Shannon Miller Receives AKTIV Against Cancer Award

Author: Team Shannon

11/18/2020
Founded by Norwegian national icon and nine-time New York City Marathon champion, Grete Waitz, and Helle Aanesen in Norway in 2007, AKTIV Against Cancer has donated more than $14M and has helped create 16 physical activity centers in cancer treatment facilities throughout Norway. In 2014, AKTIV Against Cancer established its official non-profit status in the United States.

For the past five years, AKTIV Against Cancer has hosted the AKTIV Against Cancer Award in an effort to continuously honor the legacy of our co-founder, the late Grete Waitz. Mary Wittenberg, Global CEO of Virgin Sport, received the inaugural award in 2015 and running legend Meb Keflezighi in 2016, respectively, as leaders who demonstrate great philanthropic efforts using health and fitness as a platform; a belief that was instrumental to Grete and at the core of AKTIV’s mission.

This year, 7 Time Olympic Medalist and Cancer Survivor, Shannon Miller was honored to be a speaker and an award recipient at their virtual conference on November 18, 2020.

“Shannon’s commitment toward cancer treatment & research – both as a cancer survivor and advocate – are unparalleled…..we believe you exemplify the spirit and enthusiasm of both Grete Waitz, and her legacy foundation AKTIV Against Cancer.” – Helle Aanesen Co-Founder AKTIV AGAINST CANCER

Since its inception, AKTIV Against Cancer has raised more than $17 million to fund cutting-edge research on the benefits of physical activity for the treatment and prevention of cancer, as

well as the creation of 16 physical activity centers in hospitals and cancer treatment facilities. Most recently, AKTIV Against Cancer pledged $3.3 million to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to fund the exercise oncology research center to ensure that physical activity becomes an integral part of cancer treatment. This past November, AKTIV Against Cancer hosted the fifth annual AKTIV Against Cancer Award Luncheon and celebrated Chip & Joanna Gaines, Fixer Upper stars, Founders of Magnolia, and philanthropists. Previous winners include Dr. Jordan Metzl, a nationally recognized sports medicine physician who practices at Hospital for Special Surgery and Olympic Gold Medalist and cancer patient, Kikkan Randall. Other nominees recognized include Mary Wittenberg, former CEO of New York Road Runners and Virgin Sport, who was honored with the inaugural award in 2015, Rudin Family, running icons Meb Keflezighi and the late Gabe Grunewald.