Fitness and breast cancer awareness unite in local campaign

Rebounding studio LJ.Fitspiration and Unboxed, which deals in refurbished devices, have teamed with the I Love Boobies NPC, combining fitness with purpose to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings.

According to Janine Swanepoel from Unboxed, the NPC runs an annual campaign collecting gently used bras for women in underserved communities.

These donations directly support the I Love Boobies’ breast cancer screening programme, building up towards October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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“By donating a bra, you’re providing essential support to women who may not have access to screening programmes. Early detection is key in the fight against cancer,” Swanepoel said.

Currently, statistics reveal that 1 in 27 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with late-stage diagnosis affecting 57% of women due to limited screening.

Swanepoel explained that regular mammograms and screening give women the best chance at successful treatment.

The campaign also highlights the benefits of fitness for breast cancer prevention and recovery.

Laura Maré, the owner of LJ.Fitspiration, emphasised the value of rebounding, a low-impact exercise that supports lymphatic health, a critical factor during and after breast cancer treatment.

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“Rebounding stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping to manage lymphoedema and supporting recovery. Beyond the physical, it boosts mental and emotional well-being, helping women regain confidence and joy,” Maré explained.

Swanepoel shared her motivation behind the initiative: Her sister, Leandri, was diagnosed with stage IV triple-negative breast cancer (cancer spreads from the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body) at just 34.

“Through her journey, I learnt the importance of early detection and awareness. Thanks to timely diagnosis and treatment, she is now in stable stage IV, with no active cancer cells detected,” Swanepoel said.

The campaign encourages residents to donate adult-sized bras in good condition, which will be sorted, gift-tagged and given to women benefiting from the I Love Boobies programme.

The donation bins are at the Avion Park Golf Club, 123 Highveld Road, Zuurfontein, and in LJ.Fitspiration’s studio. It is open on weekdays and Saturdays by appointment.

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Donations will be collected until October 31, with I Love Boobies tallying all entries in November.

Donors will automatically be entered into a competition, and sponsors are welcome to contribute prizes.

For more information, call Maré on 076 302 2087, Swanepoel on 072 123 5674, or follow LJ.Fitspiration and Unboxed on Instagram and Facebook for updates on collection drives.