More than 3000 people gathered at Amalie Arena for the 7th Annual Turkey Gobble presented by Florida Blue.
Racers returned in person this year for the Tampa Y’s annual holiday tradition, the 7th Annual Turkey Gobble sponsored by Florida Blue. Following last year’s virtual race, this year’s event attracted more than 3,000 participants. Proceeds raised from the race support the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program.
Wendy Andrews and her family joined to participate in this year’s event, as a two-time cancer survivor and LIVESTRONG® graduate, the race is close to her heart. Wendy participated in the program following her first diagnosis in 2015 and reconnected with her LIVESTRONG® “family” after the cancer reoccurred in 2018. “This program has been my saving grace, and the connections and lifelong friendships I’ve made, along with my personal growth because of the program are some of my greatest accomplishments,” said Wendy. “Cancer is a journey, and it is much sweeter surrounded by like-minded travelers along the way.”
The 12-week LIVESTRONG® program is offered at no cost to people affected by cancer and provides a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities where they can connect during and after treatment. For Wendy, these relationships are ones that will last a lifetime. “I climbed physical and emotional mountains that cancer forced me to endure. I found myself again and overcame the greatest obstacle I faced in my life. I was part of the club nobody wants to belong to but, I found my place! I regained my physical strength and confidence through my instructor’s support and the LIVESTRONG® family.”
Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, staff and participants for bettering themselves, their families and their community this Thanksgiving! Be sure to visit our Facebook page for more photos from the race!