Make Good Moves for metastatic breast cancer

In 2014, metastatic breast cancer advocate Lesley Glenn and I started an event called Climb for a Cure. When I heard about Lesley’s story and how so little was being done for the metastatic breast cancer community, I knew in my heart I needed to do more. Lesley, an avid hiker, told me stories of her own hiking experiences and it made perfect sense to create an event around her love for hiking and adventure. Our first event, in Alta Dena, California, brought out 52 participants and raised $4,200 for METAvivor and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. By year three we needed a location with more parking and different trail options so we moved the event to Diamond Bar, and in 2018 I officially created Make Good Moves, a 501c3 nonprofit.

My goal with Make Good Moves was to transition our fundraising efforts to multiple events a year, not just in October. I have been in the fitness industry since 2011 with my own personal brand, Make Moves, and I wanted to use my experience and connections to welcome all fitness communities to our cause. My vision for the growth of this organization is to keep your body moving while raising support, awareness, and funds for the metastatic breast cancer community.

The pandemic made us pivot and really see how we could have people Make Good Moves while being safe in quarantine. In 2020, we wanted everyone to incorporate making good moves in their daily lives along with spreading our mission. Participants joined with an array of activities: hiking, nightly walks, outdoor bootcamps, and dance classes. Your favorite movement now just with a bigger purpose.

In the past 6 years we have been able to donate over $89,000 for LBBC, METAvivor, and City of Hope! This year we will be hosting three in-person events at private training facilities in California. I hope you can join us in our fundraising efforts this year and help us MAKE GOOD MOVES for metastatic breast cancer.

Marissa Garavito is the CEO of Make Good Moves, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds to increase awareness of metastatic breast cancer, support people affected by the disease, and research to find a cure through group and individual exercise events.