One in eight women will develop breast cancer, and more than 41,000 women in the United States die each year. These startling truths are getting attention. Zumba instructor, Meghan Olinger, hosted a Party in Pink Zumbathon in the Activity Center Friday night.

The Activity Center was filled with women dressed in pink to Zumba for a cause. Some women were breast cancer victims. Some girls were with their mothers, and even a husband was there to support his wife.

Throughout the two hours, the participants worked off calories through Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance fitness routine. Along with the workout, they also learned facts and statistics about breast cancer.

Tammy Tran, a junior Pre-Pharmacy major isn’t new to the cause. “I did the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure and thought this would be a fun way to stay involved and to help raise money,” Tran said.

The Zumbathon raised $500 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The total amount raised by Zumba worldwide is $372,575 and growing. In gratitude Olinger said, “I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the Activity Center, the staff, Triena Landrum and of course Dusty Mardis for allowing me to hold this event.”

Olinger would also like to thank the students of ULM and the community for showing up and supporting a great cause. If any participant would like to download the song “Historia” by Wyclef Jean that was played during the Zumbathon, iTunes is donating 10% of profits to breast cancer organizations such as Susan G. Komen.