CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -(WDEF) With temperatures barely above 25 degrees outside, hundreds of people gathered at the Hamilton Place Mall to warm up and raise money for cancer research by dancing.
The even was called a Zumbathon and it featured Zumba teachers and Zumba enthusiast from all across the area to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation.
Zumba instructor Antonio McMath organized the event. He said although cancer has not personally affected him, it has affected women he knows.
"The greatest thing that goes through my mind is how resilient these women are and how much energy they have because even thought they had breast cancer, they never felt down and had so much and are always lively," McMath said.
Vicki Deweese said the event was personal because she was celebrating a three year anniversary of being a breast cancer survivor.
"We're making a difference for the survivors of the past and present and hopefully try to eliminate the need and possibility of the survivors of the future," Deweese said.
Another breast cancer survivor in attendance was Sheila Presswood. She said she loves to dance so raising money for cancer research while doing zumba was a no-brainer.
"There making so many strides in breast cancer research and so people like this coming out and supporting people like me who's a survivor means a lot," Presswood said.
Presswood's daughter Emily is a Zumba instructor and her mothers biggest supporter.
"She is a strong woman and I'm just so proud of her and what she's overcome and she's just doing so great right now, Emily Presswood said.
Organizers said they would like to do this every year.
