Why is This Dublin Woman Fighting for a Stranger's Life?

Fitness instructor Elena Crandall wants to fight. Not only does she want to fight, she wants to fight for the life of a woman she does not even know.

Crandell is a fitness instructor at Earthly Delights Fitness in Pleasanton and she has organized an event at the fitness studio to help raise money for a fellow UJam fitness instructor in Southern California who is fighting for her life. 

Charlene, who lives in Corona, has stage four Metastatic breast cancer at the age of 32. Crandell heard about Charlene's story during a UJam fitness event in San Francisco last month and decided to harness her passion for fitness to take on the challenge to help raise money for Charlene.

This is not the first time Crandell has stepped up to help another soul battling cancer. In April, Crandell organized a fashion show event to help raise money for Sirous Sadaghiani, a 9-year-old Dublin boy who recently lost his battle with a rare brain tumor. Sadaghiani was one of Crandell's students.

[Related article: Earthly Delights Fitness Hosting Fundraiser for Dublin Boy Fighting Brain Tumor]

According to Crandell, the goal is raise $100,000 to help with Charlene's medical cost and at this point, only $17,000 has been raised.

"We are hoping to raise at least $5,000 with our event," Crandell said.

Crandell has organized "Dance for the Fight" as a way to raise money to donate to Charlene's treatment. The event will be held on Oct. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Earthly Delights Fitness in Pleasanton. Attendees will enjoy dance fitness, food with fitness instructors teaching UJam, Zumba and Bombay Jam. 

Participation donations to attend start at $10. Crandell says anyone interested in attending can sign up at www.edfit.net and that everyone is encouraged to wear pink to the event to honor Charlene and all of those who are or have battled breast cancer.

Crandell, who lives in Dublin, is known for her contagious enthusiasm for fun and fitness for not only adults but also for kids.

[Related article: How Does the 'Cups' Song Help Kids Get Fit?]

"If you cannot attend, you can still help Charlene by donating to her website," Crandell said.

To donate to Charlene's treatment, click here. 

October is breast cancer awareness month. Experts urge woman to conduct monthly breast self-exams. For more information about breast cancer, can be found here. 

Do you have an inspiring or amazing story about an experience with breast cancer, we want to hear from you. Email autumn.johnson@patch.com.