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Face the Change is a grassroots campaign 
created in 2015 to raise awareness of an invisible disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia.
The so-called suicide disease is termed as
such by neurology experts due to the excruciating nerve pain it causes. A disorder
of unknown origin, Trigeminal Neuralgia causes not only shock-like pain to the face, it also can create constant boring pain through the face and head. With little awareness of this rare disorder, there are not enough funding resources to find effective treatments or a cure for this invisible disease.

 

THE FACIAL PAIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION is conducting innovative research to find a cure and end the pain for TN sufferers. For those who suffer from this debilitating disease, the often ineffective combination of medications generally leaves patients feeling discouraged and in pain. And while cranial surgery can allow freedom of pain for years, it often also leaves sufferers with residual side effects and sometimes patients are left in even more pain that prior to surgery. 

 

Learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia,
and how you can help.

 

We will find a cure.
We will end the pain.
Stay hopeful.

about Trigeminal Neuralgia from the
TNA Facial Pain Association.

 

 

 

 

to benefit The Facial Pain Research Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

to ask the World Health Organization to add Trigeminal Neuralgia to their Health Topics list.

 

 

 

 

of the TN Warrior experience in the new book
called Trigeminal Neuralgia Exposed "Our Story".

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The first-ever Face The Change event raised more than $23,000 for the
Facial Pain Research Foundation — all of which was matched by a generous donor.
Stay tuned for details on the 2016 event in just a few months.
 
Check out 2015's event details below, or donate using the button above.

Read more details about the first-ever Face the Change fitness fundraising event below. Your donations raised more than $23,000 for The Facial Pain Research Foundation and for Trigeminal Neuralgia patients and research. Stay tuned for more details about the 2016 event soon, and get ready for an even bigger and better high-energy fitness party — for a very worthy cause.

 

 

Sunday, October 4, 2015
12:00PM–4:00PM
Dream Hotel Downtown, 355 W. 16th St, New York, NY
 
ZUMBA @ 1:00PM

Zumba® Fitness is a feel-happy workout that combines a motivating fusion of Latin and international music with unique moves and dynamic combinations that allow participants to dance away their worries. It is based on the principle that a workout should be "fun and easy to do" allowing Zumba® Fitness participants to stick to the program and achieve long-term health benefits in both body and mind. A mixture of body-sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps, the routines utilize the principles of aerobic interval and resistance training. A combination of fast and slow rhythms tone and sculpt the body, maximizing caloric output, fat burning and total-body toning.

 

 

HIIT IT, DON'T QUIT IT! @ 2:00PM

An enhanced form of interval training, HIIT is an exercise strategy alternating periods of short intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods. These short, intense workouts provide improved athletic capacity and condition, improved glucose metabolism, and improved fat burning. 

 

 

FIGHT! @ 3:00PM

FIGHT! is a dynamic, full-body workout designed to inspire and challenge you to engage in martial arts moves combined with dynamic cardiovascular conditioning. It is an empowering, high-energy workout. Easy-to-follow, gradual non-contact drills and adjustable levels of difficulty accommodate all fitness levels.

 

How You Can Help

Photos: Acacia TV 2015

Instructors

Amanda Young (Face the Change Founder and Organizer)

When Amanda Young was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) at 32, she hid her illness for seven years. Like so many other TN sufferers, she feared it would define her and how people treated her. Now, Amanda is sharing her story in order to raise money to fight this disease and inspire others who have TN to embrace life despite the obstacles they face.

About Amanda Young

Amanda has always had a desire to change the world for the better. For more than 16 years, she has integrated fitness experience and a degree in social work and education to better the lives of her students. Her unique background was vital in creating a vision for success, both inside and outside the studio. In both careers, Amanda believes that inspiring self-determination is the key to developing a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

 

With a desire to give back to her community, she currently leads a 9-month Fitness Instructor

training program through Shape Up NYC. The program offers educational and practical skills to aspiring group fitness instructors. Her passion for mentorship also sparked Lululemon's interest, and they subsequently named Amanda one of their Ambassadors, where they currently partner with her to build a program supporting health and wellness in New York City.

 

Currently working as a group fitness instructor for Equinox Fitness Clubs, Amanda teaches several main studio formats and has been 

featured in various national publications as an expert in H.I.I.T. training. She is formerly a group fitness manager for two of Equinox's clubs in New York City, as well as for New York Sports Clubs' Connecticut Region.

 

Her consulting background includes positions as a programming consultant and fitness director for video productions. Amanda is currently an expert trainer for AcaciaTV, a digital fitness channel providing online streaming workouts. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Eileen Bastien (Zumba)

 

Formerly trained in Modern and Jazz Dance as a young girl, it was perfectly natural for Eileen to pursue music and movement her whole life in the fitness world. She believes that the greatest gift to yourself is the gift of health; without it you have nothing, and with it you can accomplish anything. She profoundly believes that when you marry great music with fitness, you have a marriage made in heaven. That is what Zumba Fitness has brought to Eileen. First licensed to teach Zumba in April 2007, she has been on a path to help make a difference. Eileen is a professional fundraiser at an academic institution, and teaches Zumba part-time. She utilizes her fundraising experience to promote good health and fitness by hosting several Zumba fundraisers each year.

Milian Gotovac (HIIT)

 

A native of Los Angeles, Milian Gotovac has been in the fitness industry for more than 12 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. He trained at one of NYC's leading personal training facilities, Focus Integrated Fitness, and is currently managing group fitness at Equinox, one of the world's top-rated fitness clubs. He is passionate about motivating others to reach their personal health and fitness goals, as well as spreading the importance of exercise to others.  

John Cianca (HIIT)

 

John Cianca was born and raised in Miami, and has been working with Equinox since 2007. He has Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida. 

 

John currently teaches multiple Equinox signature formats like METCON3, Whipped, Stacked, Shockwave, Ropes & Rowers, and Precision Running. His passion for fitness and conscious movement comes from his competitive Tae Kwon Do background. 

Liz Lefrois (FIGHT!)

 

Liz LeFrois is a leader, motivator, teacher and student who works as one of NYC’s top fitness professionals and as one of Acacia TV's fitness leaders. Originally from Rochester, NY, Liz moved to NYC in 2002 with a BFA in Dance that concentrated on exercise physiology from SUNY Brockport. She will be graduating in December 2015 with a Masters in Kinesiology from Brooklyn College as well.You can always find her training hard in various martial arts schools around NYC. She also trains boxing privately with coach Eilon Kedem, and trains Filipino Kali with Kristen Cabildo.

Jannelle Cortes (Zumba)

 

Jannelle Cortes is passionate about the power of dance. She is a multi-talented choreographer, instructor and performer with expertise in a range of dance forms, including ballet, belly dance, hip-hop, jazz, Latin jazz, salsa and samba. She is the proud founder of Groovefit, a dance and fitness company, and the Artistic Director of Cortes Entertainment, an events organization that fosters cultural awareness and unity through theatrical performances in New York. Jannelle choreographs and performs for a wide range of cultural, corporate and commemorative events—from weddings and parades to summer festivals.

Rich Martinez (Zumba)

 

Rich is born and raised in New York. He is a Nuyorican!! As a person who was obese for most of his life, Rich did practically every workout and diet fad that existed. Through his journey, he realized that motivation and commitment are essential in order for an individual to be successful in weight management. This is when he found Zumba® Fitness, which has helped Rich lose more than 75 pounds. Rich is currently a Licensed Zumba® Fitness Instructor, and is certified through AFAA as a Group Exercise Instructor. During the day, Richard holds a position of Records Manager in the New York office of an international law firm. 

As Rich would say... BRING IT!!!

Xavier Marzan (Zumba)

 

Xavier is a classically trained ballet dancer and former member of The School of American Ballet, among others. After an injury cut his professional ballet career short, Xavier turned his passion to Latin Ballroom and fitness, which he has been teaching and performing for more than 10 years. Xavier also founded X-cursions In Motion (xinmotion) — active retreats that offer structured dance and fitness classes in exciting destinations, while delighting in gourmet meals, local culture and group fun. Experience the difference with X In Motion.

Sarah Rozek (Zumba)

 

Sarah has become one of the most renowned instructors in the New York City area, known for her endless energy and unique teaching charisma. Selected as part of the inaugural class of Zumba Jammers, she has worked in conjunction with Dr. Oz’s non-profit organization, Health Corps, as well as with NBC, representing Zumba at health fairs for schools across Manhattan and the Bronx. Sarah has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, NBC, and Telemundo, and has taught on such prestigious New York City stages as Saturday Night Live and Sounds of Brazil.

Joshua Vela (Zumba)

 

Native Texan Josh Vela is a group fitness instructor (in various formats), NASM-certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and Performance Enhancement specialist. Josh has been in the industry since 2007, possessing a true passion for fitness and health which stems from his own personal journey over the years. He has worked in TX, NC, CA and NYC doing his best to positively impact the lives of those looking to maximize their health and fitness potential. Josh currently manages Group Fitness for Equinox Park Avenue in NYC, while continuing to motivate and inspire many amazing members on a daily basis.

Jack McGowan (HIIT)

 

Jack holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College, working as an actor in NYC and London. He's worked in the fitness industry in New York for more than 12 years, and holds numerous certifications (ACE, NASM, Kettlebell and Schwinn Cycling, to name a few).

 

Jack will push his clients through the plateau, in a creative and innovating way, while always emphasizing proper form. Challenge your comfort zones and achieve your goals. "If it were easy, everyone would do it!"

Jamal Smith (HIIT)

 

Jamal Smith is a personal trainer and group  fitness instructor based in NYC.He holds certifications ranging from cycling to HIIT, and draws inspiration from his own personal fitness journey that has led him to lose more than 100 pounds. Jamal knows how to get you results and still feel good in the process!

Violet Zaki (FIGHT!)

 

Violet Zaki is an international fitness professional, widely viewed as an elite instructor and dynamic personality with very effective approaches to private and group fitness. Violet brings a diverse background to her work, including education and professional experience in social work. She is a practicing Black Belt in Seido Karate, ACE-Certified Fitness Instructor, Deakin University-Certified Fitness Instructor, Master Trainer in various equipment specialities, and owner of Zakifitness. Her professional group fitness experience started in Australia and blossomed in New York, including ten years running as a top draw Equinox Fitness Clubs, and guest appearances spanning over a dozen countries across six continents. Violet’s Life Coaching philosophy, “one mind, one body, one life: discipline your mind, strengthen your body, take charge of your life,” sets her coaching and instructional tone.

Roxanne Montalvo Tsai (Zumba)

 

Roxanne Montalvo-Tsai has been a group fitness instructor for more than 15 years, and is now a proud mom of twins plus a toddler. It's been a challenge to get back into shape but Roxanne's motto is, "Love your Family. Worship your Body." Roxanne is currently teaching Zumba at her son's preschool and wants to share her passion for fitness with everyone.

Janine Turcio (Zumba)

 

Janine is a physical education teacher and coach by day, and Zumba Fitness instructor upstate in Dutchess County by night. She has been teaching for five years and is well known for her high energy and upbeat personality, making each class feel like a party. Be ready to enjoy her style! 

DJ Blake

 

From the reggae-filled streets of Jamaica to the hip clubs of New York City, from the glam stages of Hollywood to the chill scene in Seattle, DJ Blake brings his encyclopedic knowledge of Hip-Hop, Pop, Reggae, EDM and House music — all played with originality, professionalism and passion.
 

Danvil Blake first touched a turntable at the age of 13 and has been continually honing his craft with the dedication of a true artist. Known for creating just the right blend of music that the moment calls for, his impressive grasp of many genres keeps his sound fresh and each experience unique. DJ Blake knows how to give the crowd what they want while skillfully introducing them to new musical experiences.

DJ Blake is currently resident DJ at two of Dos Caminos' NYC locations, Gaslight Lounge in the Meatpacking District,The Mean Fiddler In Times Square, Tanner Smith's Times Square, and The Harbor in Montauk, NY.

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