Participant Spotlight: Jen Lewis

Jen Lewis in green dress

Cancer doesn’t wait for the “right time.” It doesn’t care if you’re young, healthy, or planning for one of the most exciting seasons of life. For Jen Lewis, a breast cancer diagnosis came during her journey to become a mom. What followed was an unexpected battle through chemo, surgeries, and recovery—but also a story of grit, grace, and an unshakable hope for the future.

When Jen discovered a lump on her breast just before her fourth round of IUI fertility treatment, her world came to a halt. What began as a hopeful journey toward motherhood quickly turned into a fight for her life. But through every setback, Jen chose to fight hard. And when she was finally ready to rebuild, Survivor Fitness was there to help.

Rebuilding Strength One Rep at a Time

Jen was no stranger to the gym before her diagnosis. Fitness had long been a part of her life. But after 16 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, and a massive stomach ulcer, Jen’s body had been through it all. She was ready to heal, and she knew she couldn’t do it alone.

“I figured there had to be some kind of support group that could help me get back in the gym and start over in my strength training,” Jen shared. “My Google search did not disappoint. I found Survivor Fitness!”

She was matched with trainer Mariah Smith at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, and from their first meeting, Jen felt at ease. 

“I’m someone who, when I make a decision, I dive RIGHT IN. But Mariah helped me go slow and gave me reasons as to WHY we were going slow. I needed time to heal, and she helped me through it.”

With guidance and encouragement, Jen slowly returned to her strength training routine. 

“I’m in no way where I was, but I’m on my way,” she said. “A year after completing the program, I still work out at least three times a week!”

Battling Through Setbacks, Finding Hope

While Jen worked to regain her physical strength, the mental challenges were just as daunting. 

“Mentally speaking—WHAT. A. BATTLE,” she admitted. “I was used to doing so much cardio nonstop, curling over 20 pounds, and seeing muscle tone. That all went out the window.”

The emotional toll of seeing her body change and struggling to return to her former abilities was heavy. But Survivor Fitness helped her regain confidence and compassion for herself.

“I’m able to more easily give myself grace now. My body had to do what it had to do in order to stay alive.”

Still, the hardest part of Jen’s journey wasn’t the treatments or surgeries. It was the uncertainty surrounding her dream of becoming a mom. 

“I might never be able to have children of my own,” she recalled thinking. “That shook me.”

But with the help of her oncology and fertility teams, Jen was able to freeze embryos before starting chemo and take monthly medication to preserve her reproductive health. And then, nearly a year and a half later, everything changed again. 

“On the day of my first Survivor Fitness Soirée, September 2024, MY BODY SAID HELLO! And five months after that, February 2025, God said, ‘I got you,’ even more. My first embryo transfer was positive. I was pregnant.”

A Message to Others: There Is Hope

Jen’s journey is one of strength, setbacks, and soul-deep perseverance. She credits her faith, her care team, and Survivor Fitness for helping her through the hardest season of her life. With her first child due in October 2025, she’s living proof that healing and hope can go hand in hand.

“To anyone on a similar journey: ‘The night is always darkest before the dawn.’ There is hope, and there is help,” Jen said. “Even if you want to yell at God, He can take it. Don’t lose hope.”

Jen also had a special message for her trainer:

“Mariah was wonderful. She knew when to push me and when to hold me back. She’s fantastic, and I’d recommend her to anyone!”

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

Jen’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, there is strength to be found. During these seasons, the right support can make all the difference. Through Survivor Fitness, Jen found the guidance, accountability, and encouragement she needed to rebuild her body and her hope for the future.

If you or someone you love is navigating life after cancer treatment, Survivor Fitness is here to walk alongside you. Learn more about our programs or apply today to take the first step toward healing, strength, and a renewed sense of self.

Board Member Spotlight: Anita Slaughter

Anita Slaughter headshot

One of the most inspiring parts of Survivor Fitness is witnessing the transformation of participants. That transformation is what drives our team, fitness partners, nutrition coaches, and therapists to keep showing up and offering support for survivors on the road to recovery. For Anita Slaughter, a Nashville-based fitness professional and owner of A|Train Fitness, helping survivors rebuild their strength has become a personal mission.

Anita first connected with Survivor Fitness in 2019 when she became a certified cancer exercise specialist. With that certification, she and her team at A|Train Fitness began working directly with Survivor Fitness participants.

“Being able to see firsthand how Survivor Fitness truly changed the trajectory for cancer survivors is the thing that made me want to become more involved,” Anita shared.

That first-hand experience was powerful. She saw people walk into the gym burdened with fatigue, fear, and weakness and leave weeks later with renewed confidence, strength, and optimism. Those transformations made a lasting impression, leading her to join the Survivor Fitness board in 2025.

From Partner to Advocate: A Personal Mission

As a trainer, Anita has a front-row seat to the impact of Survivor Fitness, but her involvement in our organization is also deeply personal.

“Cancer has become so prevalent over the last several years. Everyone has either faced cancer themselves or had someone close to them go through it,” Anita shared. “Seeing both of my parents and several of my friends face cancer diagnoses really hit home, and I knew I needed to become more involved.”

Serving on the board has given her the opportunity to offer even more than her professional expertise. As the chair of fundraising, she’s now helping lead the charge in fundraising, outreach, and growth. Anita’s goal is clear: expand the reach of Survivor Fitness so even more people can access the support they need after treatment ends.

“Every year, we’ve doubled the number of participants going through Survivor Fitness. But that’s still only a fraction of the number of cancer survivors in Tennessee,” she said. “I’m excited to work with an incredible team to continue Survivor Fitness’ vision and growth by increasing funding and awareness.”

Community, Connection, and Continued Strength

For Anita, one of the most meaningful parts of the Survivor Fitness program is what happens after a participant “graduates.” A|Train hosts regular group fitness classes specifically for Survivor Fitness alumni, and those sessions have become a powerful community for ongoing support.

“The support system our participants build throughout their Survivor Fitness experience and beyond is incredible,” Anita said. “The bonds they share, the relationships they develop—it’s truly wonderful to witness.”

That sense of community and continuity is key. Survivor Fitness isn’t just about checking a box or completing a program—it’s about long-term health, strength, and connection. It’s why Anita is so passionate about what the organization does, and why she’s committed to helping it grow.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Trends, and Empowerment

As Survivor Fitness expands, Anita is excited to see the organization’s mission spread even further across Tennessee and beyond.

“Increasing certified cancer exercise gym partnerships, growing the number of participants, and expanding community awareness—it’s all so exciting to see.”

She’s also watching broader wellness trends closely, always looking for ways to incorporate new research and best practices that can benefit cancer survivors. Her current focus? Reducing carcinogens and improving insulin sensitivity—both of which are strongly linked to long-term health outcomes.

“The best way to improve insulin sensitivity is by incorporating strength training and increasing muscle mass,” she explained. “That reduces overall inflammation throughout the body, which is especially important for cancer survivors.”

While cold plunges and saunas may be trendy, Anita remains focused on what works for everyone: strength training and reducing exposure to harmful ingredients in foods and products.

Words of Encouragement for Survivors and Advocates

Having coached dozens of Survivor Fitness participants, Anita knows how overwhelming recovery can feel. But she also knows what’s possible when people take that first step.

“It can be extremely overwhelming to recognize the work needed to get back to feeling themselves again. I always encourage participants to take just one step at a time, one day at a time.”

Her advice is simple: celebrate the small wins. Each workout, each meal, each moment of movement is a building block toward something bigger.

“Before they know it, they’re stronger, more hopeful, and excited about their future,” Anita shared. 

We’re incredibly grateful for Anita’s continued support, advocacy, and leadership over the years. By working directly with participants and championing our mission as a board member, her passion for helping survivors regain their strength and confidence is felt throughout our entire community.

If you’re inspired by Anita’s story and want to get involved—or if you’re a cancer survivor ready to take the next step in your recovery—learn more about our programs or apply today.

How to Support a Loved One Through Cancer Recovery: A Guide for Family and Friends

cancer survivorship support group

When someone you love finishes cancer treatment, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, including relief, gratitude, hope, and even a little fear. The hard part feels like it should be over. But in many ways, the road to recovery is just beginning.

At Survivor Fitness, we’ve seen how vital the post-treatment phase is for cancer survivors. After walking alongside hundreds of survivors through our programs, we know that the need for support doesn’t end when treatment stops.  In fact, it’s often when survivors need support the most. Whether survivors are finding motivation to exercise, adjusting to a new normal, or rebuilding emotional well-being, this next chapter requires patience, encouragement, and connection.

If you’re wondering how to help a loved one during this time, you’re not alone, and your support truly matters.

Some of the Challenges Cancer Survivors May Be Facing

While your loved one may radiate strength and resilience, there can be underlying challenges they might not readily express:

1. Rebuilding Physical Strength and Managing Fatigue

Cancer treatment can take a significant toll on the body, leading to persistent fatigue and muscle weakness. Your loved one may want to return to their previous activity levels or simply be able to walk upstairs without getting winded. Regaining strength can be difficult without the right support, leading to frustration and discouragement.

2. Navigating Nutritional Changes

Many cancer treatments can alter taste preferences, cause digestive issues, and create uncertainty about the best foods to eat for recovery and long-term health. Your loved one may feel overwhelmed by meal planning or unsure where to start.

3. Emotional Uncertainty and Fear

Even with successful treatment, the fear of recurrence and the anxiety of adjusting to a “new normal” can be significant. Your loved one might grapple with uncertainty about the future, changes in their body image, and processing the emotional impact of their cancer experience.

4. Feeling Isolated or Misunderstood

While surrounded by love, survivors may feel a disconnect from those who haven’t shared their specific journey. Well-meaning comments might feel dismissive of their ongoing challenges, which can often lead to feelings of being misunderstood and isolated.

Practical Ways to Support Your Loved One

Being there for a loved one doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, the small things mean the most. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to help:

1. Be Patient with the Process

Healing isn’t linear. There will be good days and harder days. Be mindful that your loved one may still need rest, may cancel plans unexpectedly, or might not be quite ready to jump back into life at full speed.

2. Educate Yourself About Cancer Recovery

Understanding the potential long-term side effects of cancer treatment and the emotional challenges of survivorship can help you be more empathetic and provide informed support.

3. Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small

Meeting a new workout milestone, making a healthy meal choice, or simply getting through the day with energy are all big wins, and every step forward matters. A little encouragement and positive self-talk go a long way.

4. Help Them Connect with Support Systems

Sometimes, the best help you can give is encouraging your loved one to lean on others, too—whether that’s a trainer, therapist, nutritionist, or a community like Survivor Fitness. Recovery doesn’t have to happen alone.

5. Encourage Gentle Movement and Offer to Be an Exercise Buddy

Suggest going for short walks together or participating in gentle exercise activities they enjoy. Your presence can provide motivation and make exercise feel less like a chore. Be patient and understanding if they need to adjust the pace or duration.

6. Support Healthy Eating Habits Without Pressure

Offer to cook nutritious meals together or help with grocery shopping. Be mindful of their dietary needs and preferences, and avoid pressuring them to eat anything they’re not comfortable with.

7. Offer Specific Help

Rather than saying “Let me know if you need anything,” offer something concrete. Asking “Can I bring over dinner on Tuesday?” or “Want me to pick up groceries this week?” makes it easier for your loved one to say yes.

8. Continue to Include Them

Ensure they still feel connected to your social circle and are included in activities they are up for. Modify plans as needed to accommodate their energy levels and needs.

Helpful Resources to Support You Both

Looking for practical tools and ideas to help your loved one through recovery? Here are a few resources we’ve created that can help:

You’re Not in This Alone

Supporting a loved one through cancer recovery can feel overwhelming at times. But your presence, encouragement, and love have the power to make a real difference. By cooking a meal together, sharing a walk, or simply sitting in silence, you are taking concrete steps to help your loved one heal. At Survivor Fitness, we believe in the power of connection, and we’re here to walk alongside survivors through every step of the journey. If you or someone you love is navigating life after treatment, we invite you to learn more about our programs or how to get involved with our mission.