Every cancer survivor navigates a unique journey to reclaim their health and well-being after treatment. While the experience is undoubtedly challenging, many find that the process of recovery can be a catalyst to emerge stronger and more resilient than they were before their diagnosis.
Marva Steed’s journey through diagnosis and recovery is a testament to extraordinary resilience. Her battle for health didn’t begin with cancer; it started two years prior with a life-threatening encounter with a novel virus that shattered her physical foundation.
The Double Battle: Fighting COVID Recovery and Cancer Complications
In March 2020, Marva became one of the first people in America to be diagnosed with COVID-19. “I spent 13 days on a ventilator, which caused significant muscle atrophy,” she recalled. Just as she was rebuilding her strength, her health was dealt another blow. In May of 2022, she received a breast cancer diagnosis.
Marva’s cancer journey required a double mastectomy. Unfortunately, the path to recovery was complicated by serious setbacks. During the surgery, she contracted pseudomonas, a severe infection that necessitated an emergency surgery just two weeks later, requiring the complete removal and redoing of the reconstruction.
“Obviously, the recovery was longer than expected and unfortunately brought more muscle atrophy,” Marva explains.
After battling COVID-induced weakness, major surgery, and all the complications that followed, Marva found herself physically depleted. The years of effort to get back on her feet had been erased, leaving her discouraged and out of shape.
Finding the Courage to Start with Survivor Fitness
Once she had physically recovered from the mastectomy surgeries, Marva’s plastic surgeon gave her a flyer for Survivor Fitness and strongly suggested she look into the program to regain strength. The idea was planted, but the action took time.“It took a little while to get the courage to make the contact,” Marva admits. “I was initially embarrassed to join as I was so out of shape.”
It’s a common feeling among survivors—the body that once endured so much trauma now feels unfamiliar and weak. But Marva found the support she needed to push past the hesitation.
In January 2025, she took the necessary leap, connecting with Survivor Fitness and beginning her strength training journey with her coach, Paige Rugaard, at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, TN. Paige was incredibly encouraging, creating a safe and motivating environment that Marva needed.
Marva was amazed at her progress, even after a few short weeks. Not only has she regained her functional strength, but the program has instilled a deeper sense of self-worth. “It’s also given me a sense of pride and excitement that I did something for myself that will help improve my chances of remaining cancer-free.”
The result is a renewed and robust outlook on life. “I’m proud to say, I am stronger now and more motivated to stay active than ever before.”
Marva credits Survivor Fitness for giving her the push she needed: “I owe so much to Survivor Fitness for giving me the opportunity, as I don’t believe I would have ever taken the necessary steps to do it on my own.”
The Importance of the First Step
Having fought back twice from severe physical setbacks, Marva offers simple but profound advice to other cancer survivors who may be facing their own post-treatment battles. She understands that the weight of weakness, isolation, and embarrassment can be paralyzing.
“Finding motivation and humbling myself to take the first step and make the connection with Survivor Fitness was definitely the hardest part of the journey.”
That first step, she says, is the hardest. But the benefits far outweigh the fear. Her message is clear: “Put all the fear aside and just do it. You’ll be so glad you did.”
The measurable success Marva achieved through her partnership with Paige solidified the program’s value in her eyes. “I don’t believe I would have ever regained my strength without the program. I’m stronger now than I have been in many years.”
The fact that this transformative recovery is offered at no cost to the survivor is, as Marva puts it, “truly amazing.” Marva completed her initial program in April 2025. Determined to maintain her hard-won progress, she decided to purchase more sessions to continue her strength training with the team she trusts.
Join the Survivor Fitness Community
Marva Steed didn’t just survive two major health crises; she emerged stronger than she’s been in years. By finding the courage to take the first step, she turned her recovery from a daunting chore into a source of pride and a commitment to a healthier, stronger future.
If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor ready to reclaim health and strength, Survivor Fitness offers personalized fitness, nutritional, and mental health programs to support you.
Learn more about how to start your personalized recovery program today!
