Crunching for a cause: West Hempstead gym raises funds for cancer research

    Some 30 local women gathered at Lady of America of West Hempstead to participate in the third annual Ab Crunch Challenge — a one-hour nonstop crunch session intended to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
    The challenge, which was held on Saturday, March 27, builds physical fitness while raising funds for a good cause, according to Lady of America owner Vita Zorbo, who said that collectively 146,045 crunches were done in one hour.
    The top five crunchers were Karen Wright, with 12,200, Marion Sossi with 11,794, Maureen Sossi with 11,058, Joe Zorbo with 10,614 and Vita and Al Amico with 10,032. The event raised $12,000 with checks still rolling in. The gym is accepting donations until April 10.
    "We are encouraging area women and their families to stay fit in 2010 by participating in the ... Ab Crunch Challenge," Zorbo said. "This is a great fitness activity that the entire community can get involved with while helping the precious children of St. Jude, battling cancer and other deadly diseases."
    Lady of America of West Hempstead is only one of at least 100 Lady of America, Ladies Workout Express and Workout Express fitness centers that participate in the Ab Crunch Challenge every year. Since 2008, the event has raised more than $300,000 for the research conducted at and treatment provided by St. Jude's.