‘Better Than Ever’ joins forces with CATwalk in fight against cancer

Green Valley News

According to the Arizona Cancer Center, a steady health and exercise plan is the most effective form of cancer prevention.

This is the philosophy that drives “Better Than Ever”—a fitness and fund-raising program aimed at teaching the benefits of physical fitness while raising money for cancer research.

For eight years, the “Better Than Ever” program has been one of the Arizona Cancer Center’s top outreach services.

This year, “Better Than Ever” has merged with the University of Arizona’s CATwalk in one of the area’s most high-profile cancer fundraising events in recent memory.

“The CATwalk is an outstanding event, and we want to get people in shape so they can have as much fun as possible,” said program founder Heather Alberts.

At Wednesday’s information meeting at the East Center, Alberts, along with Green Valley fitness coaches Cyndi Summers and Barbara Powell, outlined the “Better Than Ever” philosophy and how it would work in conjunction with the CATwalk.

The CATwalk was established by the University of Arizona fraternity and sorority community to benefit the Bobbi Olson Fund for women’s cancer research.

Last year, the CATwalk raised $88,000.

“I was out there last year, and there must’ve been thousands of students out there,” Alberts said. “It was a phenomenal, inspiring sight.”

The CATwalk will take place on Nov. 10 at noon on the University of Arizona mall.

In the meantime, “Better Than Ever” participants will begin training on Sept. 4.

Since its inception, “Better Than Ever” has trained over 2,500 people between the ages of 11 and 84 in Green Valley, Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Yuma and even Seattle, Wash.

Each participant receives a specialized training packet.

In between training sessions, participants look to raise at least $250 for the Arizona Cancer Center.

Throughout the program’s history, Alberts said Green Valley is one of her favorite “Better Than Ever” informational tour stops.

“I’ve found that Green Valley has some of the most passionate, committed and enthusiastic individuals in Arizona,” Alberts said. “Working with the Green Valley community is definitely one of my personal highlights.”

The next “Better Than Ever” information session is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. at the East Center.

For more information or to contact “Better Than Ever,” please visit www.azcc.arizona.edu/BTE/.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747