Month: February 2024

Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Mitchell

Rachel Mitchell smiling outside at the park

Community is like a super glue that holds everything together in a cancer survivor’s journey. It’s how people with different passions and perspectives come together to build each other up. That’s why it’s one of our core values at Survivor Fitness Foundation. We’ve seen countless survivors find their power and purpose within our community, and it’s truly inspiring.

The essence of this community spirit is mirrored in our Board of Directors. We’re privileged to work alongside a mosaic of community leaders, nonprofit professionals, fitness specialists, business visionaries, and medical experts. Their collective voices and insights are instrumental in sculpting the Survivor Fitness Foundation into a beacon of hope and healing for cancer survivors across Tennessee.

Today, we’re honored to introduce Dr. Rachel Mitchell, one of the inspiring board members guiding us on this mission.

As a doctor at Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Mitchell serves patients in the Nashville and Shelbyville clinics. From her earliest memories, her heart was captivated by the concept of healthcare. That led her to pursue a medical degree from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, where she specialized in oncology—a discipline where she could harness innovation and empathy to profoundly impact her patients’ lives.

After practicing in Tennessee for a couple of years, Dr. Mitchell was introduced to Survivor Fitness by a discerning friend who noticed an alignment between Dr. Mitchell’s expertise and the Survivor Fitness mission. She instantly recognized the synergy and felt a magnetic pull towards our cause.

“Physical activity has always played a large role in my life, both for physical and mental benefits. As a medical oncologist, you see the impact that both diagnosis and treatment can have on patients. Being able to approach a patient’s recovery process through a whole-person approach is so important,” she shared.

Dr. Mitchell walks alongside hundreds of patients during diagnosis and treatment, but she doesn’t always get to follow their recovery journey as closely. Getting the opportunity to see the changes that Survivor Fitness participants experience has been one of the most meaningful experiences for her since joining the board. Witnessing participants reclaiming their lives after treatment fuels her commitment to the cause.

“Hearing patients’ stories after they participate in the program has been very rewarding,” she said. “The program is truly life-changing. It EMPOWERS the patient to be able to gain control of their lives again after overcoming a cancer diagnosis.”

As an oncologist, she recognizes the impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment have on a patient physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Dr. Mitchell is a testament to the power of community and compassion in cancer recovery. Her journey alongside patients, both in the clinic and as a board member, shines a bright light on the path to hope and healing. We are incredibly grateful for her passion, her expertise, and her relentless commitment to helping cancer survivors reclaim their lives and redefine what it means to thrive.

Partner Spotlight: Sarah Denger

Sarah Denger on a Yoga Mat stretching in second position

Survivor Fitness partners with remarkable individuals who share our commitment to empowering cancer survivors on their post-treatment journey. Many of our partners have watched a family member or close friend navigate treatment and recovery. One such inspiring individual is Sarah Denger, whose personal journey with cancer has informed her role as a passionate fitness instructor and a valued partner at Survivor Fitness.

From Patient to Fitness Instructor: Sarah’s Personal Journey with Cancer

Before her cancer diagnosis, fitness was merely a leisure pursuit for Sarah. In her mid-twenties, seemingly at the peak of her physical prime, cancer upended her life. Three years of grueling chemotherapy, including a stem cell transplant, stripped her of her strength and vitality. It was during this arduous battle that Sarah grappled with her body’s limitations.

“I felt so helpless when I couldn’t keep up with my parents on a neighborhood walk,” she said. “I was 25, they were in their late 50s, and yet I was the one lagging behind.”

Through this experience, Sarah discovered her passion for fitness and found her calling as a fitness instructor. Reconnecting with her body after the disassociation caused by cancer treatment, she now dedicates herself to helping others achieve the same transformative results.

“It didn’t take me long to realize that if I really wanted my energy, stamina, strength, body, and even life back…I had to work and earn it,” she shared. ”Fitness gave me that channel, and I wanted to work with those who had walked a similar path.”

Driven by this newfound purpose, Sarah actively sought avenues to support young cancer survivors. At Vanderbilt, she joined the board for their Young Adult Cancer Clinic. There, her paths crossed with Aaron and Meg Grunke, the co-founders of Survivor Fitness. Captivated by Sarah’s story and unwavering spirit, they knew she belonged on their dedicated team.

Since December 2023, Sarah has been integral to Survivor Fitness, guiding individual training sessions and leading virtual group exercises for participants and alums. Witnessing their progress brings her immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I am already inspired by my clients,” Sarah said. “One participant is doing more impact work than when we first started. Another is getting way more range of motion in her right arm, which had been her more limited side. There is so much to say, and I could go on and on about their accomplishments.”

Her favorite aspect of the program is the profound connection she feels with participants as they share the challenges of their fitness journey. It reminds her of her own journey as she helps instill confidence that they can reach their fitness goals.

Offering Empathy Through Experience: Navigating Life After Cancer

Sarah’s personal insights and empathy, rooted in her own experience with cancer and recovery, create a mutually beneficial relationship with the participants. Knowing firsthand the mental and emotional hurdles, she empowers participants to focus on progress, not limitations.

“Attitude is everything,” she said. “Cancer takes a toll on the body, and discouragement can be crippling. But cancer survivors are warriors, and I remind them to celebrate what they can do instead of dwelling on what they can’t.”

Working closely with each participant, Sarah encourages them to take the next step on their recovery journey. By reminding them to be patient and adapt their routines to their current needs, she strives to make the workout experience enjoyable.

“I want to make it fun and encouraging because I know how strong these individuals already are. I see myself in clients that feel shy about the experience because that’s how I was when I first started going to the gym.”

Living the Dream: Empowering Others Through Survivor Fitness

As a cancer survivor and fitness trainer, Sarah’s passion, encouragement, and expertise enrich every session at Survivor Fitness. In her own words, Survivor Fitness is a “dream come true organization” that seamlessly blends her two life passions: cancer patient advocacy and fitness.

We’re incredibly grateful for Sarah and the life-changing experience she offers Survivor Fitness participants. If you’re a personal trainer or fitness center interested in supporting individuals after treatment, connect with our team to learn how you can join the Survivor Fitness network. If you’re looking for physical support after cancer treatment, we’d love for you to check out our program or submit an application!

Participant Spotlight: Brenda Snow

One of the challenges of cancer is the wake of uncertainty it creates, even after treatment. The desire to reclaim normalcy or simply “live again” can often clash with fears such as, “Will I ever feel the same again?” or “Will the cancer return?” Navigating this uncertain terrain requires immense courage, strength, and resilience—qualities embodied by Survivor Fitness participant Brenda Snow.

Facing the Unknown with Courage

Brenda’s active life came to a halt after her diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS breast cancer. The HER2-positive status of her cancer demanded a comprehensive treatment plan that encompassed surgery, chemo, radiation, and a year of Herceptin. While she handled the medical aspects with determination, the lingering unknowns became one of the most difficult challenges she faced.

“I tolerated my treatment very well, but the worry of what comes next weighs on me still,” Brenda shared.

Despite the fear, Brenda stepped boldly into her post-treatment journey, determined to reclaim her active life. She yearned to return to the tennis court and embrace the outdoors once again.

“I have always exercised and been very active,” she shared. “After treatment, I was looking for a way to return to my former self.”

Taking Steps Toward Recovery

That’s when Brenda discovered Survivor Fitness online and took yet another brave step. She applied and quickly connected with Ashley Walls, who introduced her to a personal trainer and nutrition specialist in her area. Like many participants, she deeply appreciated the scholarship assistance that made her next step possible.

“I am very grateful to them for the opportunity to work with a personal trainer,” Brenda said. “I would not have been able to do that without their financial help.”

After being paired with Nathaniel Barnett at D1 in Hardin Valley, Brenda embarked on a 12-week fitness training program tailored to overcome the unique challenges of breast cancer treatment and regain physical strength. Reflecting on her experience with Nathaniel, Brenda expressed gratitude, noting how he played a pivotal role in her recovery.

“He was very encouraging and helped me regain a lot of muscle back.”

Today, Brenda celebrates the ongoing steps in her journey, both literal and metaphorical. Engaging in regular walks, she has successfully regained her physical fitness. Her experience has instilled in her a deep appreciation for everyday joys and simple moments, small pleasures that can be all too easily taken for granted.

For those facing similar battles, Brenda offers a message of hope and empowerment: “Go for this program if you get the opportunity. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Brenda’s journey embodies the spirit of Survivor Fitness: strength forged from adversity and hope blossoming amid uncertainty. Her story reminds us that even in the face of the unknown, taking small steps can lead to remarkable leaps—physically, emotionally, and beyond.

See How You Can Get Involved

If you are a cancer survivor looking to regain your strength after treatment, we invite you to learn more about our program or submit an application today.

Eating for Recovery: Nourishing Your Body After Cancer

a plate of colorful food on a wooden table

The journey after a cancer diagnosis can feel like charting a new map, with twists and turns you never anticipated. One crucial aspect of finding your footing again is reclaiming your energy and strength through food. Nourishing your body with the proper fuel can be life-changing, but the path forward isn’t always clear. You might face fatigue, side effects that impact your appetite, or just plain uncertainty about what’s best for your body.

At Survivor Fitness, we understand these challenges. Through our partnerships with incredible registered dietitians and nutrition specialists, we’ve seen the tremendous power of personalized nutrition as part of a holistic approach to recovery after cancer treatment. In this post, we’ll share some tips and hacks that have helped our participants thrive.

Nutritional Tips for Your Post-Cancer Journey: Find What Works for YOU

In the realm of post-cancer recovery and wellness, it’s essential to remember that nutrition is not a rigid set of rules but rather a new perspective. While general guidelines provide a foundation, there’s no singular “perfect” way to nourish your body.

As one of our partners, Jill Merkel, shared, “There’s so much misinformation and confusion about what to eat or not eat with a cancer diagnosis that people are afraid to eat. Helping participants to realize that there’s no perfect way of eating and helping them find what is right for them is my main goal.”

Make Small, Sustainable Changes

Drastic dietary overhauls might feel overwhelming, and often, tiny adjustments can lead to significant results. Allison Tallman, another one of our nutrition partners, describes it this way: “It’s better to make small changes one at a time rather than a lot of big changes all at once. This helps the changes you make actually stick.”

She encourages cancer survivors to make simple switches to their diet and celebrate each positive shift, no matter how small.

Make Sure To Fuel Your Body

When you’re battling fatigue or nausea from treatment, skipping meals might seem tempting, but fueling your body is crucial for healing. Aim for three regular meals and two or three healthy snacks a day. Choose foods that are easy to digest and pack an energy punch, like whole grains, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables. Listen to your body’s hunger cues and prioritize nourishing yourself.

Prioritize Protein

Protein is the building block of your cells, tissues, and muscles. Adding the right amount of protein can help counteract the muscle loss from cancer treatment. That’s why one of the first areas of focus for our partners is to make sure participants eat enough food and get enough protein in their diet. This can include protein sources like lean chicken or fish. You can also find a variety of non-meat sources of protein.

Embrace Mindful Eating

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to rush through meals. Cultivate a habit of mindful eating, savoring each bite, and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. This practice enhances digestion and fosters a deeper connection with your food.

Snack Smart

Stock your pantry with nutritious foods that are easy to grab and delicious. Some of the best options include trail mixes with dried fruit and nuts, Greek yogurt with berries, or mini bell peppers with hummus. Keep pre-cut vegetable sticks and slices and easy dips in the fridge for a quick and refreshing snack anytime.

Fuel your Body Before and After Exercise

As you embark on your fitness journey post-cancer, the importance of fueling your body cannot be overstated. Prioritizing nutrition before and after workouts can enhance performance, aid recovery, and support overall well-being.

Spice Up Your Water

Staying hydrated is an essential part of cancer recovery, but plain water can get a bit boring. Infuse your H2O with fruits, herbs, or vegetables to make it a tasty and hydrating treat. There are dozens of combinations you can choose from. Try cucumber and mint, watermelon and basil, or citrus slices for a refreshing twist. Bonus points for adding berries or ginger for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

From Surviving to Thriving: Embracing Nutrition’s Role in Recovery

Remember, your post-cancer journey is just as unique as your diagnosis and treatment. Your nutritional needs will evolve over time. Listen to your body, stay patient with yourself, and celebrate every small victory. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from a registered dietitian or nutritionist.