One of the most surprising—and powerful—aspects of a cancer journey is how it forges meaningful and unexpected connections. Whether through chance meetings, divine timing, or a simple invitation, these relationships can become lifelines.
Survivor Fitness participant Tony Dunning’s path has been shaped and strengthened by these kinds of moments. Each connection he’s made has played a key role in his healing and created a ripple effect that’s still making an impact today. Tony’s story reminds us that when survivors are supported well, they pay it forward in extraordinary ways.
A Battle on Two Fronts
Tony’s cancer journey began in 2015 with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. He underwent a successful prostatectomy at the Mayo Clinic in early 2016 and spent the next several years cancer-free. But in early 2024, he received a tough update: his PSA levels were rising again, indicating a possible recurrence. A new round of imaging and tests revealed a recurrence of prostate cancer and a new diagnosis of bladder cancer.
“2024 was kind of a crummy year,” Tony shared. “I spent the balance of the year really focused on treating two totally different types of cancer, with two different paths of treatment. I did my prostate cancer treatment at Mayo in Rochester and my bladder cancer treatment at Vanderbilt. It was a lot.”
Despite the heavy toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally—Tony never lost sight of his commitment to staying active and finding ways to keep moving forward.
A Chance Meeting that Changed Everything
While staying active through workouts at a local CrossFit gym, Tony was introduced to Tom Milam—the founder of the Nashville Wine Auction, an event he and his wife, Diane, had supported for years. The Wine Auction, which has raised over $40 million for cancer-related organizations since its founding, holds a special place in their hearts. During the 2024 event, Tom took the stage and publicly recognized Tony and Diane from the crowd, sharing their story with everyone in the room.
“After Tom shared our story, this woman I didn’t know came up and introduced herself as Meg Grunke,” Tony recalled. “She said she was involved with an organization called Survivor Fitness and wanted to talk to me.”
Tony didn’t know what that meant at the time, but within days, Meg followed up.
“She explained the programs, and the rest is history.”
Several weeks later, Tony applied and was connected with trainer Zlatko Hundur—someone he affectionately refers to as “Z.” From their very first meeting, Tony knew he’d found someone who truly understood how to walk with survivors through their recovery.
“Z took us under his wing,” Tony said. “We were very disciplined—very committed. We went every single day, including over Thanksgiving and Christmas. We were all in.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of his training experience was that Diane could attend sessions with him. “We did it together. That made it even more powerful.”
Though progress was slow at times, the impact was undeniable. “It’s a slog. You don’t see results overnight; it’s a slow burn. But week one versus week ten? Then you start to see it. And the accountability, the reason to show up? It gave me a reason to believe again.”
A Wine Tasting with a Purpose
Not long after completing his initial training with Survivor Fitness, Tony had the chance to give back in an unexpected and deeply meaningful way. At the Survivor Fitness Soirée, he and Diane won an auction item: a private wine-tasting experience for 50 people. They decided to turn this opportunity into something much bigger. They hosted a large group of friends for a wine tasting, complete with food, education, and a video that introduced guests to the Survivor Fitness mission.
“Andrew Tow, who led the tasting, donates all profits to the nonprofit of your choice,” Tony explained. “So of course we chose Survivor Fitness. As a bonus, the other person who won the same auction item did the same. Together, both events raised about $5,000.”
But the impact didn’t stop there. “Because of that event, Andrew was so moved he decided to make a $10,000 donation from his foundation. It just turned into this amazing flywheel.”
What started as a fun evening turned into something powerful: awareness, connection, and lasting support for future participants.
Paying It Forward
Tony knows just how much of a gift Survivor Fitness has been, and he’s committed to making sure others experience it too.
“Coincidentally, a good friend of mine was diagnosed with prostate cancer not long after I was,” Tony shared. “I told him, you have to go to Survivor Fitness. And now he’s in the program and benefiting from it just like I did.”
For Tony, the work Survivor Fitness is doing is more than a support program—it’s a blessing.
“It’s just such a gift from God that this thing even exists. To have the vision, the foresight to bring this to life—and then to see it sustaining, growing… it’s just incredible.”
And the impact doesn’t stop with participants. It grows as they regain their strength and confidence, then pass it on to others.
“We’ve benefited so much as a family,” Tony said. “And it’s exciting to now be part of giving back—to help make sure others get the same opportunity.”
Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Connection
From a chance conversation with a stranger to a structured training program with a purpose, Tony Dunning’s Survivor Fitness journey is a testament to the power of meaningful connection. Each step—from personal healing to community fundraising—has created a ripple effect that continues to spread.
The Survivor Fitness community exists to help you find your support network after treatment. If you are a cancer survivor looking to reclaim your strength after treatment, we invite you to learn more about our Survivor Fitness programs or submit an application today.
