Dear OAC Community,
Since 1985, October has stood for breast cancer awareness, strength, and solidarity. For OAC, October 2025 marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter: we are entering a strong partnership with Allianz.
Complementing Allianz’s slogan Stronger Together, OAC adds its own mission statement: Health Unites Us. Our mission is to harness the power of movement as medicine in the context of breast cancer together. Over the past ten years, OAC has shown how outdoor activity improves the quality of life of cancer patients and their social environment, strengthens the immune system, and fosters resilience. As Petra Thaller, OAC’s Founder & President and herself a breast cancer survivor, says:
“Physical activity and outdoor sports stand for prevention and resilience. They are the key to a healthy future for humankind, not only in the context of cancer.”
With Allianz at our side, we can drive this mission forward more strongly than ever before.
“Stronger together, in the truest sense of the word. The cooperation with Allianz gives our work in cancer prevention and aftercare the visibility it deserves. Movement is therapy, and the 4×4 Training is the scientifically proven implementation of this concept as outdoor community training. It improves physical capacity, wellbeing, and social connectedness. This way, we build a bridge between cancer survivors and their social circles and contribute to better health for all. As an athlete and breast cancer survivor, I want to say a heartfelt thank you!”
(P. Thaller)
Why Allianz is the perfect partner for us
OAC’s holistic approach to health: Beyond financial security, we believe prevention and resilience are the keys to a healthy and self-determined life.
The OAC 4×4 Training is a scientifically proven interval training method designed to strengthen both the physical and mental resilience of cancer patients as well as their families and friends. Free of charge, inclusive, and led by certified trainers in the healing environment of nature.
Our message Movement as Medicine will reach an even broader audience. OAC not only creates training opportunities but also raises awareness of the importance of structured exercise in cancer care.
With the support of our new strong partner Allianz, we can expand our health prevention work and reach even more people with our evidence-based training concepts.
Engaged & Proactive Together in Pink October
As part of Pink October, Allianz has designed a hoodie. Employees at various Allianz locations can purchase it and thus actively support the fight against breast cancer, with proceeds going to OAC.
And just in time for October 1st, Allianz put together an inspiring and informative content on prevention, sports, and holistic wellbeing on a special landing page, naturally in pink.
The 4×4 Training takes place at the Fitness-Parcours Isarauen, Munich in Munich and is the perfect opportunity in Pink October to strengthen both body and mind. It’s also an ideal occasion to bring along friends, family, or colleagues for a session.
Support our Mission: Your donation helps us expand the 4×4 Training and other projects for cancer patients, survivors, and their families world wide. Every contribution makes a difference. Donate now!
Background: The Pink Ribbon
Since 1985, October has been recognized as International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to education, prevention, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. The initiative began with the American Cancer Society in the U.S. Since 1992, the now-iconic pink ribbon has shaped awareness campaigns worldwide.
One of its initiators was Evelyn Lauder, daughter-in-law of Estée Lauder, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989. She survived and went on to launch a global campaign for awareness and prevention, creating the pink ribbon as its symbol.
At the time, she could hardly have foreseen the impact her idea would have. But one thing is certain: this October, once again, pink ribbons will be visible across the globe, powerful symbols of solidarity, hope, and awareness.
Women’s Health in Focus: WellBeingHer and Women’s Health Webinar Series
At OAC, Pink October already began in September with the WellBeingHER Webinar How Physical Activity and Exercise Influence Nutrition and Well-Being:
Eat. Don’t Stress. as well as to the Cookbook A Culinary Journey Through Europe and the Presentation EAT. STRESS LESS. by Dr. Nicole Erickson.
First MSD Webinar: On September 25, the Oncology Group of WN Global Business Integration & Insight launched their Women’s Health Webinar Series. The opening session on the role of physical activity and movement in cancer care was organized by Nadia Pellanda from the Oncology Policy Team in collaboration with Petra Thaller from OAC.
A total of 160 participants from around the world joined to learn why physical activity is so vital in cancer prevention, during treatment, and in recovery. On top of the science, participants also took away practical movement strategies they could easily integrate into daily life.
As Nadia Pellanda, MSD Director EUCAN Oncology Policy, Patient & Stakeholder Engagement, said:“Please take some time for your personal well-being: watch the recording and try a few of the suggested activities.”
Let’s inform, empower, and support cancer patients, survivors, and healthcare professionals through exercise in cancer.
