Thanksgiving Workout Raises $4,000 for Two Moms Battling Breast Cancer

Almost 90 people, raised more than $4,000 to help the families of Caryn Grozalsky and Jessica Ward, two MetroWest moms battling breast cancer, said Kristen Houlker of MetroWest Bootcamp in Framingham.

The Framingham bootcamp held a workout fundraiser at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Attendees paid $20 to burn off what they might eat later that day.

Last December, Grozalsky, a Weston teacher and Framingham mom of two girls, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In July, Ward, a Natick native and Ashland mom, found a lump the size of a lemon in her breast. Her initial diagnosis was Stage 2b breast cancer, but the cancer is an aggressive form and quickly spread to her liver. She is now battling Stage 4 cancer and is undergoing some really intensive chemo treatments.

"Thanks to outpouring of support from our community to make this such a family friendly, tremendous community event," said Houlker. "We are so thankful and overwhelmed by the emotion and camaraderie felt in the studio that day."

If you could not attend the fundraiser but still wish to help the two women, donations are being accepted at this link.

"We are lucky to live in such a special community," said Houlker. "Thanks for all of your help and support."

Thanks to Kevin Cummings of Cummings Photography in Framingham for covering the 6 a.m. event for Framingham Patch. Check out his slideshow of more than three dozen photos.