By MARLA K. KUHLMAN

ThisWeek Community News Sunday June 2, 2013 11:41 PM

A central Ohio yoga studio is one of about 20 nationwide that will host a "yogathon" Saturday, June 15, to raise awareness and funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Stephanie Rosenblum, co-owner of Gahanna-based Burn Yoga, said studios across the country will conduct classes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as part of an inaugural fundraiser called "Yoga Gives to St. Jude Kids."

All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center devoted solely to children.

"The cool thing about this yogathon is that we're the only yoga studio representing Ohio," Rosenblum said. "You don't have to attend every class. You can attend as many as you want. Our instructors are donating their time. It will be very cool."

St. Jude spokesperson Rachel Kerr said the event is designed for people of all ages with diverse levels of experience to not only stretch their bodies but also open their hearts for children who are battling cancer and other deadly diseases by raising funds through the nine-hour yogathon.

Because of fundraisers like this one, she said, no patient family ever pays St. Jude for anything, and its research discoveries continue to be shared freely so that one child saved at St. Jude means thousands more saved worldwide.

In fact, Kerr said, St. Jude researchers and doctors have helped extend overall survival rates of childhood cancer from 20 to 80 percent over the past 50 years.

Rosenblum said a former student had contacted her and co-owner Becky Lottridge about hosting the benefit.

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Yoga studio adds twist to St. Jude campaign