Think Of It As A 'Free-Fall-A-Thon'

You have to admit, it's a pretty novel way to raise money for cancer research, but for the past six years, Audrey Rose of Nashua, NH, has organized Jump for the Cure, an effort she began when a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Lowell Sun newspaper in Massachusetts reports that the event has raised over $20,000 since its inception, and has grown into a community-wide event with yard sales, live entertainment, raffles ... and lots of free-falling. Rose said last year there were 55 tandem jumps made during the event.

Rose had just gotten her skydiving license when her friend was diagnosed, and said she just wanted to help doing something she loves. She said there are no corporate sponsors, but a lot of volunteer grass-roots sweat equity goes into each year's event.

This year, Jump for the Cure is planned for July 14th. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A team of skydivers will jump in a "pink ribbon" formation, and some will be demonstrating wing suiting as well.

FMI: www.jump4thecure.org