FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Julia Pemberton March 11, 2013 julia@ctchallenge.org OR Sue Johnstone sjohnstone@ridgefieldfitness.com

CT Challenge Launches Om for LifeTM , Yoga for Cancer Survivors Program Free Class Helps Survivors To Improve Flexibility, Reduce Stress and Gain Energy

Fairfield, CT - This spring, cancer survivors in Ridgefield and surrounding communities will have access to a specialized yoga program designed just for them, thanks to a new partnership between the CT Challenge and the Ridgefield Fitness Club. Om for LifeTM, yoga for cancer survivors, is a new program of the CT Challenge, designed to introduce cancer survivors to the therapeutic benefits of yoga in an environment that is sensitive to their unique needs. The CT Challenge is providing a grant to the Ridgefield Fitness Club to implement the program, set to begin Tuesday, April 2nd at 1PM. The class will meet once a week. Sue Johnstone, founder of the Ridgefield Fitness Club, is a cancer survivor who knows the benefits of yoga first hand. "I am honored and excited to be able to offer Om for LifeTM to cancer survivors and their caretakers. Aside from offering the benefits of yoga, which are many, this program brings together those who have shared a life changing event. As a cancer survivor myself, I find solace in knowing there are others who I can share support, information and just the experience of living in a new realm as a survivor in a positive way." “A growing body of research confirms the health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors - for those in active treatment and post-treatment,” explains Tamara Deyle, program director of the Center for Survivorship. “Gentle, restorative movement and relaxation techniques relieve stress and anxiety. Therapeutic yoga offers support for the immune system and can even help to ease medication side effects and balance energy to address fatigue.” Janell Breck will lead the Om for LifeTM class, which is based on the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Janell is a sought after instructor who volunteers her time to teach yoga to cancer survivors at the Northern Westchester Hospital, in addition to teaching at the Yoga Shala in Ridgefield. Om for LifeTM is a natural extension of the wellness programs offered by the CT Challenge at their Center for Survivorship in Fairfield, CT, which are designed to empower cancer survivors with tools to optimize their quality of life through exercise, nutrition and psychosocial support. “The Center’s programs are open to all cancer survivors and their supporters but we recognize that it may not be practical for cancer survivors who are at a distance from Fairfield to visit the Center each week. Our mission is to impact as many survivors as possible with health empowering programs. Partnering with local organizations who share our mission helps us to achieve that goal,” explained Julia Pemberton, Director of Communications and Public Affairs. You do not need to be a member of the Ridgefield Fitness Club to participate in the Om for LifeTM program. For more information about the class call 203-431-7796. The Ridgefield Fitness Club is located at 66 Grove Street in Ridgefield, CT. About the Connecticut Challenge The CT Challenge is 501(C) 3 charity founded in 2005 to support survivorship programs throughout Connecticut and the CT Challenge Center for Survivorship, located in Fairfield, CT, where cancer survivors are empowered through programs in exercise, nutrition and psychosocial support. CT Challenge programs for cancer survivors are funded by the Annual CT Challenge Bike Ride that takes place in July. To date, over $9 million has been raised to fund programs for cancer survivors.