Advocate Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center to host Fall Fest Spin-A-Thon Oct. 21

DOWNERS GROVE - The Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Health and Wellness Center will host a Fall Fest Spin-A-Thon Oct. 21 to raise funds and awareness for domestic violence.

The main event of the day is the spin-a-thon, where teams of six riders who raised $250 will spend a total of 12 hours on exercise bikes from 6 am to 6 pm. All money raised from the fundraiser will go toward supporting the work of domestic violence specialists at the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's Behavioral Health Department.

Unaffiliated riders who are interested in taking part can also join an existing team looking for a seat by calling 630-275-2640.

Sarah Katula, a psychiatric advanced practice nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, said everyone benefits from additional visibility to the issue of domestic violence, including showing abusers their behavior is not hidden, accepted or tolerated.

"The victims learn that they are not alone, they are cared for, and that they have great value in our community even if they have been lead to believe they have no worth by their abuser," she said. "It also reminds all of us to not be a bystander - to get involved, speak up, speak out, and join together. One of the most important way to end domestic violence is to get more men involved in helping combat the problem."

In addition to the group biking, the day will include special discounted group exercise classes, family events, food and more, including:

Family Yoga 11 to 11:45 am

Family Swim 1 to 3 pm

Boot Camp 12:15 to 1 pm

Hand massages from 9 am to 3 pm (call 630-275-2640 to schedule)

Aqua Zumba 3:15 to 4 pm

Spin Panel 4 to 6 pm

For more information, and to register, visit advocatehealth.com/gsam/health-services/health-and-wellness-center​.