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Oct. 5, 2008
IOWA CITY, IA – Iowa women’s gymnastics assistant coach Talya Vexler was just 23 years old when she was first told that she had breast cancer. At the time, Talya had just finished off her collegiate gymnastics career at the University of Georgia and was ready to take on new challenges in life.
Vexler admits that she was stunned when she heard the news but at the same time, never once thought that she wouldn’t beat it.
“I guess that’s the beauty of being young and having your life ahead of you,” Vexler said. “It never once occurred to me that I would not be a survivor.”
In honor of Talya’s fight against Breast Cancer the collegiate gymnastics community rallied behind her to begin what is now known as the “Pink Meet.” Many teams around the country now host an annual pink meet to help raise awareness for Breast cancer.
Along with the gymnastics community many others have bought into “pink fever.” ABC will soon host their own special called Frosted Pink with a Twist, helping to raise awareness of cancers primarily affecting women.
Frosted Pink with a Twist is a dynamic television special that joins members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team with Grammy-Award winning music talent to help raise awareness. Through the combination of music and sport, Frosted Pink with a Twist provides a unique format to offer cancer education, encourage dialogue, celebrate survivorship and empower women to become advocates for their health.
It has been just over five years since her first diagnosis and she is pleased to say that she remains cancer free. Vexler will be featured during the show to share her story of beating breast cancer.
“It was such an honor to be part of Frosted Pink with a Twist, and watching my little brother as part of the Olympic tour made it even more special,” Vexler said.
Frosted Pink with a Twist will air nationally on ABC from 4:00PM – 6:00PM (EST) on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008.