Thousands of gymnasts from all over the country are in Philadelphia for the 18th annual Pink Invitational. The event helps raise money for women with breast and ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n
The young gymnasts are flying through the air this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to help support the Malvern, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit, Unite for HER<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I love it because I hope people with breast and ovarian cancer know they are not alone when they’re struggling, people are with them, supporting them,” 12-year-old Marlowe Osika said.<\/p>\n Osika and 14-year-old Anna Waddell are among 5,000 gymnasts competing in the event.<\/p>\n “I love seeing so many girls come together to support the same cause,” Waddell said.<\/p>\n Over the past 16 years, the invitational has raised over $5.5 million for Unite for HER, helping fund integrative therapies<\/p>\n Sue Weldon, a former gymnast and coach, says after a difficult struggle with breast cancer at 39 years old, she decided to start the nonprofit to help other patients.<\/p>\n “We deliver them over $2,000 worth of services, access to med acupuncture, yoga, massage and fresh vegetables delivered to the home,” Weldon said.<\/p>\n The Pink Invitational has become the largest gymnastics fundraising event in the United States, now topping 116 teams.<\/p>\n “I think gymnastics helps me with problem-solving and mental strength,” Waddell said.<\/p>\n Flipping and tumbling for a cause, this sisterhood in pink is learning the importance of health in the fight against cancer.<\/p>\n The invitational continues through the weekend and is expected to raise more than $800,000 for the organization that helps cancer patients nationwide.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n