Zumba helps woman fulfill sister's dying wish

CHERRY HILL, N.J. - January 27, 2013 (WPVI) -- Hundreds of people joined an intense workout for a serious cause - a dying woman's wish to take her children to Disneyworld.

For several years, Zumba has been a lifeline for Zulma Gonzalez-Lombardo.

The high-energy classes she takes several times each week have helped her deal with the pressures of caring for her 41-year-old sister Maria, along with Maria's children.

"She's been fighting cancer now for seven years. She just recently was informed that she was terminal. Her and I, we've spent a lot of time together," said Lombardo.

Lombardo never thought Zumba would enable her to fulfill her sister's last wish - a wish she shared with her friends at La Belle Fit Studio in Cherry Hill.

"If you had one last wish what would it be and she says 'I would love to take my kids to Disney,'" said Lombardo.

On Sunday, hundreds of people, many of whom don't know Zulma or Maria, turned out to take a giant Zumba class. They also did a spinning class, a Ugi class and a Barre class at La Belle Fit.

The instructors all volunteered their time and the studio is donating all the class fees to Maria's family.

"Our owner matches dollar for dollar. So we've raised a ton of money today and with the donations they'll have a great trip," said Tricia McLister.

Lombardo plans to surprise Maria, her 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son with the trip this Thursday. Action News is not identifying them so we don't spoil the surprise.

La Belle Fit Studio will continue to take donations to help pay for the trip. For more information visit http://labellefit.com/.

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new jersey, cancer, local/state, amy buckman

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