When it comes to a fun way to exercise, Dr. Phylecya Cheatham is at the front of the line.

And, when the exercise is for a worthy cause, Cheatham will charge full speed ahead.

So, when she heard that a young nurse at Troy Regional Medical Center and the mother of three, had been diagnosed with breast cancer, her heart went out to her. But, when she learned that, Joy Burgans’ husband also had a medical problem and is unable to work fulltime, she wanted to do something to help the family in these trying times.

“I had already been talking to my co-workers, telling them about Zumba, which is a great exercise program that is the latest fitness craze,” Cheatham said.

“So, I thought that we could organize a benefit that would help Joy and her family and also benefit the participants.”

Cheatham’s idea was to host a Zumba benefit with all the proceeds going to the Burgans family.

“It will be a fun way to help the Burgans family and also introduce people to an exercise program that will beneficial to their health and well being,” she said.

“Zumba basis is Latin music and dance steps. The choreography is very energetic and burns a lot of calories. And, it’s easy to follow. You have certain basic dance steps and they are put together in different ways. There are certain routines that you do to certain songs. There’s a lot of repetition and it gets easier as you go along.”

The Zumba Benefit Classes have been set for 10 a.m. on July 10 and 6 p.m. on July 14 at the Troy Recreation Center. Each “class” is a $5 donation.

“Hopefully, people will begin talking about the Zumba Benefit for the Burgans Family and we’ll have a lot of people to come out in support of Joy and her family and, in the process learn about an exercise program that will be beneficial to them and a lot of fun, too.”

Tickets for the Zumba Benefit for the Burgans Family will be sold at the door.