Board Member Spotlight: Brad Jones

brad jones survivor fitness board member headshot

At Survivor Fitness, we’ve seen firsthand how survivors rebuild their strength and create a ripple effect that inspires others. Over the years, participants have stayed engaged through advocacy, fundraising, and sharing their stories. 

Brad Jones is one of those participants. What began as his personal journey with cancer has grown into a powerful commitment to helping other survivors heal.

Brad’s Survivor Fitness Journey

Brad was first introduced to Survivor Fitness at the 2023 Nashville Survivor Soirée. At the time, he was a recently diagnosed cancer patient navigating the uncertainty of his future. 

“I was invited by fellow Survivor Fitness board member Michelle Hunter,” Brad shared. “Hearing the heartfelt stories of other survivors and how the program helped them reclaim their strength was so inspiring. I immediately knew I wanted to participate in the Survivor Fitness training program after my surgery.”

Like many survivors, Brad found that finishing treatment was only the beginning. The question of how to regain strength, both physically and mentally, still lingered. Survivor Fitness provided the structure and support he needed. Through his sessions with trainer David Rogers at A|Train Fitness, Brad began to rebuild his strength and confidence. 

The connection extended beyond fitness. “We have a shared interest in gardening and enjoy exchanging recipes,” Brad said. “He and his family have also been the beneficiaries of some really spicy ghost peppers that we’ve grown in the garden.”

This blend of physical recovery and personal connection made Brad’s Survivor Fitness journey deeply meaningful. He continues to train with David today, incorporating what he learned into his ongoing health and wellness routine.

From Participant to Advocate

For Brad, Survivor Fitness didn’t stop when the program ended. He and his family decided to make the mission their “varsity philanthropy.” Together, they found creative ways to support the organization and spread awareness. 

“We participated in Rock the Row with our 18-year-old son Ben. Our 13-year-old son Jett sold lemonade, and our 21-year-old son Parker helped promote our participation broadly via social media,” Brad explained.

Their passion was even recognized publicly when the family was featured in an article by the Middle Tennessee Community Foundation. The accompanying photo showed Brad proudly wearing his Survivor Fitness t-shirt.

“What resonates most with me,” Brad said, “is that thanks to advances in medicine and the physicians, nurses, and researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, more people are surviving cancer. Yet it is not enough to survive—we want to thrive. Survivor Fitness is uniquely qualified to help cancer survivors thrive.”

Looking Ahead as a Board Member

Brad’s personal journey and advocacy naturally led him to join the Survivor Fitness board. As both a participant and a leader, he brings a unique perspective that blends lived experience with a vision for the future.

“I am so excited to see the group continue to grow, replicate the program, and provide services beyond Tennessee,” he shared. “Survivor Fitness has a very clear mission, and I relish the opportunity to work with my friends and fellow board members to achieve these goals. I would love to break the $1 million fundraising goal during my tenure.”

When asked what advice he’d give to others, Brad’s response reflects both his survivor’s mindset and his passion for the mission: “Surviving cancer is just the beginning. Survivor Fitness can help you thrive.”

Contributing to the Team Effort

Brad knows his journey has not been one he’s walked alone. “Participating in Survivor Fitness is a team sport,” he said. “I could not have been successful without the support of my wife, kids, family, friends, and the board. I am particularly grateful for Meg and Aaron Grunke and for their vision to launch this unique organization.”

As Survivor Fitness continues to grow, leaders like Brad Jones remind us that the impact of the program extends far beyond individual participants. His story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the power of choosing to pursue a thriving life.

Fall Back into Fitness: How to Reset and Refocus Your Wellness Goals This Season

women working out lifting weights in a gym

Fall is a favorite season for many in Tennessee, and it’s not hard to see why. The air turns crisp, the leaves begin to change, and there’s a comforting rhythm that comes with the return of routine. Kids go back to school. Work schedules settle in. Life starts to feel a bit more structured after the carefree pace of summer.

That same rhythm can also be a powerful tool when it comes to your health and wellness. Whether you’re a cancer survivor working to rebuild your strength or simply someone who wants to re-engage with your health goals, fall can be the perfect time to reset and refocus.

Five Encouraging Ways to Refocus on Wellness This Fall

Whatever is prompting your desire to make a change, here are a few strategies to help you step forward with purpose and optimism this season:

1. Ask Yourself What You Need in This Season

Well-being is holistic and health is not one-size-fits-all. It changes with time, treatment, and life circumstances. As fall begins, take a moment to check in with yourself: What do you really need right now?

Maybe your body is ready to move more and get back into a fitness routine. Maybe your mind needs rest and space to talk with a counselor. Perhaps your energy is focused on eating healthier as we head into the holidays or finding the motivation to exercise after cancer treatment.

Give yourself permission to choose what’s most helpful and healing for you right now. Your wellness journey is your own, and it’s okay for your needs to change.

If you’re a cancer survivor looking to regain health and well-being after treatment, but aren’t sure where to start, our team is here to help. Our program coordinators can share more about our programs and help you identify which ones might work best for you.

2. Set Simple and Achievable Goals

Once you know what you need, try to set sustainable health goals to help you move forward. These goals don’t have to be big. In fact, the simpler they are, the better.

Your goal could be walking three times a week, drinking more water each day, or cooking one healthy meal at home each week. 

If you talk to any Survivor Fitness participant, trainer, or nutritional coach, they’ll often tell you that small, consistent actions build momentum. And the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel from reaching those goals can inspire even more positive habits over time.

3. Rebuild Your Routine One Step at a Time

Fall routines can be your ally. Use the natural structure of the season—like school schedules, earlier sunsets, and cooler mornings—to create healthy habits. But don’t feel like you have to do everything at once.

Start by adding one new habit at a time. You might go for a walk after dinner, prep healthy lunches for the week, or stretch for 10 minutes in the morning. Let the routine be something that works for you, not something that overwhelms you.

With time, these small changes become second nature, and you may find yourself looking forward to them.

4. Fill Your Plate with Seasonal Superfoods for Cancer Survivors

One of the best things about fall is the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Many fall fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that support your immune system, aid digestion, and help you feel your best.

Apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, leafy greens, and squash are full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins your body needs. Try roasting veggies for a simple side dish, blending pumpkin into a smoothie, or adding apples to your salads or oatmeal.

Eating seasonally doesn’t just support your health. It can also reignite your interest in cooking and make healthy eating more enjoyable.

You can also download our free healthy recipe book to discover nutritious favorites that are as delicious as they are good for you.

5. Lean on a Community That Supports You

You don’t have to pursue your health goals alone. Whether it’s a friend, a support group, a fitness coach, or a professional counselor, having people around you who encourage and believe in you makes a big difference.

If you’re a cancer survivor, finding a community that understands your unique challenges can be especially empowering. At Survivor Fitness, we hear stories every day from people who felt lost or stuck until they found a safe space to rebuild their strength and confidence.

Wherever you are, seek out the support you need. You deserve it.

Take the Next Step with Us

While Survivor Fitness is designed specifically for cancer survivors, the insights shared here are helpful for anyone looking to refocus their wellness goals this fall. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to rebuild strength and confidence through personalized fitness, nutrition coaching, or mental health counseling, we’d love to help.

Learn more about our programs or apply today. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.