Princesses Against Cancer hosted “Yoga with the Princesses” on July 10th, 2022. Almost 50 people attended the fundraiser, which was held at the gazebo at Coe Lake in Berea. At this event the children had the opportunity to meet Disney princesses, including Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine, Elsa, and Anna.
What is Princesses Against Cancer?
Princesses Against Cancer is a nonprofit organization established by 16-year-old Elizabeth Pino in Florida. She witnessed a family of a child with cancer fulfill the little girl’s dream of meeting her favorite princess. Pino was horrified because the family had to spend everything they had to make it happen. After this, Pino decided to start an organization that could make these dreams come true at no cost.
Today, Princesses Against Cancer provides services like free visits to hospitals, birthday parties, and sends care packages to children battling cancer. Their goals are to help give these brave children hope, comfort, courage, and a magical memory.
In 2019, Shannon Schreibeis (Cinderella) began a chapter of Princesses Against Cancer in our area. Their home base is in Medina, but they travel to local cities to visit sick children and to host fundraisers.
From left to right: Yoga Instructor (Rachael Schreibeis), Cinderella (Shannon Schreibeis), Belle (Emma Johnston), Ariel (Danielle McNulty), Director (Gabriella Rivera), Snow White (Brooke Schill), Jasmine (Alexis Natola), Anna (Hollie Glasberg), Elsa (Katie Mucic)
Yoga With the Princesses
On July 10th, Princesses Against Cancer hosted their first yoga fundraiser at Coe Lake…and it was a huge success. Nearly 50 people bought tickets and attended the event. Furthermore, Director Gabriella Rivera said that the city of Berea generously waved the reservation fee of the gazebo.
Rivera was the first to greet the children and their parents at the sign-in table draped in pink. She offered each child a sparkly sticker, and passed out water bottles and yoga mats to those who needed them.
Upon entering the gazebo, they were greeted by Snow White, Ariel, and Jasmine. At first, many of the children were quite shy, perhaps a bit overwhelmed by coming face-to-face with their idols. The princesses simply spoke a few kind words and showed their friendly smiles, and suddenly the children’s’ shyness seemed to melt away. Many of the children sprang forward and practically leaped into the princess’s arms for an embrace. The parent’s smiles matched their child’s as they captured the moment on their camera phones.
Then the children met Cinderella and Belle, who were posed in front of a shimmery golden backdrop and wearing their flowing ballroom dresses. Elsa and Anna stood at the other end of the gazebo in front of a blue and white wintery backdrop. The kids received great hugs from these princesses too, and of course, more photographs were taken. There was certainly magic in the air, and a great many smiles to prove it.
After everyone settled upon their mats, the yoga instructor guided the children (and some of the parents) through a yoga session, which was accompanied by music from various Disney films. Snow White, Ariel, and Jasmine, who wore yoga pants, circulated the room to assist and mingle with the children as they tried poses like the lotus position and the downward dog.
When the yoga session was finished, the princesses gathered all the excited children together for a group photo. Every child also got a chance to have their individual pictures taken with each of the princesses. Everyone left with a smile.
Upcoming Events by the Princesses Against Cancer
Rivera said there isn’t another event scheduled in Berea as of yet, but it was such a success that she and the other princesses plan to return. In the meantime, your own little princesses and princes can meet them and help support their cause at other local area events, as listed below.
Coffee with the Princesses; Christmas in July Toy Drive:
July 26th, 4-6pm. Starbucks on Center Rd. in Brunswick.
Free Admission. If you are able, please bring a toy for a child battling cancer, especially items such as play-do, Legos, and coloring books.
If you cannot make the event, but still wish to contribute to the toy drive, you can do so online through the Amazon Wishlist link on their Instagram and Facebook. The toy drive ends July 31st, and the princesses will deliver the toys to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in August.
Tea party with the Princesses:
Aug. 7, 1-4pm. Clementines in Olmsted Falls.
Tickets are $35. Meet and greets and photo ops available at the event. To reserve a ticket, text or call 216-533-3646.
Colors for Colette:
Aug. 13, 2-4pm. Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.
This fundraiser is named in memory of a child diagnosed with a rare cancer who is now among the angel princesses. The sidewalks surrounding the hospital will be filled with colorful chalk art.
Private events for children with cancer are available upon inquiry online. (However, hospital visits are still restricted due to the Covid outbreak, but virtual visits are offered until the restriction is lifted.) More information about hospital/virtual visits, birthday party visits, princess gift items, and more can be found online at their website and social media pages.
Website and Social Media Pages
To inquire about a fundraiser or personal event, ask a question, learn more about the organization, or to follow the Princesses Against Cancer’s amazing quest, log in to any of the following:
Victoria Schaft earned a BA in English from Cleveland State University in 2021. She graduated summa cum laude and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is an emerging writer in both fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys designing jewelry and has an immense appreciation for the arts and history. Victoria also enjoys outdoor activities (except in the winter). She resides with her husband, a proud fourth-generation Berean, and their Siberian Husky who enjoys outdoor activities (especially in the winter).
