living with breast and ovarian cancer.

The event will feature a vigorous warm-up with Orange Theory fitness instructors as well as high-energy dance routines from fitness celebrities such as Claudine Nannini.

Rock N Run gets everyone together for a good cause and the annual fundraiser is a powerful and fun way for friends, family and neighbors to share time together. Many survivors and their “cheerleaders” consider the event a giant reunion.

Those currently undergoing treatment receive encouragement, support and inspiration from other women who have overcome these life-altering diagnoses, Hollub said. “By donating their time, talent and treasure to Rock N Run, participants know they are making a difference in the lives of other South Florida women.”

Rock N Run has raised and donated “more than $200,000 to carefully vetted non-profits that help female cancer patients, such as Cancer Link and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance,” she said.

“We’re delighted to serve as presenting sponsor of this year’s Rock N Run,” said Nicholas Lambrou, M.D., Chief of Gynecologic Oncology and Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Miami Cancer Institute — Baptist Health South Florida, in a release.

“Aligning with an established and influential organization like Rock N Run provides the unique opportunity to increase awareness for breast and ovarian cancers and the important role of early detection.”

To get involved in this hometown community fundraiser, register early for $30 at rocknrun.org. Contact Hollub at 305-305-0813 or Amy@HollubHomes.com. Check in begins at 6:30 a.m. and the walk/run starts at 7:45 a.m., Oct. 7, Temple Beth Am Yulman Campus, 5950 N. Kendall Dr., Pinecrest.

Miami Cancer Institute to serve as presenting sponsor of Rock 'N Run

By: Lee Stephens |August 14, 2018

One of South Florida’s liveliest breast and ovarian cancer fundraisers — Rock N Run — has announced that Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, will serve as its 2018 presenting sponsor.

“We are thrilled to have one of the nation’s leading cancer research facilities as our presenting sponsor this year,” said Amy Hollub, founder of Rock N Run. “By working together with the Miami Cancer Institute, we help increase awareness of breast and ovarian cancers, and raise funds for lifesaving research.”

Rock N Run was created as a way for Hollub to give back to the community that supported and encouraged her during her own battle with ovarian cancer in 2009. Established in 2013 by Amy, her family and friends Meredith and Carlos Wolf, Rock N Run is an annual walk/run and dance fest that raises funds for organizations that help those living with breast and ovarian cancers.

“We’re delighted to serve as presenting sponsor of this year’s Rock N Run,” said Nicholas Lambrou, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology and medical director of Robotic Surgery at Miami Cancer Institute – Baptist Health South Florida. “Aligning with an established and influential organization like Rock N Run provides the unique opportunity to increase awareness for breast and ovarian cancers and the important role of early detection.”

This year’s Rock N Run will take place on Sunday, Oct. 7, and is expected to raise more than $100,000 for six cancer organizations. The daylong event will feature a vigorous warmup with fitness instructors from Orange Theory as well as high energy dance routines from fitness celebrities such as Claudine Nannini. A unique and festive way to come together for a good cause, Rock N Run’s annual fundraiser provides the South Florida an opportunity to spend a fun-filled day with friends, family and neighbors.

Rock N Run has become a favorite fundraiser among South Florida breast and ovarian cancer survivors and their cheerleaders because the event itself often feels like a giant reunion. Those currently undergoing treatment receive encouragement, support and inspiration from other women who have overcome these life-altering diagnoses. By donating their time, talent and treasure to Rock N Run, participants know they are making a difference in the lives of other South Florida women.

Since its inception, Rock N Run has raised and donated more than $200,000 to carefully vetted non-profits that help female cancer patients, such as Cancer Link and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.

Those interested in participating in this hometown community fundraiser can register early for $30 at www.rocknrun.org.

Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, is a next generation cancer center known for its leading clinical care, compassionate patient experience, clinical research and state-of-the-art technology — including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the only radiation oncology program in the world with each of the latest radiation therapies in one place.

The Institute offers a robust roster of prominent physicians established in the community, in addition to renowned cancer experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. As Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a deep and functional collaboration that affords patients access to innovative treatments right here at home and ensures the standards of care developed by our multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK.

Heralded nationally as one of the new “hybrid” cancer centers of the future, Miami Cancer Institute represents the next generation of cancer centers in the country, combining well-established, high-quality community-based cancer care with the best of an academic cancer center — offering patients innovative clinical trials tied to research and genomics and the recruitment of disease-specific surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are experts in their fields.

For more information, visit MiamiCancerInstitute.com.

Think Teal | Fight 'n' Heal Teal: A Look At Ovarian Cancer

Email MCIEvents@baptisthealth.net to RSVP 

Thank you to the Sun Sentinel for this great article on the Rock 'N Run!

Annual fundraising event started as bat mitzvah project

by Sergio Carmona

The annual Rock 'N Run started as Aliya Hollub's bat mitzvah project in 2013 in honor of her mother, an ovarian cancer survivor, and has grown over the first three years.

The recent third annual Rock 'N Run at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest drew 600 people, including participants, sponsors and volunteers, and has so far, at press time, grossed almost $60,000. The event raised more than $40,000 in its first year and close to $50,000 in its second. The event included a cardio-blasting dance class and 5K where participants could race or walk. It was created to united the community in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer and promote awareness to enhance prevention and early detection. Proceeds from the event benefit several breast and ovarian cancer charities.

"I'm just so glad that something that started out as something small turned into something big where everyone in the community comes to help and support us," Aliya, 14, of Pinecrest, said.

Amy Hollub, Aliya's mother, said "I think the reason we've had so much support for this event is because in one way or another, cancer does touch everyone."

The idea for this fundraising event came from Aliya and her sister Rylee. As the first year happened to coincide with Aliya's bat mitzvah, the event became her mitzvah project.

(SOURCE) To read the full article, click here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/news/miami-dade/fl-jjdc-breastcancerproject-1021-20151019-story.html

Thank you to the Miami Herald for this great coverage of the 2015 Rock 'N Run!

Friends and Neighbors: Rock ‘N Run raises more than $55,000 for cancer research

BY CHRISTINA MAYO

Participants at the third annual Rock ‘N Run raised more than $55,000 to help women in our South Florida community through breast and ovarian cancer research, awareness and assistance. 

“It was a huge success with over 500 participants,” said Amy Hollub, one of the organizers. Members of the Hollub and Wolf families hosted the Oct. 4 event.

“Rock ‘N Run plays an important role in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer by bringing passionate community members together to raise awareness about the diseases, while providing education and vital resources for local organizations serving women in our community,” said Andrea Ivory of Women’s Breast and Heart Health Initiative in a release. “This effort helps to save and change lives. We are so honored to be a part of it!”

(SOURCE) To read the full article, click here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/community-voices/article39329247.html#storylink=cpy