Soaring for a Cause Supports Breast Cancer Champions
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Sunday, December 22, 2024
Above: DZO Darlene Kellner (bottom row, second from left) and the Above the Poconos crew celebrate It’s Pink in the Poconos weekend.
On October 12-13, Above the Poconos Skydivers in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, hosted a special event called It’s Pink Above the Poconos—Skydiving for Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend. This inaugural event aimed not only to raise awareness and encourage annual screenings, but also to support and empower breast cancer warriors and survivors through the exhilarating experience of skydiving.
While many are familiar with breast-cancer-awareness walks, this special skydiving event was a fresh departure from the norm and sold out in days. The weekend was filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and a touch of nervousness as 35 tandem jumpers leaped from the sky with their families proudly watching from the ground. Among the jumpers, six were cancer survivors, while the rest participated in support of family members or friends battling the disease. Brandi, a cancer survivor currently in remission from leukemia, celebrated her 37th birthday with her first jump, showing love and support for her two friends fighting breast cancer, as well as marking her own victory. John, who was celebrating his wedding anniversary, jumped for his wife, who has stage IV breast cancer. This event gave him the push he needed to fulfill a long-term aspiration.
Even though participants had varied reasons for jumping, all seemed to land with a sense of accomplishment and liberation. The experience helped them overcome their fears and reclaim control over their lives, proving they can tackle any challenge with bravery and confidence. The entire Above the Poconos sky family also leaped in support.
Above the Poconos Skydivers donated $35 from each tandem jump, along with proceeds from food, T-shirt and raffle ticket sales, to the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley (CSCGLV) in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Their programs help cancer patients, survivors, family members and caregivers regain control of their lives, reduce stress and isolation and restore hope for a better quality of life. Although the motivations for skydiving are diverse and deeply personal, It’s Pink Above the Poconos showcased the profound impact such an adventure can have on individuals who have faced and overcome significant life challenges. They plan to make this an annual event. Interested jumpers can learn more at paskydive.com and donate to the cause at cancersupportglv.org.
Dina Tulli Davis
JumpSpark Creative Group