Long before Breast Cancer Awareness became a popular cause for major fashion and cosmetic concerns, SHARE Cancer Support was born. In 1976, twelve women came together to talk about their experience with breast cancer, two words that were still taboo in our mainstream culture - "breast" and "cancer."

My interest in this area was sparked by a client who'd had breast surgery. She made such dramatic progress in her fitness program that she felt there must be other women who would benefit too. With her encouragement and with the supervision of Dr. David Hidalgo, then Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, I pioneered exercise guidelines for postoperative breast surgery.

My work with survivors continued at SHARE, a self-help group for women with breast and/or ovarian cancer. During the years I gave workshops there, I also assembled a team of instructors to lead the warm-up for the annual SHARE Walk in Central Park. This slideshow captures some of the highlights of various years.

To this day, my long association with SHARE continues in the blog I write for their website, "Get Fit, Stay Strong with Joan Pagano." Be sure to tune in for my fitness tips geared to cancer survivors and for the inspiring interview I did this month with Margo Kornfeld, a SHARE volunteer and fitness enthusiast.

SHARE Raises Breast Cancer Awareness