Photo by Nathalia Allen – amillionminds.ca

In 2001 I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called FSGS and I have been battling with this incurable ailment ever since. Renal issues are actually hereditary in my family, so when I was asked to lend my support to help raise awareness for kidney cancer with the “Kick It Up For Kidney Cancer” event alongside some of Toronto’s most notable faces in fitness, the decision was a no brainer. This super fun and active event is far different from any fundraiser you have ever been to. In the form of a bootcamp workout, participants will work up a sweat to help raise funds and awareness for those diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Taking place on Sunday June 7th, 2015 at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium, the 3rd annual event will be led by some of the city’s top trainers; Michael DeCorte of Jock Yoga, Brent Bishop of Think Fitness and Dara Bergeron of Belly Bootcamp – with the amazing and uber talented Jully Black reprising her role once again as MC. A four hour bootcamp may sound a bit daunting but trust me, it will be super fun! The format is team based, where participants tag in and out with their teammates and follow the trainers lead through the workout demos. I love the fact that the workout utilizes the different backgrounds of each fitness expert, meaning participants will get three totally different modalities – Dana who will focus on a lot of hip training through her belly bootcamp style workout, Brent’s performance based training method and Michael’s yoga focused exercises.

Michael DeCorte – Creator of Jock Yoga

I am stoked to team up with Michael DeCorte to offer one lucky reader a customized #KickItUp prize pack. DeCorte is the Creator of Jock Yoga; a contemporary and athletic approach to yoga practice that has gained a cult following here in Toronto. He’s been practicing and teaching yoga for over 13 years and has worked/trained with the most internationally respected teachers and yogis. Similar to myself, Michael has used fitness to overcome personal and health related challenges, which helped us quickly form a solid bond and friendship. You may recognize his handsome face as an On-Air fitness expert on Global TV, CBC and Breakfast Television. In preparation for this summer’s big event, I got to learn about Michael’s connection to the cause and what it means to him, “I‘ve decided to partner with Kidney Cancer Canada because I am passionate about the benefits of exercise and the reality that exercise is one of the only ways we can prevent illness and diseases – particularly kidney cancer. Yoga and exercise helped save my own life from substance abuse and obesity. Also, 3 years ago my beloved grandmother died of kidney failure due to cancer in her bile duct. So when I was asked to contribute to this charity and teach at Kick It Up, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Our customized giveaway contains a Hershel backpack, Gaiam yoga mat, #KickItUp branded towel, a complimentary admission to the event, plus a voucher for a private training session with Michael DeCorte. Entering is simple. You must follow both myself and @JockYogaGuy on Twitter and tweet, “I want to help support Kidney Cancer Canada at #KickItUp with @SashaExeter and @JockYogaGuy!” starting today for a chance to win. Contest will close on Tuesday April 28th at midnight EST and the winner will be announced via Twitter on April 29th, 2015. *Contest open to Canadian residents only!

There is an astounding 24,000 Canadians living today with this disease. Sadly, there are no screening tests, no early detection and no cure, which is why prevention and fundraising through events like this are super important. We are determined to beat last year’s fundraising success and make this year the biggest yet and our goal is to raise $100,000 or more. Click here for more information on Kick It Up For Kidney Cancer, additional details on the event and learn how to register. Planning on participating? Take advantage of the early bird reduced registration fee until April 30th! Additional information on the foundation can be found at KidneyCancerCanada.ca