‘Team Tara’ yoga fundraiser planned for Oct. 27

By Jay Turner

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in August, Tara Shuman has written extensively on her blog about the many “amazing” people in her life and their numerous acts of kindness and support. And soon she will have another example to write about as three of her longtime friends, along with other “Team Tara” supporters, get ready to host a community yoga event in her honor next Saturday, October 27, at 8:30 a.m. in the Canton High School gym.

The three friends — Kara Lanigan, Kate Coleman Gallahue, and Shuman’s best friend since the ninth grade, Brianne Bognanno Mehigan — are all Canton natives and alumnae of the CHS class of 1998. Shuman, whose maiden name is Talbot, was also part of that class, and she later taught social studies at her alma mater from 2002-2007 before leaving to pursue a career in law.

According to Lanigan, organizing a fundraiser was the least they could do after learning that their friend — just 32 years old and a married mother of two — had an aggressive form of cancer.

“When we first heard about the diagnosis, our initial reaction was shock and devastation, but then we just wanted to do something to help out,” said Lanigan. “We thought that yoga would be a great way to bring the community together and do something active to raise awareness and to support Tara.”

This being their first fundraiser, the trio has gotten support from various friends and family, including Dawn Rooney and Kate’s in-laws, Jeff and Pat Gallahue, who recently started their own foundation, We Beat Cancer, in honor of Jeff’s successful recovery from throat cancer.

In addition, Lanigan’s sister Michelle will serve as the yoga instructor, and a number of friends are expected to take part in the class — including Shuman herself, who is in good spirits despite recently beginning chemotherapy and is reportedly “very excited to try yoga.”

“It is going to be a fun and relaxing morning,” promised Lanigan, adding that the 75-minute session is “definitely for beginners” and suitable for all ages and ability levels.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m.; however, Lanigan suggested that participants mail their payments in advance in order to speed up the process and because space will be limited.

The cost to participate is $30 and includes a “Team Tara” rally towel, although participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat/towel. Checks can be made payable to Team Tara Shuman and mailed to PO Box 507, Canton, MA 02021.

Organizers will also have t-shirts available for purchase, and all proceeds from the class and from t-shirt sales will benefit the Shuman family.

Both Lanigan and Gallahue said they are expecting a big turnout next Saturday, and they both said to “stay tuned” for additional “Team Tara” events in the future.

In the meantime, they urged Canton residents, if they have not done so already, to follow Shuman’s journey on her blog at www.tarabeatscancer.com.

“I think her story and her ability to express what she’s going through and just how real and raw it is seems to resonate with a lot of people,” said Lanigan. “It’s definitely made me stop and take a look at my own life and the things you tend to take for granted. It’s changed me.”

Lanigan also noted that Shuman, who has detailed every aspect of her diagnosis and treatment — including her decision to have a double mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery — has fans and followers “from all over the world,” many of whom read her blog religiously and comment on her posts.

“Her writing is so amazing and she’s such a talent,” said Lanigan. “She has the ability where, in one entry, you’re laughing hysterically one minute and then you’re crying the next. She’s absolutely extraordinary.”

For more information about the “Team Tara Yoga Event” on October 27, please contact Kate Coleman Gallahue at kcoleman_8@hotmail.com, Kara Lanigan at kara_m_lanigan@harvardpilgrim.org, or Brianne Bognanno Mehigan at bbognanno@hotmail.com.

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