Tag Archives: cancer

AKTIV Against Cancer to Honor Summit Health Cares, Leanne Hainsby-Alldis at 2026 Awards Dinner

AKTIV Against Cancer, the organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz and Helle Aanesen, announced today that Summit Health Cares and Peloton instructor and breast cancer survivor and advocate Leanne Hainsby-Alldis will be this year’s honorees at the annual AKTIV Against Cancer Awards Dinner, which will take place on October 28th, 2026 at the historic New York Athletic Club in New York City.

The 2026 event will also mark a significant milestone in AKTIV Against Cancer’s efforts to make physical activity an integral part of cancer treatment in the United States: the opening of the first U.S. AKTIV Center at Summit Health, powered by Summit Health Cares, at its Berkeley Heights, New Jersey location.

The new AKTIV Center at Summit Health, powered by Summit Health Cares will provide people undergoing cancer treatment with greater access to physical activity and exercise programming as part of their care. The center builds upon AKTIV Against Cancer’s successful model in Norway, where the organization has helped open 24 physical activity centers in cancer hospitals, and represents an important step toward bringing that model to patients across the United States.

“This is an incredibly important year for AKTIV Against Cancer, and we could not think of two more fitting honorees than Summit Health Cares and Leanne Hainsby-Alldis,” said Helle Aanesen, co-founder and Executive Director of AKTIV Against Cancer. “Summit Health Cares has shared our vision that exercise can and should play an important role in cancer care, and together we are now turning that vision into reality with the first AKTIVcenter in the United States. Leanne’s story is an equally powerful example of the role movement, strength and community can play during a cancer journey. Both represent everything AKTIV Against Cancer stands for.”

SUMMIT HEALTH CARES TO BE HONORED AS FIRST U.S. AKTIVCENTER OPENS IN BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Summit Health Cares will be honored for its commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer and its work with AKTIV Against Cancer to advance exercise oncology and expand access to physical activity for cancer patients.

The partnership will culminate in the opening of the first U.S. AKTIVcenter at Summit Health’s Berkeley Heights location. The dedicated center will provide a supportive environment where people affected by cancer can incorporate physical activity into their treatment and recovery.

The Berkeley Heights location is the latest step in AKTIV Against Cancer’s mission to establish exercise as an integral part of cancer treatment and represents a model the organization hopes to expand to additional communities throughout the United States. “Partnering with AKTIV Against Cancer to open the first AKTIVcenter in the U.S. is something we are exceptionally proud to do,” expressed Joe Finocchiaro, Executive Director of Summit Health Cares. “We know that the new AKTIVcenter will provide incredible benefits for Cancer Warriors and we stand beside them every step of the way. What an honor to be included with Leanne Hainsby-Alldis at this year’s Awards Dinner.”

LEANNE HAINSBY-ALLDIS TO RECEIVE THE GABE GRUNEWALD INSPIRATION AWARD

Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis will also be honored for her inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor, advocate, and her commitment to demonstrating the power of movement and community throughout her cancer experience.

Hainsby-Alldis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 at age 34 and underwent treatment while continuing to teach classes for the Peloton community. She later publicly shared her diagnosis and treatment, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others facing cancer.

As one of Peloton’s most recognizable instructors, Hainsby-Alldis has built a global community around movement, resilience and connection. Her personal experience with cancer and her continued commitment to physical activity make her a natural reflection of AKTIV Against Cancer’s mission to ensure that exercise becomes an integral component of cancer care.

“What a gift to be part of this celebration of movement, strength and community – recognizing and advocating for the power of these in the journey of recovery and beyond, is everything”, said Hainsby-Alldis.

Previous AKTIV Against Cancer honorees have included Mary Wittenberg, Meb Keflezighi, The Rudin Family, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Dr. Jordan Metzl, Shannon Miller, the late Gabe Grunewald, Kikkan Randall, Chanté Lowe, adidas, Jeff Rochford and Audrey Barr, New York Road Runners, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, James Blake, Team Casper Ruud, Peter Kirk and Ethan Zohn.

For more information about AKTIV Against Cancer and the 2026 Awards Dinner, please visit www.aktivagainstcancer.us.

AKTIV Against Cancer Honors Peter Kirk and Ethan Zohn at annual benefit Oct. 28 in NYC

AKTIV Against Cancer, the organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz, and Helle Aanesen, announced today that Healthcare entrepreneur and cancer survivor Peter Kirk, and entrepreneur, philanthropist and veteran athlete Ethan Zohn will be this year’s honorees at the eleventh annual awards dinner, which will take place at the New York Athletic Club on October 28, the week prior to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. The event has generated over $750,000 in donations in the first ten years it has been held.

“As we start our second decade, we could not think of a better pair to honor than Peter and Ethan this year,” Aanesen said. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, grit, empathy, determination to succeed and most importantly connection to our cause of exercise and cancer embody everything that AKTIV Against Cancer stands for, and we are so excited they have both chosen to join a group of honorees from our first ten years.”

Peter Kirk is a husband, father, cancer survivor, CEO of Sermo and founder of the charitable organization Be Your Possible. Under Peter’s leadership over the past 25 years, Sermo has been turning physician experience, expertise, and observations into actionable business insights that benefit pharmaceutical companies, healthcare partners, and the medical community at large.

Diagnosed at the height of the pandemic with Acute Leukemia (AML) as well as double lung pneumonia, Peter received a life-saving stem cell bone marrow transplant 8 months after diagnosis, in June 2021 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). When Peter crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon five months post-transplant, he knew that his life’s work had only just begun. It’s now Peter’s mission to raise money for medical research – an integral part of improving patient outcomes – and empower and inspire others along the way. Be Your Possible’s flagship event is the annual Run for Research, hosted by Peter and attracting thousands of HCPs and others globally to hit the ground running to unlock money for medical advancement. Since its inception, Run for Research has donated $1M+ to more than 50 medical research organizations. Peter has also committed to running 1,000 half marathons by the 10th anniversary of his life-saving blood stem cell transplant to raise $1,000,000 for research at MSK, creating a movement to inspire others to live up to their greatest potential – whatever that may be.

KU Cancer Center to receive research support from agreement leveraging KU Basketball student-athletes, ShotTracker and the V Foundation

While Kansas is known for many basketball legends, the sport will be a community builder like never before at the University of Kansas this fall. Before a single game tips, Jayhawks will be playing for a new cause — cancer research.


The University of Kansas Cancer Center is poised to be part of a unique Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal that will benefit cancer research and engage KU basketball student-athletes. Seven KU Men’s and Women’s basketball players will serve as brand ambassadors and engage in a fundraising campaign to fight cancer. Made possible by Kansas City-area company ShotTracker and The V Foundation for Cancer Research, this novel agreement and accompanying campaign launch this week.


“We’re incredibly thankful to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, ShotTracker and KU Athletics for coming together in support of this campaign,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, Vice Chancellor and Director of the KU Cancer Center. “Their generosity and shared belief in the power of cancer research make a real difference. Funding like this fuels the work our scientists do every day and brings us closer to better treatments, earlier detection and, ultimately, cures.”


The seven KU Men’s and Women’s Basketball student-athletes participating are Flory Bidunga, Elle Evans, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Lilly Meister, S’Mya Nichols and Regan Williams. The campaign, known as ’Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer’ runs through December 31.  All of the funds raised will go directly to the KU Cancer Center to support research via a grant from The V Foundation for Cancer Research.


The student-athletes will be featured on a variety of channels highlighting their dedication to basketball and to cancer research, all while encouraging donations to the KU Cancer Center through the V Foundation. KU basketball players will use ShotTracker technology to showcase their dedication on the court while inspiring donations that fund lifesaving cancer research.


“In the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in intercollegiate athletics, one important element often overshadowed by headlines about large payments is that many NIL efforts support meaningful causes and nonprofits student-athletes are passionate about,” said Davyeon Ross, co-founder and chief executive officer of ShotTracker. “’Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer’ is a powerful example. We’re proud to partner with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, the V Foundation and KU Athletics to create impact through this unique ‘NIL for Good’ program. The return on investment goes far beyond money. It’s about improving the lives of hundreds of cancer patients, setting a new national standard for what NIL can achieve across the country and leveraging innovative technology to drive accountability.”

While soliciting funds for philanthropy is not a new idea, this campaign is harnessing the power of an NIL deal to support cancer research. The idea is that Jayhawk fans everywhere will learn more about the importance of cancer research and support that cause. 

“This campaign brings together our athletes, fans, donors and partners — the V Foundation, ShotTracker and Kansas Athletics — for a common cause: advancing cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center,” said Dan Martin, President, KU Endowment. “It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve when we unite through philanthropy.”

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, in operation since 1993, is named for Jim Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State University men’s basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory committee. 

“This is a powerful collaboration, and the V Foundation is proud to partner with the University of Kansas Athletics, ShotTracker, and the KU Cancer Center,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation funds bold, innovative cancer research at the top research centers nationwide to make a long-lasting impact. When Jayhawk athletes and fans unite, they are empowering the best and brightest scientists at the KU Cancer Center. Their support is critical to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® by driving discoveries, improving care and ultimately saving lives.”

A nationally recognized leader in the fight to treat and cure cancer, the KU Cancer Center is working to bring elite cancer research and care to Kansas. “Our vision is for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to be a beacon of hope and a global destination for both those with cancer and for scientists and clinicians seeking to cure cancer,” said Dr. Jensen. “Patients treated at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival compared to other cancer centers because of the enhanced relationship between patient care and research. Supporting the work here will benefit not just Kansas but the entire region.”

“We are proud to be a part of this amazing initiative to help the fight against cancer by joining our great partners including ShotTracker, the KU Cancer Center and the V Foundation,” said Jason Booker, Deputy Athletics Director for the University of Kansas Athletics. “This initiative is in direct alignment with one of our core community engagement pillars through ’Jayhawks for A Cure‘ related to cancer awareness.  It’s a perfect fit to use our platforms to showcase the impact that the KU Cancer Center has on our region.”

Donations may be made to: www.v.org/jayhawksvictoryovercancer

2022 AKTIV Against Cancer Award Luncheon Honors adidas, Lowe Nov. 3 in N.Y.

AKTIV Against Cancer, the organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz and Helle Aanesen, today announced it will honor adidas and Olympic Champion Chaunté Lowe for outstanding contributions to the field of Exercise Oncology at their eighth annual awards luncheon. The reception will be held November 3 at the historic New York Athletic Club.

Over more than 10 years of collaboration, adidas has accounted for more than $10M in donations toward AKTIV Against Cancer’s groundbreaking exercise oncology research and programs. United by the power of sport, the two organizations have worked together to help those fighting cancer improve their quality of life through physical activity.

“adidas has been an incredible supporter of AKTIV Against Cancer since our inception and has always embodied our mission to the highest degree,” said AKTIV Against Cancer CEO Helle Aanesen. “We simply couldn’t have done what we have done without adidas. There is no one better to honor than Grete’s longtime sponsor and our biggest believer, adidas.”

AKTIV Against Cancer’s partnership with adidas was born out of adidas’ relationship with the late Grete, who passed away in 2011. Grete had a storied history with adidas during her ground-breaking long-distance running career, having worn and promoted its apparel and footwear for more than 30 years.

“At adidas, we believe sport has the power to change lives, and few athletes have personified that motto as thoroughly as Grete Waitz,” said Adrian Leek, Sportswear & Footwear Vice President at adidas. “Our partnership with AKTIV Against Cancer represents our gratitude for everything Grete accomplished during her remarkable life, and we are proud to supported such a great cause for more than a decade.”

Additionally, AKTIV Against Cancer will honor four-time Olympian, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and former high jump world champion Chaunté Lowe with the Gabrielle Grunewald Inspiration Award for her courage and her dedication to expanding resources and support for others fighting breast cancer. Lowe is a Global Ambassador for the American Cancer Society and a spokesperson for a new partnership between pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and patient advocacy group Susan G. Komen.

Since 2015, AKTIV Against Cancer has hosted the AKTIV Against Cancer Award Luncheon in an effort to continuously honor the legacy of the co-founder, the late Grete Waitz. The award recognizes leaders who demonstrate great philanthropic efforts using health and fitness as a platform – a belief that was instrumental to Grete and at the core of AKTIV Against Cancer’s mission.

Mary Wittenberg, Global CEO of Virgin Sport, received the inaugural award in 2015 and running legend Meb Keflezighi received it in 2016. In 2017, AKTIV Against Cancer honored The Rudin Family for their long-standing commitment to the TCS New York City Marathon and the late professional runner Gabriele Grunewald for her commitment to continue running through her cancer and inspiring many to be physically active through treatments.

More recently, the organization honored Olympic Champion and cancer survivor Kikkan Randall and Dr. Jordan Metzl in 2018, Chip Gaines, Jeff Rochford & Aubrey Barr in 2019, Shannon Miller in 2020, and Cycle For Survival co-founder David Linn in 2021.

For more information about AKTIV Against Cancer please visit www.aktivagainstcancer.org/award