‘Hero in Purple’ Camille Ferreira organized an aerobic spinning event on May 26 at Tribe Studio, 1003 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford.

By Jackie Palermo

On Friday at Tribe Studio, more than 40 men and women peddled for a cause in a choreographed spin routine, with all partipants donating to The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in order to take part in the fundraiser.

Camille Ferreira, a breast cancer survivor, organized the fundraiser and described the event as “a fun and fit idea to raise money and awareness”.

Food, drinks, and a raffle waited at the finish of the 50-minute intense workout. Local shops, including Adidas, Aneeta Lee Hair Salon, Newington Bike Shop, and Mindfulness and Matters to name a few, contributed generously to the raffle.

Ferreira explained that the event is an attempt to be “grander” in her advocacy of Relay For Life’s mission. The enthusiasm and energy from family, friends, and supporters could be heard out the doors of the studio.

“People loved it. We were booked!” Ferreira said.

Ferreira was recently named a “Hero in Purple” by the American Cancer Society. As Senior Director for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Alexis Maliga explained, “A ‘Hero in Purple’ is someone who has a passion for the fight against cancer … it is an additional way to get the word out.” Ferreira certainly exemplifies the role of this title.

As an advocate for the American Cancer Society’s mission, Ferreira’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ferreira has organized many fundraisers in the past, most recently, the Conard Hall Baseball “Strike Out for Cancer” event, which raised around $1,100.

Ferreira has done as much as she can to spread awareness, recently giving an interview on radio station 96.5 TIC FM and NBC Connecticut about her involvement with Relay for Life.

This year’s Relay For Life will take place on June 10 at Northwest High School. Ferreira’s daughter, Maya, has started her own fundraising team with her sister and friends called “Mommy’s Little Fighters.”

Ferreira explained that from an early age she has been passionate about fighting cancer. Her brother was diagnosed with cancer as a child and it was luckily caught and treated early. Her passion was only strengthened when she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Ferreira described how she frequently came across literature advocating the importance of exercise in reducing the risk of cancer. Her interest in being active and staying healthy brought her to Tribe a few years ago.

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‘Hero in Purple’ Cami Ferreira organized a ‘spin’ fundraiser for Relay for Life. Photo credit: Jackie Palermo

More than 40 people participated in a spin class Friday organized by ‘Hero in Purple’ Cami Ferreira as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. Photo credit: Jackie Palermo

More than 40 people participated in a spin class Friday organized by ‘Hero in Purple’ Cami Ferreira as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. Photo credit: Jackie Palermo

‘Hero in Purple’ Cami Ferreira organized a ‘spin’ fundraiser for Relay for Life at The Tribe in West Hartford. Photo credit: Jackie Palermo

Raffles and more awaited participants following a ‘spin’ fundraiser for Relay for Life. Photo credit: Jackie Palermo