Written by Arianna Hurt and Aerial Whiting
Awareness of Searcy resident Lori Newby’s battle against cancer has spread across Harding’s campus, and in a show of support, personal trainer and longtime friend Sarah McGaha organized a fitness bootcamp Monday, Oct. 25, at First Security Stadium as a “March for Promise.”
Lori Newby is a devoted mother, wife and McRae Elementary teacher. She was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and then went into remission, but has been combating a recurrence of the disease for the past two years.McGaha said she was eager to find a way to support Newby.”I had an idea of doing a one-day event, where people wouldn’t have to commit to more than one hour,” McGaha said. “My original goal was to have 30 participants. … We now have well over 220. … I have been blessed being a part of this event. Being able to witness firsthand the love and support people have for Lori is overwhelming. This event is not about a fitness boot camp; it’s about family, friendship, community. It’s about people demonstrating their love.”The participants could choose between a 5:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. workout. The cost was $20, which included a pink T-shirt.Several Harding students attended the event.”This shows how much the Newby family means to our community and how much they have impacted us by their faith,” senior Loghan Lowery said.McGaha said she was amazed by Newby’s perseverance under the circumstances.”Lori accepted her diagnosis and faced cancer head-on,” McGaha said. “Lori has demonstrated tremendous strength and courage. I have never heard her complain or feel sorry for herself.”Others in the community besides McGaha desire to help Newby.Harding Academy hosted a chili dinner Tuesday, Oct. 26, to help raise money for the Newby family. McRae Elementary sponsored that event along with Harding Academy.At Harding, students were able to buy pink socks in the student center as a show of support. For more information about this effort and others to help the Newby family, stop by the Mitchell Center in the McInteer Building.
