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Kristen Hill, Co-Founder of Moms In Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Before I had my son, working out, spending time with friends, and volunteering were very important to me. After I had my son, they were still important but how was I going to juggle staying in shape, connecting with friends, and helping others while taking care of a newborn? Impossible.

 

Helena Scott, a friend I had made at Babybites, (an amazing mom/baby support group for new moms), and I realized we were in the same predicament - how were we going to make this 'do it all' desire work? We wanted to lose our baby weight, we wanted to meet more 'like-minded mom' friends, and fight cancer (a cause that was deeply close to both of us). In the Spring of 2012, we started "Moms in Training" in Madison Square Park to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Thirty moms joined us on Saturday mornings to work out and train for a Central Park 10k race. We held social events around training with our families and with the support of our networks we raised $50,000 for blood cancer research.Multi-tasking might be one way to call it but we realized it was much deeper. We were uniting moms to fight cancer, we were building long lasting friendships and we were giving moms the confidence to believe they really could get 'back in shape'. We were on to something.

 

Two years later, Moms in Training is in 9 locations around New York City and over 35 cities around the country. In NYC alone, over 350 moms have raised over $500,000 to find a cure for cancer to date. We have just kicked off our Spring season with over 200 moms (registration still open!). My son, Charlie, is named after his grandfather who passed away from a blood cancer over 20 years ago. I am confident that thanks to our efforts we'll find a cure before my son is able to understand what cancer is.We invite you to join us ... It's fun, social, inspiring - and will make you break a sweat!"

 

- Kristen

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Lauren Moore, Moms In Training Participant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I first heard about Moms in Training while I was visiting Kidville on the Upper East Side. I was inquiring about classes and was given a few handouts. On my way out the door I came across a large flyer for Moms in Training. I ran home to my husband and said "I have to do this!". I must admit that my initial reasons for joining were selfish. I had been looking for a way to meet new moms and a way to get back into shape for months. My daughter Ella was only 6 months old, but after my first winter with a baby and being a first time stay-at-home mom, I was desperate to get out and do something. I also felt empowered and fulfilled knowing that I would be fundraising for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I lost both of my grandparents to cancer. As I mentioned, last year I ran in honor of my grandmother who lost her battle (the second time around) to ovarian cancer when I was in college. While I don't personally know anyone with a blood cancer, I do know many individuals suffering from other cancers. Almost everyone I know has been affected by cancer in some capacity. I hope I live to see the cure!

 

I signed up immediately and threw myself into the Saturday workouts. I couldn't believe the number of women who were just like me: moms who wanted to be social, work out and raise money and awareness for an incredible cause. I enjoyed the program immensely. I made many new friends and met so many courageous and dedicated people. I lost the pregnancy weight and then some. In fact, I'm in the best shape of my life! My daughter and I still enjoy running together and I hope that will continue until I physically can't run anymore. I owe it all to Moms in Training. They helped me get through a difficult time in my life. There was no question that I wanted to join them again this year. And I wanted to contribute more, so I happily signed up as a volunteer."

 

- Lauren