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Skating for a Cure

BY Riley McComb, Contributing Writer

Columbus, Ohio (May 14, 2012) — This June, more than 100 figure skaters from the Central Ohio area will combine grace, poise and compassion in a celebration of life and the fight against breast cancer.

Nine years ago, figure skater and breast cancer survivor Carolyn Bongirno had the inspiring idea to create Skate for Hope, a not for profit charitable organization that raises money to fund breast cancer research. Each year, as a nod to the sport that kept Bongirno optimistic throughout her illness, the organization puts on a figure skating show showcasing talent in the Central Ohio area alongside national champions and Olympians. After surviving breast cancer, Bongirno wanted to show how important it is to give back to the community. Held every summer at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, Skate for Hope has become a beacon of optimism and strength, helping young women to cope with the loss or diagnosis of a loved one.

Each year, Skate for Hope invites past and present National, World and Olympic Figure Skating Champions to perform as well. This year, skaters Emily Hughes, Racheal Flatt, Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon, as well as several other nationalists and Olympians, will be performing. SFH also invites figure skating novices to join in the fun. Skate for Hope showcases not only Olympic eligible athletes, but figure skaters of all ages and ability.

To make this event spectacularly special, Bongirno set about finding ways to honor those who have been affected by the disease. In a moving show of appreciation and admiration, at each show, skaters who dedicated their performance to an attending breast cancer survivor present their guest with a rose during a Rose Presentation Ceremony.

All proceeds from the show go to the Stefanie Speilman Fund at the Ohio State University James Cancer Center and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. To date, Skate for Hope has raised $370,000 for breast cancer research!

Skate for Hope
Nationwide Arena, Columbus Ohio
Saturday, June 16
5 pm, doors open at 4:15 pm
Tickets are available at the Nationwide Arena Box Office and online at skateforhope.org.

See pictures of the past Skate for Hope events »
See a sneak peek video of Skate for Hope 2012 »

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