TV EVENT

Rena and John part of 'Frosted Pink'

Rena and John were among the skaters and entertainers who were part of "Frosted Pink", a TV event to raise awareness of women's cancers and inspire action. They skated to a live performance by singer Craig Morgan.

Rena, a three-time Olympian, is a lung cancer survivor.

The show aired on Oct. 14 on ABC, has a simple message: Do something.

Many of the performers and presenters have battled cancer in some way.

Oliviia Newton-John, a breast cancer survivor, sang a song off her soon-to-be-released album Christmas Wish. "You need to concentrate on wellness, not just illness," she says. "I want to encourage women and tell them: Look, here I am. It's 15 years later, and I'm fine."

Sharonn Osbourne, a colon cancer survivor, says that being a part of Frosted Pink was a "no-brainer. Every man, woman and child is capable of getting cancer. Everyone. This isn't a select group. We're only one step away from it ourselves."

Musical guests included country stars Rascal Flatts and Craig Morgan, who performed songs they wrote about cancer. Joss Stone, Babyface, Anastacia (a breast cancer survivor) and Heart also performed.

Other skaters participating included Katerina Witt, Sasha Cohen, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Kristi Yamaguchi, Oksana Baiul, Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, and Kurt Browning. Dick Button and Peggy Fleming were on hand to commentate. Alan Brum was the producer.

The show will benefit the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Volunteers can work with the organizations or check out www.frostedpink.org for ideas on how to help in their own community.

Already in the works is Pink With a Twist, a follow-up show featuring Olympic gymnasts. Both shows are the brainchild of Edge Entertainment's CEO Mike Burg. Burg, a Hodgkin's disease survivor, says the show is about doing "more than wearing a pink ribbon or a yellow bracelet." It's about launching a long-lasting and far-reaching system of support, he says.

 

 

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