Dr. Tarah Ballinger launched the MOVE program at Indiana University’s Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2022 to support cancer patients through physical activity.

MOVE stands for Multidisciplinary Oncologic Vitality and Exercise.

“Exercise has many benefits for cancer patients, including better response to treatment, fewer side effects, better quality of life and even higher survival rates for some cancers,” said Ballinger, a breast cancer oncologist at IU Health and an associate professor of medicine and Vera Bradley Scholar in breast cancer research at the IU School of Medicine. “However, there are often many barriers for patients to exercise, and this is not a benefit covered by insurance. That’s where our program comes in. We provide patients with free individual or group exercise support, in person or virtually. We are fully supported by philanthropic efforts like the Get a MOVE on Cancer run/march.”

Ballinger sees the MOVE program as a perfect partner for the Indiana Women’s Running Festival, which will be held in Carmel on August 31. Races begin at 7:30 a.m. and include a half marathon, 10K and 5K.

“Last year the event was a 1-mile walk that several of our patients participated in and also raised money for our program,” said Ballinger. “Myself and our lead exercise physiologist, Danielle Halsey, ran the event with our patients. Our patients are much stronger than we think, so this year we are expanding the 1-mile walk to a 5K. We hope to see many more patients participate in our program, but most importantly, our IUSCCC staff and community. It means so much to cancer patients to see that their community is there for them.”

Ballinger, an Indianapolis resident, knows first-hand how important exercise is.

“One of the reasons I’m so passionate about sports oncology is because I know how beneficial exercise is for me, both physically and mentally,” Ballinger said. “I run regularly and it really helps with my mood, my stress and makes me better at the work I do.”

The races have been moved from downtown Indianapolis to Carmel in 2023.

For more information visit womensrunningfestival.com.