AKTIV Against Cancer, the organization co-founded by legendary runner Grete Waitz and Helle Aanesen, announced today that Summit Health Cares and Peloton instructor and breast cancer survivor and advocate Leanne Hainsby-Alldis will be this year’s honorees at the annual AKTIV Against Cancer Awards Dinner, which will take place on October 28th, 2026 at the historic New York Athletic Club in New York City.
The 2026 event will also mark a significant milestone in AKTIV Against Cancer’s efforts to make physical activity an integral part of cancer treatment in the United States: the opening of the first U.S. AKTIV Center at Summit Health, powered by Summit Health Cares, at its Berkeley Heights, New Jersey location.
The new AKTIV Center at Summit Health, powered by Summit Health Cares will provide people undergoing cancer treatment with greater access to physical activity and exercise programming as part of their care. The center builds upon AKTIV Against Cancer’s successful model in Norway, where the organization has helped open 24 physical activity centers in cancer hospitals, and represents an important step toward bringing that model to patients across the United States.
“This is an incredibly important year for AKTIV Against Cancer, and we could not think of two more fitting honorees than Summit Health Cares and Leanne Hainsby-Alldis,” said Helle Aanesen, co-founder and Executive Director of AKTIV Against Cancer. “Summit Health Cares has shared our vision that exercise can and should play an important role in cancer care, and together we are now turning that vision into reality with the first AKTIVcenter in the United States. Leanne’s story is an equally powerful example of the role movement, strength and community can play during a cancer journey. Both represent everything AKTIV Against Cancer stands for.”
SUMMIT HEALTH CARES TO BE HONORED AS FIRST U.S. AKTIVCENTER OPENS IN BERKELEY HEIGHTS
Summit Health Cares will be honored for its commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer and its work with AKTIV Against Cancer to advance exercise oncology and expand access to physical activity for cancer patients.
The partnership will culminate in the opening of the first U.S. AKTIVcenter at Summit Health’s Berkeley Heights location. The dedicated center will provide a supportive environment where people affected by cancer can incorporate physical activity into their treatment and recovery.
The Berkeley Heights location is the latest step in AKTIV Against Cancer’s mission to establish exercise as an integral part of cancer treatment and represents a model the organization hopes to expand to additional communities throughout the United States. “Partnering with AKTIV Against Cancer to open the first AKTIVcenter in the U.S. is something we are exceptionally proud to do,” expressed Joe Finocchiaro, Executive Director of Summit Health Cares. “We know that the new AKTIVcenter will provide incredible benefits for Cancer Warriors and we stand beside them every step of the way. What an honor to be included with Leanne Hainsby-Alldis at this year’s Awards Dinner.”
LEANNE HAINSBY-ALLDIS TO RECEIVE THE GABE GRUNEWALD INSPIRATION AWARD
Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby-Alldis will also be honored for her inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor, advocate, and her commitment to demonstrating the power of movement and community throughout her cancer experience.
Hainsby-Alldis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 at age 34 and underwent treatment while continuing to teach classes for the Peloton community. She later publicly shared her diagnosis and treatment, using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others facing cancer.
As one of Peloton’s most recognizable instructors, Hainsby-Alldis has built a global community around movement, resilience and connection. Her personal experience with cancer and her continued commitment to physical activity make her a natural reflection of AKTIV Against Cancer’s mission to ensure that exercise becomes an integral component of cancer care.
“What a gift to be part of this celebration of movement, strength and community – recognizing and advocating for the power of these in the journey of recovery and beyond, is everything”, said Hainsby-Alldis.
Previous AKTIV Against Cancer honorees have included Mary Wittenberg, Meb Keflezighi, The Rudin Family, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Dr. Jordan Metzl, Shannon Miller, the late Gabe Grunewald, Kikkan Randall, Chanté Lowe, adidas, Jeff Rochford and Audrey Barr, New York Road Runners, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, James Blake, Team Casper Ruud, Peter Kirk and Ethan Zohn.
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