get your rear in gear

YogaSoul One Year Anniversary Celebration

by Cassandra Hoo on February 21, 2014

Posted in: News/Events

YogaSoul One Year Anniversary Celebration

Self-care is one of the easiest and most important acts of cancer and disease prevention. Yoga, exercise, and meditation are a huge part of my everyday life. The gym and yoga studio are my place of refuge. I feel the happiest, most alive, and free when I’m sweating it out to good music (especially when I’m with my good friends).

I am honored to have the opportunity to showcase and sell my jewelry at YogaSoul’s One Year Anniversary celebration. In one year, YogaSoul has changed the lives and improved the health and wellbeing of so many individuals. I hope that they continue to touch people’s lives and expand their yoga community for many more years!

Bonded Forever will be donating a portion of its proceeds to Get Your Rear in Gear during February and March. Please shop to support!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

by Cassandra Hoo on February 13, 2014

Posted in: News/Events

Celebrate the Cancer Warriors in your Life This Valentine's Day!

Bonded Forever’s unique design scheme is all about creating a special bond and supportive network.  Although originally designed for cancer warriors and their supporters, the gift sets can serve as a thoughtful present for friends, family members, and loved ones for any special occasion.  Whenever I wear my Bonded Forever jewelry, I always think about the other people who have a matching or complimentary piece and feel a great sense of comfort.  Whether they are near or far, I can feel their presence and think positive thoughts about them.

Tell someone that you love them by buying a Bonded Forever gift set today.  During the month of February and March, Bonded Forever will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Get Your Rear in Gear.  Shop to support!

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Get Your Rear in Gear 2014

by Cassandra Hoo on January 29, 2014

Posted in: Cancer Awareness,News/Events

Get Your Rear in Gear 2014

I am so excited to be running 4 miles in honor of my mother at this year’s Get Your Rear in Gear – Philadelphia. She bravely and triumphantly fought Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer several years ago and has luckily been cancer free for 2.5 years (which is a medical miracle). I participated in GYRIG Philly’s 2013 event for the first time last year and proudly trained and survived the 10k run. I have never run that far or trained so hard in my life. Running through the beautiful city streets of Philadelphia during training was so exhilarating. However, my mind loved the experience much more than my feet and knees did!

Although the run is much shorter this year, I am going to still train hard and try to get my minute/mile time down from last year. Unfortunately, training outside in the winter is going to be a challenge this year (the Polar Vortex is intense!). However, any pain and suffering that I might endure will not hold a candle to what my mother went through. She never let cancer defeat her will and spirit. I will try to not let this unbearable cold hinder my performance and drive.

My mother was treated at the Pennsylvania Hospital and the Joan Karnell Cancer Center in Philadelphia. The surgeons, doctors, and nurses that cared after my mother were all amazing and I truly thank them for helping my mother beat cancer. I am thrilled that the money raised for the Philadelphia Get Your Rear In Gear event will be benefiting the local community where my mother received her treatment, because I hope that everyone will be able to have the same type of stellar medical care. Her miraculous story was featured in the article that I wrote for Get Your Rear in Gear’s Faces of Blue series. Please click here to read it.

Last year, I was amazed by the outpouring of support that I received at the exercise related events that I organized at Gratitude Yoga, Dig Yoga, and T Cycle X!  In just several months, Team Bonded Forever managed to raise $1,435.00! I hope I can match or beat the amount this year! I have some exciting fundraising events coming up in February.  Stay tuned!

During the month of February and March, Bonded Forever will be donating a portion of its proceeds to Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia.  Please shop to support!

If you would like to make a donation directly, please go to Bonded Forever’s GYRIG Team Page.

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Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia 2013 Event Recap

by Cassandra Hoo on March 19, 2013

Posted in: Cancer Awareness

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: I got assigned lucky number 2013

Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia 2013 was such a blast! I enjoyed all of the grueling training weeks that led up to the event, because I learned a very valuable lesson: anything is possible (getting more toned was another added benefit). I also appreciated the outpouring of love and generosity that I received from friends, family, and complete strangers. Bonded Forever ended up raising $1,435.00, which surpassed my team’s $1,000 goal! Go team!

Despite the fact that I mostly trained outdoors in the cold, I found the 10k during the day of the event to be very challenging. I had a lot of factors going against me: it was freezing out, I was semi-sore from pushing myself too hard during the week leading up to the event, I didn’t have time to stretch before the run, it was way too early in the morning, and my phone died 1/4 into the run (which left me without musical accompaniment and my NikePlus speedometer). The only thing that kept me going, were the people around me. My motivational music became the sound of hurried breathing and the rhythmic pulse of sneakers hitting pavement. I also looked at all of the runners in front of me and made it my mission to not stop running or slow down. I figured that we were all in this together and fighting for our loved ones and the cause. I didn’t want to let anyone down and tried my best to not let any nuisances or discomfort get in my way.

I ended up making it to the finish line in 59 minutes and 6 seconds, which was unfortunately my slowest 10k time to date. However, despite my slow time, I was beyond elated, proud, and relieved that I crossed the finish line with so many other dedicated people. It felt good to be a part of something bigger than myself.

After the race was over, I had a lot of fun with my two other team members, Jess and Kathy Musti. The close knit daughter and mother duo and I had a blast taking photographs inside the blow-up colon tunnel (I really want to meet the people who dreamed up this idea and designed it), exploring the different vendors, and drinking beer at 10 am in the morning (I took just a sip for the record). I’m really thankful that they joined my team to honor a loved one, helped raise money for the cause, and invited me over for a carb-o-licious pre-run dinner.

I am a bit sad that all of the momentum and training leading up to the event is finally over.  I seriously can’t wait to do it all again next year!  And who knows… this 10k just might inspire me to start training for a half marathon.

Below is a recap of the photographs that I posted on Instagram.  Enjoy 🙂

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: I was overwhelmed by the turnout at the event!

I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that showed up at the event!

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: There was a sea of runners both in front and behind me.

There was a sea of runners both in front and behind me during the 10k run.  They kept me motivated.

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: The finish line

I am so proud of all of the people that came to the event and crossed the finish line!

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: I absolutely love this photograph of Team Bonded Forever inside of the blow-up colon tunnel! So funny!!

I absolutely love this photograph of Team Bonded Forever inside of the blow-up colon tunnel.  

Get Your Rear in Gear 2013: I kicked Colon Cancer's butt!

 I truly kicked Colon Cancer’s butt at 2013’s Get Your Rear in Gear event.  Ka-pow!!

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Get Your Rear in Gear Fundraiser at Dig Yoga

by Cassandra Hoo on March 18, 2013

Posted in: News/Events

We got our "Rear's in Gear" at Dig Yoga

Instagram: Dig Yoga yogis got their “Rears in Gear” for Team Bonded Forever’s GRYIG Fundraiser

Team Bonded Forever’s final Get Your Rear in Gear fundraiser took place at Dig Yoga Philadelphia on March 15th. The studio’s yoga superstar co-owners, Mariel Freeman and Sue Elkind, led a challenging and alignment based mixed levels yoga class that fed the body, mind, and soul. Sue and Mariel both have a great sense of humor, an insane understanding and knowledge of anatomy and alignment, the ability to give directions and break down each posture with precise articulation and imagery, and boundless amounts of positivity and grace. I always leave their classes with a better understanding of my posture and movement and a big smile on my face. Their positivity is so infectious!

I am so thankful for all of the people that showed up to support my cause, practice yoga with me, and donate money.  Mariel and Sue were especially amazing that night and I loved their enthusiastic willingness to dedicate their time and studio space for this event. We ended up raising $425 dollars that night, which helped me exceed my team’s donation goal of $1000 by several hundred dollars!!! Money aside, I am also equally appreciative for the outpouring of love that I received that night. Everyone wished me good luck on my run and voiced that they hope my mother continues to stay healthy and cancer free.  I definitely channeled their good wishes and happy vibes during the tougher parts of my 10k run on March 17th.

I also want to give a big thank you to Sweet Freedom Bakery.  They donated a sizable amount of vegan/gluten-free/a lot of other stuff-free brownies and magic bars (which are super delicious despite the lack of traditional baking ingredients).  The sweets were a big hit; everyone left the studio extra happy.

I will be posting a blog about my GYRIG 10k event soon.  There are some great photographs of my team and I inside a large blow-up colon tunnel (it’s pretty hilarious).  Stay tuned.

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Get Your Rear in Gear Training – Week Six

by Cassandra Hoo on March 16, 2013

Posted in: Cancer Awareness

Bonded Forever Week 6 Training for Get Your Rear in Gear 2013

 #getyourrearingear

I’m writing this post the night before my big 10k run for Get Your Rear in Gear.  I probably should already be in bed, but I’m unfortunately a habitual night owl (my last name, Hoo, ironically suits me so well).  Although I know that I can finish the run without a hitch, I’m a bit nervous about the early call time.  I’m not a morning person.  My intelligence and normal cognitive functioning doesn’t really reach full capacity until about 10 am.  Therefore, I’ll probably start the run in a clumsy and grumpy state and finish like a ferocious lion.

I felt a bit nostalgic while I put together this last Instagram recap in InDesign.  I really enjoyed taking Instagram shots for each of my workouts.  It helped keep me motivated and marked my steady progress.  Looking back, I honestly can’t believe how much my running distance and time improved in such a short amount of time.  Before I started training, 2 miles was my happy medium.  I can’t believe that I am now able to run up to 7.5 miles — and possibly more.  A half marathon might definitely be in my horizon….

I’ll be taking photographs tomorrow during the event.  You will be able to see them on twitter, instagram, and facebook.  Wish me luck!

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Get Your Rear in Gear Fundraiser at T Cycle X

by Cassandra Hoo on March 14, 2013

Posted in: News/Events

Dancer's Pose at Bonded Forever/T Cycle X's Get Your Rear in Gear Fundraiser

Bonded Forever/T Cycle X’s Get Your Rear in Gear fundraiser was a lot of fun!  NaTasha Threadcraft, the owner and founder of T Cycle X, and I are kindred spirits.  She unfortnately lost her grandmother to Colon Cancer and really felt compelled to help me raise money for a cause that has touched her personally.  I’m glad and thankful that we were able to organize this event to honor her grandmother and my mother.

NaTasha was able to hold the event at her company’s gorgeous workout room in Lofts 640.  Paul Thorson (from DJ DEEJAY) spun some great tunes, Tabitha Jones got the party started with a lively Zumba class, and Carolyn Kendrick cooled us all down during her restorative and relaxing Hatha yoga class.  Ryan Crown’s Juice Club kept all of the participants refreshed and detoxed with his complimentary (and very delicious) fresh squeezed juices.  I really enjoyed meeting all of the people that attended the event and I appreciated their enthusiasm for my cause.

Bonded Forever's Jewelry Display for GYRIG Fundraiser at T Cycle X

 Bonded Forever’s Jewelry Display for GYRIG Fundraiser at T Cycle X

If you live in the Philadelphia area and want to get/stay in shape, please consider T Cycle X.  NaTasha’s company offers bootcamp, Zumba, yoga, and personal training sessions at the Lofts 640 studio.  NaTasha also teaches a mean T Cycle X spin class all over the city.  I love taking her class on Saturday mornings at Sweat Fitness – Center City.  She especially gets the calorie burning exercise jam sessions revved up whenever she  teams up with DJ DEEJAY!

My final Get Your Rear in Gear fundraiser is happening at Dig Yoga Philadelphia on March 15th at 6:30 pm. Co-owners and yoga superstars, Mariel Freeman and Sue Elkind, will be teaching a mixed levels yoga class. Sweet Freedom will be serving up some guilt free vegan/gluten free (and a whole lot of other stuff free) snacks.  Please read, Get Your Rear in Gear 2013 Fundraiser Schedule for Team Bonded Forever, to learn more about the event. If you cannot attend the event and would still like to donate or sign up for the run/walk, please go to Bonded Forever’s team page.

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Get Your Rear in Gear Training – Week Five

by Cassandra Hoo on March 11, 2013

Posted in: Cancer Awareness

Bonded Forever Week 5 Training for Get Your Rear in Gear 2013

 #getyourrearingear

My fifth week of training was very exhilarating.  I had such a surge of energy at the beginning of the week that I was able to set a new record for myself.  On March 4th, I took a spinning class with the full intention of running as far as I could afterwards.  During the whole class, I had my eye on the prize and couldn’t wait to jump off the bike seat so that I could go for a run in the great outdoors.  I ran all the way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back as fast as I could.  My phone unfortunately died 1/3 of the way in, so I’m not exactly positive on the exact distance or time.  However, I estimate that I probably ran about four miles in 35 minutes.

Since I was so upset about not being able to accurately record how far I ran on Nike Plus, I decided to wake up early the next day and run until I thought my legs would fall off.  I ended up running 7 miles in just a little over an hour.  I managed to see both the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River during my journey — which is quite a feat, because I literally ran from one side of Philadelphia to the other!  The urban scenery that I passed by over the course of my run was absolutely breathtaking (literally).

I spend the rest of the week recuperating.  I took a lovely yoga class at Gratitude Yoga with my sister in New Jersey on Wednesday that challenged my strength, balance, and coordination.  My triceps burned from the overabundance of chaturangas and arm balances.  The teacher also flowed through each sequence in a very unique way.  I really had to utilize my core in order to steady myself in each of the balancing postures.

I ended my week off with my Get Your Rear in Gear Fundraiser at Lofts 640.  NaTasha Threadcraft, the owner of T Cycle X, helped me organize the event.  I really enjoyed the Zumba class and the relaxing Hatha yoga class that followed it.  Exercising for a great cause with a bunch of people that exuded positive energy was absolutely amazing!

If you would like to sign up to be on my Get Your Rear in Gear team or donate, please visit my team page.

Please follow me at @bondedforever on instagram and twitter to stay updated on my progress.

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Get Your Rear in Gear Training – Week Four

by Cassandra Hoo on March 5, 2013

Posted in: Cancer Awareness

Bonded Forever Week 4 Training for Get Your Rear in Gear 2013

#getyourrearingear

I’m really proud of my fourth week of training for the Get Your Rear in Gear 10k! I was able to run a 10k in under an hour (I ran 6.61 miles in a hour, to be exact), which is a feat that completely blew my mind. I joked to a friend that the full moon must’ve given me Forrest Gump-like distance running abilities, because once I hit the 3 mile mark, “I just kept running.” I literally felt light as air and if I could continue running forever. However, after I realized how far I had managed to run away from my home, I made the wise decision to start heading back… instead of ending up in another state or city.

For the rest of the week, I kept my training simple and smart. I took a challenging Vinyasa class taught by Yoganonymous founder, Dan Wilf, at Dhyana Yoga the day after my long run to recuperate. The rest of the week consisted of short runs mixed in with cardio classes and Pilates. I finished the week off right with a sweaty Get Your Rear in Gear fundraiser class at Gratitude Yoga.

If you would like to sign up to be on my Get Your Rear in Gear team or donate, please visit my team page.

Please follow me at @bondedforever on instagram and twitter to stay updated on my progress.

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Get Your Rear in Gear Fundraiser at Gratitude Yoga

by Cassandra Hoo on March 4, 2013

Posted in: News/Events

Team Bonded Forever’s first fundraiser event for Get Your Rear in Gear Philadelphia was very successful. I was able to raise $150 and spread awareness about Colon Cancer to a very tightly packed room of yogis. The event was held at a popular and charming donation based yoga studio in Princeton, NJ called Gratitude Yoga. Gemma Farrell, the owner of the studio, taught a wonderful and inspirational class. She truly imbues happiness, mindfulness, thoughtfulness, and tranquility with every fiber of her being. I am thankful that she graciously hosted my fundraising event at her studio and I appreciate her generous donation.

Gratitude Yoga has become my go-to yoga oasis whenever I go home to visit my family. The classes are always top notch and all of the teachers teach a practice that is challenging, playful, and alignment based. I always leave feeling refreshed, happy, and better than I did when I arrived. It is also so nice to see that my hometown now has a growing yoga community filled with talented, passionate, and fun-loving people.

It is always such a treat to be able to practice yoga next to my sister. Yoga is a shared passion for us and we always try to take a yoga class whenever we see each other. I’m glad that we were both able to be at the event together to honor our mother and support Colon Cancer awareness. We had a great time after class as well. The weather was so great and we were able to walk around Princeton, each yummy frozen Greek yogurt and health conscious pizza, and catch up on life.

I have two more fundraisers coming up. Please read, Get Your Rear in Gear 2013 Fundraiser Schedule for Team Bonded Forever, to learn about my other events. If you cannot attend one of these events and would still like to donate or sign up for the run/walk, please go to Bonded Forever’s team page.

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