News Release

By J.D. HERMANN
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

CHAPEL HILL -- For women who are determined to change their lives, this spring season has a purpose: getting fit through the Sole Sisters V exercise program.

Sole Sisters V, designed specifically for women who do not regularly exercise, will officially kick off at 6 p.m. Tuesday (March 1). The two-hour orientation at UNC’s William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education will be followed by weekly training sessions that begin March 15, also at the Friday Center.

"The success of this program has been its consistency," said Judy Swasey, nurse practitioner with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Sole Sisters leader. "We have always had such great support from our volunteers. This is a great atmosphere in which to begin exercising."

All women ages 21 and older who do not exercise regularly are invited to register for the free 14-week program. The Sole Sisters V group also will participate in the June 11 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure, as a part of the UNC Lineberger team.

Mary Seagroves was a Sole Sister in 2002 and plans to participate again. She also is a breast cancer survivor.

"Everyone in Sole Sisters has a story to tell, so I didn’t want to make my survival story a big deal," Seagroves said. "Really, everyone is there just trying to get in shape. That is the most important thing. Exercising, like cancer, has changed my perspective on life."

Seagroves was diagnosed in July 1997 at the age of 31. Treated at UNC Lineberger, she underwent four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Months after a bilateral mastectomy, Seagroves gave birth to twin girls.

"Good things can come after cancer," Seagroves said. "I use my twin daughters, Sarah and Abigail, as a prime example. I would do anything to raise cancer awareness, and that is partly why I am a Sole Sister."

Sylvia Gelblum, who turns 79 in March, is a true veteran of the Sole Sisters program. She has participated in the program every year and has lost 60 pounds in the process.

"Before I began Sole Sisters, I probably hadn’t exercised in 20 years," Gelblum said. "I wanted to make a change and do something that was good for me."

Sole Sisters are invited to walk if they are not comfortable running.

"It was touching to me that I was the last one in the pack but was never alone," Gelblum said. "Guest runners or walkers would rotate around the pack to make sure everyone always had company. I felt very safe."

About 30 percent of the Sole Sisters volunteer as guest runners or walkers for the following year, providing support and motivation to participants.

To register as a participant or guest runner, contact Jennifer Olsen at (919) 966-5905 or jbolsen@email.unc.edu.

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UNC Lineberger contact: Dianne Shaw, (919) 966-5905 or dgs@med.unc.edu