Board Member Spotlight: Michelle Hunter

michelle hunter standing in front of a bridge

The reality of living in a world touched by cancer is a paradox of extremes. On one hand, the battle with the disease and the aftermath of treatment are fraught with difficulty, fear, and isolation. Yet, cancer also possesses a powerful unifying force. Whether you’re a survivor or someone closely impacted by the disease, hearing another’s diagnosis ignites an instinctual desire to offer support, born from a shared understanding of the journey ahead.

This very idea led Michelle Hunter to join the board of directors at Survivor Fitness. Michelle is a seasoned marketing and sales professional residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has already contributed her expertise to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. However, it’s her personal story with cancer that fuels her dedication to Survivor Fitness.

Finding Strength Together

With a significant history of hereditary cancer in her family, Michelle has witnessed firsthand the arduous process of regaining strength and vitality after treatment.

“I knew from my own experience that trying to regain my strength after treatment required a systematic approach and a team of encouragers,” Michelle shared. “I frequently got hurt because I wasn’t taking my limitations into account. I needed someone with a plan to help me stay safe.” 

In addition to her personal battle with cancer, Michelle walked alongside family members through diagnosis and treatment. Watching them go through similar struggles solidified her belief in the importance of community. In fact, she first learned about Survivor Fitness while her daughter was undergoing treatment at Vanderbilt.

“Meeting Aaron and hearing about his success in overcoming his own health challenges as a young college student was incredibly encouraging for both my daughter and me,” Michelle said. “His unique perspective allowed him to connect with her in a way I couldn’t.”

From Patient and Parent to Advocate and Advisor

Deeply impressed by the need for Survivor Fitness’ services and the effectiveness of the holistic approach to post-treatment recovery, Michelle knew she wanted to be involved. In 2021, as Survivor Fitness announced its expansion into Chattanooga, Michelle saw the perfect opportunity to use her expertise and passion to support a cause close to her heart. She recently joined the board of directors, bringing her personal story and valuable perspective to the table to help more cancer survivors on their post-treatment journeys.

One of the highlights of Michelle’s time on the board was attending the annual Survivor Fitness Soiree in Nashville. This event serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of participants and the impact the organization has made.

“As a parent, it helped me to see that my daughter’s journey is not unique. Finding a community that understood and supported our experience was incredibly meaningful.” 

Despite the hardships cancer has brought to Michelle and her family, she remains grateful for the opportunity to leverage her experience to empower others. She is tremendously excited about Survivor Fitness’ continued expansion in Chattanooga and beyond.

“I believe there are so many people yearning to regain their zest for life, feeling lost and hopeless about moving forward,” she said. “The team at Survivor Fitness understands this process and is dedicated to making it easier.”

We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s perspective, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping Survivor Fitness reach and serve more cancer survivors in Chattanooga, across Tennessee, and beyond. Her passion for connecting with others on their road to recovery is a powerful asset that will make a difference in the lives of countless cancer survivors who join our program.

Starting Strong: Gentle Exercise Tips for Cancer Survivors  

a group stretching on yoga mats

Navigating the post-treatment journey after a cancer diagnosis can be daunting, especially in the first few weeks and months. On one hand, cancer survivors are grateful to be finished with treatment and excited about the opportunity to get back to living. On the other hand, regaining strength and energy often feels like a monumental task. As one of our participants put it, “Ringing the bell at the end of treatment felt very triumphant. There was a sense that now you can move on with your life, but I wasn’t feeling that at all.” 

At Survivor Fitness, we get that the physical, mental, and emotional terrain after a cancer diagnosis can feel uncharted and overwhelming. We’ve walked hand-in-hand with hundreds of survivors on this journey, and nothing warms our hearts quite like witnessing their transformation. But here’s a universal truth our team and trusted trainers share with almost everyone at the starting line: it’s okay to start slow. This isn’t a race to reclaim strength. It’s a mindful exploration of your body’s renewed potential. Every gentle step, every breath, every quiet victory is a testament to your resilience. 

Gentle Exercise Tips for Cancer Survivors  

While every cancer survivor’s journey is unique, we’ve found that reclaiming your physical and emotional well-being requires a gentle, evidence-based workout routine. In this blog, we wanted to highlight a few common gentle exercise tips for cancer survivors that we share with participants.  

1. Focus on rebuilding your core strength and stability. 

Many cancer treatments can weaken core muscles. But just like the sturdy foundation of a house, a strong core provides crucial stability for all your movements, from everyday activities to exercise. That’s why it can be helpful to start with pattern-based exercises to strengthen your core muscles, such as seated cat-cow, bird-dog, and superhero planks. Even if you’re not using resistance or weight, these exercises provide a stable base for all other movements and improve overall posture. Another way to build core strength is through practices like yoga and tai chi that combine movement with deep breathing, promoting both physical well-being and emotional resilience.

2. Explore gentle movement and cardio exercises. 

Those first few days you can work out again are all about rediscovering the joy of movement, not pushing limits. The good news is that there are a variety of fun outdoor exercises for cancer survivors and their friends. Whether it’s a nature walk, cycling on a flat path, or tending your garden, outdoor activities offer a natural mood boost while gently engaging your muscles. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, allowing your body to move intuitively. You might also consider incorporating a few creative indoor exercise ideas during the colder winter months into your routine. 

3. Listen to your body. 

After cancer, it’s natural to want to jump back into old routines. But your body’s telling a different story about reclaiming your strength in a sustainable, joyful way. If you start to feel exhausted, listen to what your body is trying to tell you. It’s not a sign of weakness but a wise reminder to rest, refuel, and come back stronger! Remember: slow and steady wins the race, and your race is all about feeling good and strong. 

4. Recognize how your diagnosis and treatment impact your capabilities. 

Recognizing the unique impact of your specific type of cancer or treatment on your workout routine is crucial for maintaining a safe and effective fitness regimen. For example, women with breast cancer should be mindful of avoiding exercises that place excessive strain on the chest muscles. That’s why consulting with your medical professional or seeking guidance from a cancer exercise specialist is key. It’s imperative to tailor your workouts to your unique diagnosis. Remember, your cancer journey is unique, and your workout routine should be too! 

5. Find creative and effective ways to modify exercises. 

If a movement causes pain or makes you unsure in any way, it’s best to start with a modified exercise. This is especially true for cancer survivors seeking creative and effective ways to cater to their needs. There are several ways to modify an exercise to prevent injury and ensure you get the most out of your movement. For example, consider a modified push-up to add stability. If a movement includes jumping, you may change it without the jump or make the leap smaller to reduce the impact on your joints and leg muscles.

Let’s Start Strong Together

At Survivor Fitness, we believe in the transformative power of small steps. That’s why we offer a personalized fitness and nutritional program tailored to our participants’ specific needs and preferences. 

Ready to reclaim your strength and rediscover the joy of movement? Survivor Fitness is here to walk alongside you every step of the way. You can learn more about taking the first steps with Survivor Fitness, check out our FAQs, or apply to the program today! 

Participant Spotlight: Amy McConkey

A cancer diagnosis often plunges individuals into a sea of uncertainty. The days and weeks following the diagnosis can be filled with confusion and apprehension. While proactive screening, advancements in medical technology, and the expertise of oncologists have improved cancer detection and treatment, each patient’s journey remains unique.

Amy McConkey’s experience exemplifies this blend of gratitude and navigating the unexpected. After an annual mammogram, a biopsy revealed two tumors in each breast, leading to a diagnosis of Grade 2 breast cancer. Amy was scheduled for a follow-up MRI and an appointment with an oncologist two days later. This initial appointment lasted three hours, and the results from the MRI significantly altered the course of Amy’s journey.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

During that initial three-hour appointment, Amy received a life-altering diagnosis that transformed her breast cancer journey. Instead of the Grade 2 breast cancer initially identified, Amy learned that she had an invasive, aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. This aggressive form of cancer had formed tumors both within and outside her breast ducts. 

“We thought we knew the treatment plan until we heard the words that more test results showed HER2 Positive Breast Cancer.”

Amy remembers that moment as a whirlwind of emotions, describing the experience as a “roller coaster ride” that had just taken a terrifying turn.  Despite the overwhelming news, Amy expressed gratitude for her oncologist’s compassionate approach and the time he dedicated to explaining the details of her condition and outlining the aggressive treatment plan that lay ahead. This plan involved six rounds of chemotherapy administered every three weeks, followed by surgery.

“At that point, life became one appointment after the other.” 

Amy started her first round of chemo in September 2021. Five months later, she had a double mastectomy and almost immediately began another 14 rounds of targeted treatment for any cancer cells that might still be in her bloodstream. Amy completed treatment in December of 2022. During that time, she also had a complete hysterectomy. Despite the challenging treatment, Amy looks back on it with a grateful mindset. 

“I am so thankful for the wonderful facility at TN Cancer Specialist, the doctors, nurses, and life-long friendships that were formed during this time.”

Life After Cancer Treatment

Exhausted from the grueling 20 rounds of treatment, Amy found herself constantly tired. Her bones ached, and her physical strength had dwindled. 

“After ringing the bell on December 7, I thought life would finally be back to normal. That was not the case.”

Amy discussed her lingering concerns with her oncologist and surgeon. She knew she could find a personal trainer at a local gym, but that process was somewhat intimidating. She wanted a trainer who understood the lingering effects of chemotherapy and could tailor a plan to address her specific needs. 

That’s when she was introduced to the program at Survivor Fitness. 

Amy thought working out with a personal trainer might be embarrassing. Still, she reminded herself that nothing she faced would be as complicated as walking into the treatment room for her first round of chemo. 

“Reminding myself of the steps I’ve already taken helped me get through the anxiety on my first day of workouts. I knew I had to get outside of my comfort zone to reach a new and better level of health and fitness.” 

Growing Stronger and Healthier

Over the next twelve weeks, Amy worked alongside her trainer, Kathleen Bullock. From the initial session, Amy remembers how patient, supportive, and encouraging Kathleen was as she helped her set goals and gain confidence. Twice a week, Amy would wake up early and drive an hour to make her 8:00 a.m. workout session. As someone who had never enjoyed the gym, her own dedication surprised her.

Amy also appreciated receiving guidance from a registered dietitian as part of the program. Like many survivors, Amy was overwhelmed by the nutritional articles that often contained contradictory information. Amy’s dietitian provided guidance for pre and post-workout meals and daily meal prepping tips. 

“With my trainer’s support and guidance from my dietitian, I am stronger and healthier than before my diagnosis. Being able to work out is one of the many things I took for granted before being diagnosed. Now, I view it as something I get to do, NOT just something else I have to do.”

Becoming Better, Not Bitter

Looking back on her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, Amy believes that maintaining a positive outlook was one of the most important practices to keep her going — especially on days when it seemed like the only thing she could control was her attitude. 

“I had to choose whether I was going to become bitter or better. I believe the challenges I have faced have made me better. I am blessed to be surrounded by caring and supportive friends and family, doctors, nurses, and now a Survivor Fitness community.” 

She recently celebrated her two-year “cancerversary”! More than anything, Amy hopes that her story can encourage and support others on their journey the way she has been so graciously supported.

Support and Strength for Cancer Survivors

Survivor Fitness has worked alongside survivors of every age, fitness level, and diagnosis to help individuals achieve their fitness goals after cancer treatment. While each participant’s journey is unique, every cancer survivor’s story gives us the momentum to continue providing this service to those who need it most. 

To learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness participant, connect with us today.