Support Ilaria's Fight Against Cancer

In 2016 Ilaria received her first diagnosis of Breast cancer. She underwent surgery on her right breast (mastectomy) and for the months that followed she kept to the treatment and recovery protocols. Ilaria leveraged her knowledge as a fitness instructor to begin strengthening her body with a training of light weight exercises, gentle movements and daily walks. She was able to resume her normal routine and teaching schedule with strength and renewed purpose.

In 2024, during a routine check up doctors found cancer on her left side. Ilaria underwent a second mastectomy, recovered well and has since been consistent with regular check ups.

In parallel to these challenges, Ilaria had been dealing with a recurring pain in her knee and hip for some time. After a series of X-rays, tests and MRI, the unexpected diagnosis was Bone cancer. This is the result of her first Breast cancer that metastasized and spread into her femur.

In June of this year, Ilaria had surgery that involved removing the tumor by taking out part of the femur and placing a metal rod inside the remaining bone. She also underwent hip replacement to fully clean up the area.

Ilaria’s journey to recovery is far from over. The healing process after this kind of surgery — combined with ongoing medical treatments, specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation — is going to be long and challenging.

There will be medications and treatments she will have to follow for the rest of her life to monitor and minimize risk of further metastasis.

BIO

Ilaria was born and and raised in Florence, Italy. She moved to New York City at the age of 19 where she trained for her first Karate black belt. After many different jobs, she pursued her passions: martial art and fitness and she founded Powerstrike Inc. in 1995, merging karate with group fitness.

She amassed a dedicated following; the industry took notice and she was recognized by media outlets. Ilaria then began to travel, teach and train globally while maintaining a robust teaching schedule in her home base New York City, with the fitness company Equinox.

Ilaria continues to spread her mission through both in-person and virtual studio classes and events, and has shared her story in the inspiring documentary STRONGER FOR LIFE that was released in 2021.

MESSAGE FROM ILARIA

I want to thank all of you for the encouraging messages, your kindness, generosity and help these past few weeks.

I am not walking this road alone.

Your support has truly lifted my spirits and given me the energy and determination to keep fighting. There is a long road ahead for me, but I am hopeful.

Thank you for standing by me, for believing in me.

With all my heart ❤️ thank you.

Ilaria

MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS

We still receive beautiful messages from so many of you who have trained with Ilaria or followed her work asking: “Is there anything I can do to help?" So we came together to set up this Go Fund Me.

Any amount will make a difference on this road to recovery. Even if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page with your friends, family, and anyone whose life Ilaria may have touched. And even if you cannot donate, simply your uplifting energy and words of encouragement are so valuable.

Together, let’s help Ilaria stay “Stronger for Life.”

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Rocky Ribacoff & Elizabeth DeLuca

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION

Your support will help cover:

Continued medical follow-up care and life long medications.

Alternative and holistic therapies to treat cancer with non traditional equipment and resources.

Specialized rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.