Terese Arenth is showing the world just how strong and beautiful she is. The 49-year-old attorney from Glen Cove recently modeled for the 2014 Moms Who Kick calendar, and is also participating in the Long Island Fight For Charity. A five-year breast cancer survivor, Arenth is constantly challenging herself by learning new fitness skills and participating in a variety of organizations.
A nonprofit organization that debuted in 2009 with an annual fundraising calendar featuring martial arts women impacted by the disease who promoted healthy lifestyles, Moms Who Kick raises breast cancer awareness and research funds while promoting women’s health and fitness for thwarting breast cancer and aiding recovery. The organization was launched by personal fitness and martial arts trainer Joanne Hutchins of Bayville after having her aunt diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and her mother diagnosed in 2008.
In conjunction with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness, Hutchins and her organization just released the sixth edition of the annual “Moms Who Kick To Find A Cure” fundraising calendar for 2014. Featuring a ‘Retro-Glam/Vintage Pin-Up Style theme,the calendar not only showcases “Average Joan” moms from across Long Island impacted by the disease, including nine cancer survivors, but is showcasing for the first time non-moms as part of the launch of Moms Who Kicks’ new endeavor, Women Who Kick for non-moms affected by the disease.
“Everybody is affected by cancer in one or another,” says Hutchins. “They are touched by it and they want to help.”
Arenth will debut the “Women Who Kick” calendar page for January 2015. She got involved with the organization at its inception, which was also around the time she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was part of the legal team, and this year was the first time she took part in the photo shoot.
“Joanne told me: this is your year- you’re in it,” Arenth says. “It was a lot of fun – very different than being on the legal side.”
She says none of the models had any say over their costumes or scenes displayed in the calendar, but that she “trusted Joanne implicitly” that it would not be too risque or embarrassing.
“I’m an attorney – I need it to be tasteful,” she says.
Arenth says she has always cared about her health and fitness but since her diagnosis has really stepped up her workout routine. She does kickboxing and mixed martial arts and recently added boxing to her fitness repertoire. Locally, she trains at the Training Station on Glen Cove Ave. and at the Glen Cove Kickboxing Club.
When asked if she would participate in the calendar again, she said, “In a heartbeat.” She added, “It’s amazing to see how it’s grown and this year everything has jelled. I hope to always be involved.”
The organization recently donated $25,000 to breast and ovarian cancer studies being conducted at North Shore-LIJ and Hutchins says its important that they contribute to all aspects of women’s health. “The study is very near and dear to me,” Hutchins says.
Finding the models is mostly word of mouth, though they did have a “model mom contest” for three years. “People want to be involved,”says Hutchins, emphasizing the fact that the women involved are “real moms,” not models, and are given the professional treatment on the day of the photo shoot, from the hair to make up to the clothes.
“The ladies are blown away by the experience,” says Hutchins. “Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and go through chemo lose their sense of beauty. Seeing them gain strength and confidence and flourish is what drives me to do this.”
She says she has ideas for the future calendar, though nothing definite. “It’s still up in the air…I’m still reveling in this one at the moment.”
The calendar is now on sale and can be purchased through www.momswhokick.com.
