Participant Spotlight: Shawyn King

The battle with cancer is often a long and difficult journey. For most patients, the weeks and months are charted by micro-moments. These might be brief interactions or experiences that only last a couple of minutes, but they are moments the patient never forgets. That’s how Survivor Fitness participant Shawyn King described her story. Shawyn was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47. Her initial diagnosis led to an incredibly challenging and physically taxing treatment plan that left her bedridden for nearly six months. But that’s not the end of her story. Shawyn is a cancer warrior who continues to fight and inspire others in their battle against cancer. 

“I’ll Never Forget the Day I Found Out I Have Cancer”

In November 2020, Shawyn noticed a lump in her chest. She originally thought she had pulled a muscle at the gym, but she decided to contact her primary care doctor who set up a diagnostic mammogram for her. During the mammogram, the doctors expressed concern and conducted an ultrasound.  Within minutes, they came in and told Shawyn that she needed a biopsy the following week. 

“During the biopsy, I remember asking, ‘What happens when this comes back and it’s not cancer?’” Shawyn recalled. “I remember the look on her face as she responded, ‘This is cancer. I do this every day and you need to find a breast surgeon and an oncologist.’ I left her and called my husband and said, ‘I think they just told me I have cancer.’”

Shawyn’s battle with cancer started that day. A few weeks later, Shawyn learned that her cancer was very aggressive and that she was going to need equally aggressive treatment. She started the dreaded “red devil” treatment plan that included both chemo and radiation. 

After 30 rounds of radiation, Shawyn was mostly bedridden for six months. The steroids weakened her significantly, wreaking havoc on her body. 

“That Day My Life Changed Again… for the Better.”

After her treatment ended in 2021, Shawyn was still struggling to walk and move. She wanted to find a way to regain her strength and see what life could look like after the biggest fight of her life. She expressed this desire to a nurse, who gave her information about Survivor Fitness.

“I was hesitant to call and inquire because treatment for cancer had financially been hard,” Shawyn described. “But I decided to check it out. I learned that Survivor Fitness had scholarships available, and I got a call back from Meg. That day my life changed once again, but this time for the better!”

Because of the way treatment impacted her body, Shawyn could barely walk up the eight steps to the training facility. “I was blessed with Carissa Mahoney as my trainer. The first day she asked me what my challenge was, and I replied, ‘Those eight steps to get into the building.’“ Shawyn described. “She put her clipboard down and said, ‘Then that is where we will start today.’” 

She will never forget what it was like to go back outside, walk down the steps slowly, and learn as Carissa showed her ways to help engage her muscles and build her strength back. With the encouragement and support of her trainers, Shawyn began a customized workout plan that allowed her to exercise daily. She pushed herself to become a little stronger each day. 

“It Took Cancer to Show Me My Potential” 

Today, Shawyn is able to run those stairs like “Rocky.” She still benefits from the encouragement and support of her trainers.

“The trainers and Survivor Fitness become your biggest cheerleaders,” she expressed. “They ultimately became my family!”

Today, Shawyn is preparing for another battle—but it’s not cancer or trying to make it up the stairs into the training facility. She is training for a sprint triathlon to commemorate the two-year mark since her diagnosis. The race is taking place less than a year after she tried to make it up the steps into the training facility.

“My first day of Survivor Fitness I could barely walk up 8 steps,” Shawyn recalled. “Through the encouragement and support my trainer and Survivor Fitness provided, I am about to do a sprint triathlon. This by far has been the best experience with fitness and health in my life, and it took cancer to show me my potential.”

Looking for Inspiration and Encouragement on Your Recovery Journey?

Shawyn is an incredible inspiration to our entire community at Survivor Fitness. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! 

Connect with us today to learn more about the specific ways Survivor Fitness can support you on your journey to regain health and strength after cancer.

8 Quick, Healthy Meals for When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

person cutting vegetables preparing healthy meals

Even before a cancer diagnosis, there may have been days when you didn’t feel like cooking. Most of the time, fatigue and emotional exhaustion can make it difficult to prepare a meal. You might even experience changes in taste or smell that affect your desire to cook. And yet, you recognize that healthy eating is an important factor in supporting your recovery.  

At Survivor Fitness, we recognize all of the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that cancer survivors face each day. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to regain your strength and wellness. In this blog, we’ve highlighted a few quick and healthy meals you can turn to on those days you don’t want to cook. We’ve included a variety of options depending on what you’re in the mood for. 

1. 4-Ingredient Chicken and Rice Casserole

Whether you are running low on ingredients or looking for an easy recipe to add to your meal prep routine, this chicken rice casserole makes for a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in five minutes of prep time.

2. Vegetarian Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This vegetarian-friendly option combines a sweet potato with avocado and black beans to transform it into a complete and nutritious meal! All in under 15 minutes of prep which is a win for any weeknight! 

3. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Breaking down a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and money throughout the week. Adding a few spices can help you create delicious tacos in under ten minutes. All you have to do is add whatever toppings you have on hand: cheese, lettuce, avocado, or salsa.   

4. Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

Fish can be an important part of any healthy diet. The good news is that you don’t need tons of time or fancy ingredients to cook a delicious meal. After adding a simple marinade to your salmon, all you need to do is throw it in the oven with some of your favorite vegetables.

5. Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Have days where you want to ditch the meal you had prepared and order a pizza instead?  This simple snack recipe is a fantastic alternative to satisfy your pizza cravings in a more healthy way.

6. Greek Salad with Edamame

Edamame is rich in fiber and protein, which makes it a great addition to salads if you don’t have time to cook meat. Adding it to a traditional Greek salad provides a quick and easy meal filled with heart-healthy ingredients. 

7. Lemony Greek Chicken Soup

Finding a fast and simple recipe can be difficult when you’re in the mood for soup. This recipe only takes 20 minutes to come together and is the definition of comfort food. 

8. Magic Green Sauce

Looking for something on the lighter side? This recipe can help you whip up a delicious dip with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. All you have to do is add raw veggies or crackers to dip and you’re ready to go. You can also use this sauce as a quick marinade for chicken or dressing for salad.  

Additional Resources for Eating Healthy

If you’re looking for more healthy recipes to incorporate into your diet, here are a few additional resources to check out:

If you’re a cancer survivor who wants to incorporate healthy eating into your recovery routine, Survivor Fitness can connect you with a certified nutritionist to help you regain your health and wellness. Reach out to our team to learn more about how to become a Survivor Fitness participant.

7 Tips to Meal Prep Weekly

food-in-meal-prep-containers

Eating healthy is vital for anyone who wants to regain and maintain strength and stamina, but figuring out a new nutrition plan can be challenging. Cancer treatment often creates a “new normal” for patients as they experience greater fatigue, weakness, and fluctuations in their weight. In most cases, the nutrition plan for patients after treatment looks different from the one they were encouraged to keep during treatment. Developing a habit of planning ahead with a weekly meal prep routine has been one of the most helpful and effective strategies for Survivor Fitness participants. Meal prep is an easy way to embrace mindful eating habits. It can also help you find healthy solutions to eat when you’re exhausted or not feeling up to cooking.  

1. Start small and keep your meals simple.

Developing a routine of weekly meal planning can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. It’s important to give yourself grace and take small achievable steps in the same way you do with other areas of life.

You can begin by planning out just a few meals or snacks for the week ahead. It’s also helpful to start with simple meals that are easy to prepare and cook. This can help you find a rhythm that works for you.

2. Include a good balance of protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

One of the most beneficial aspects of meal prep is that it allows you to see what you’re eating and maintain a healthy and balanced diet throughout the week. As you look at your plan, make sure you have a healthy balance of proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

As a cancer survivor, it’s essential to choose the right nutrition plan based on your unique circumstances. That’s why we believe in helping our Survivor Fitness participants connect with a nutrition specialist if they need support. If you can’t connect with a nutrition specialist, there are many resources online for post-treatment meal plans. 

3. Incorporate healthy snacks into your plan. 

Snacks are an area that’s easy to overlook when planning and preparing meals for the week. But finding simple, easy, and healthy recipes allows you to snack on foods that will fuel your recovery.

Here are a few of our favorite healthy snack recipes to incorporate into your weekly meal prep. 

4. Keep your pantry stocked with healthy staples. 

Even the best meal preppers run into days where they forget an ingredient. A quick meal made from the items in your pantry is perfectly fine, especially on the days you don’t feel up to making anything else. It’s beneficial to stock your kitchen with nutritious foods so that you can still find healthy options if you want to add an item to a meal or cook something entirely different that day. 

5. Experiment with how and when you prepare meals in advance. 

Cooking or preparing meals in advance is often a key component of successful meal prep. However, forcing yourself into a rigid structure can leave you discouraged. 

Each person’s approach to meal prep is unique. It’s important to find what works for you based on your dietary needs, family circumstances, physical capabilities, and season of life. Finding a sustainable weekly meal prep routine that makes your life easier is the goal. It doesn’t matter how you get there. 

6. Find creative ways to get the family on board. 

Meal prep can be difficult when you’re responsible for feeding other people, especially families with children. Enlisting your family in the planning process is one way to avoid these challenges. You can get their input on the menu for the week or even invite them to help you prepare meals. Having a theme for certain days of the week is another way to discover new recipes and generate excitement throughout the week. 

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.   

It’s important for anyone (especially cancer survivors) to listen to what their body needs and ask for help when they need it. This might look like asking family and friends to help you prep meals during the weekend. Instead of going past your limits on high-energy days, remember that it’s ok to take breaks. Asking for help is an important part of developing a sustainable meal prep plan for you and your family.

Planning and preparing your meals can be a great habit to help you maintain a healthy diet and eliminate the frustrations of figuring out what you’re going to eat every day. But it’s important to remember that progress is the goal, not perfection. If you’re a cancer survivor looking for more nutritional guidance and support, Survivor Fitness is ready to help! Visit our website or contact our team to learn more about how to become a Survivor Fitness participant today.

Participant Spotlight: Deborah Hill

The day you’re diagnosed is a day most cancer survivors never forget. In some ways, it’s as if time stops for just a second before speeding up very quickly as treatment begins. That is exactly how Survivor Fitness participant Deborah Hill described the experience for her and her family.

Finding Out About Her Diagnosis

“February 14th, 2020 is a day I’ll never forget,” Deborah explained. “I was told that I had breast cancer. The word cancer was all I heard. I walked to my car and sat there thinking, ‘What just happened?’” 

That moment was the beginning of a nine-month battle for Deborah and her family. Deborah had been married for 40 years and had three children, two grandchildren, and another one on the way at the time of her diagnosis. Her family proved to be her biggest source of inspiration during her treatment and recovery.

“I had so much to live for, so I was giving it my all!” 

Deborah’s treatment plan included an intense combination of approaches. She began four months of chemotherapy after her diagnosis and then had surgery a month later. A few months after her surgery, Deborah began radiation. Like most cancer patients, Deborah faced a lot of new physical challenges during treatment—fatigue, muscle loss, joint pain—along with the fear and uncertainty that each day holds.  

“I was exhausted, but I never gave up,” she said. “I kept my faith and had family and friends that fought this with me. They were my biggest cheerleaders to push through.”

After nine months of fighting the pain, fatigue, and emotional rollercoaster, Deborah finally finished her treatment plan.

Encouragement and Support at the Right Time

After radiation, Deborah was put on a hormone blocker to reduce the risk of recurrence. She wanted to start exercising and doing activities that would help her return to her normal routine. This proved to be more challenging than she thought.

“I thought things would just go back to normal after a few weeks. I was so wrong on that,” Deborah recalls. “After a year of trying to fight, being so fatigued and just mentally exhausted, I realized I needed help getting back on my feet.” 

That’s when Deborah started with Survivor Fitness. While she was initially hesitant, she realized that working with someone would be more beneficial than trying to do it herself.

“I realized I needed help—not only for what I needed to do but what I can do,” she said. “I was scared that I would do something wrong, and I needed a person to say, ‘It’s OK, you can do this!’”

Through the program, she quickly experienced how a personal recovery plan could help her regain her strength physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

She worked alongside her Survivor Fitness trainers Sam, Spencer, and Matt to find encouragement, even on days when she didn’t feel great. Their support made a tremendous difference. They listened to her needs each week and continued to push her to do her best. Through their encouragement, Deborah realized that she could and will get better every week.

“The trainers have helped me with getting my confidence back,” Deborah said. “They are also great listeners. If I have a really emotional day, they take the time to listen as we work out.”

Healing on Every Level

Deborah’s commitment to her recovery has made a tremendous difference in her experience of life after cancer. She believes that Survivor Fitness has been a place of healing for her—physically, emotionally, and mentally. She credits the program and her trainers for helping her get to where she is today on her health and fitness journey. 

“Survivor Fitness has been life-changing during my recovery. It has been a great healing place for me.”

We are extremely grateful to Deborah for her participation at Survivor Fitness. To learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness participant, connect with us today.

Board Member Spotlight: Marriah Mabe

Since she was a young college student, Survivor Fitness board member Marriah Mabe felt a calling to work with cancer patients. This special calling has led to a career defined by her compassion and sense of duty to serve others.

After moving from Maryville to Memphis, Marriah graduated from the social work program at the University of Tennessee while her husband attended medical school. After completing her studies, she was hired as a social worker in the survivorship program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work at St. Jude,” said Marriah. “That’s where I fell in love with supporting patients and families through the journey of diagnosis and treatment—really even the survivorship piece is where my heart is.”

Today, Marriah works with cancer patients and their families at one of only a few dozen proton beam therapy clinics in the United States. 

Most people are familiar with radiology as an integral part of cancer care. After all, nearly one out of every two cancer patients will undergo some form of radiation therapy. Among those patients, only a small sub-group qualifies for proton beam therapy—a procedure in which protons are separated from hydrogen atoms, sped up in a particle accelerator, and used to destroy tumor cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

What may sound like science fiction to some has been a life-saving treatment for others since 1954. But due to its high cost—a single proton beam therapy machine can cost upwards of $200 million—proton therapy clinics are a rare commodity.

That’s why patients travel from far and wide to receive treatment in Knoxville. Away from home and facing a life-threatening diagnosis, patients can rely on Marriah and her colleagues for the support they need.

“We have a lot of patients from three hours away or even further,” said Marriah. “Transportation, housing, and other basic needs is where I come in to help patients overcome the barriers to getting here and getting treated.”

Aside from the logistics of traveling for treatment, Marriah provides encouragement and emotional support during a difficult medical journey.

“I’m here to be a resource for them, even if it’s just somebody to talk to while they’re with us in Knoxville,” Marriah explained.

It was a proton therapy patient who introduced Marriah Mabe to Survivor Fitness, which operates in Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga. Today, she proudly serves on its board of directors to help cancer patients bridge the gap between remission and recovery.

“While a diagnosis is shocking and overwhelming, options to move forward are put in front of you,” said Marriah. “After treatment, patients go from running 100 miles per hour to feeling like they’re doing nothing—a sense of losing control that catches people off guard.”

“They think life will get back to normal, but normally can look very different for different people,” she continued. “Many patients struggle because they want to find a way to contribute to their health moving forward, but they’re not sure how to get started.”

That’s where Survivor Fitness comes in by connecting patients with qualified professionals for customized, one-on-one fitness training and nutritional guidance.

By reclaiming their physical health, survivors build confidence and feel empowered to reclaim the lives they led before being diagnosed and treated.

“It’s a great thing to help patients regain that sense of control,” said Marriah. “Besides the benefits of exercise, one of the best benefits of Survivor Fitness is how it connects survivors with one another. Even if it’s just one person, discovering that you’re not the only one going through the challenges of survivorship can be a huge piece in knowing things will be okay.”

Marriah Mabe, LCSW, is an oncology social worker at Provision CARES Proton Therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee where she oversees the clinic’s Art Therapy Program, serves as chair of the Provision CARES Ethics Committee, and leads the Pediatric Program Committee.

Celebrating Brooke Hartman: The 2022 Knoxville Survivor Soirée Honoree

For the past four years, the Survivor Fitness Foundation has hosted The Survivor Soirée to honor participants and raise money to support cancer survivors who are unable to afford the help they need to regain their health and quality of life. Inevitably, one of the most memorable and moving moments is when we get to recognize our annual Survivor Fitness Honorees. This year, we had the opportunity to celebrate Brooke Hartman as one of our Knoxville-area honorees.

Here is a powerful glimpse into Brooke’s battle with cancer and her journey toward health.

“I Had No Idea How Our World Would Be Turned Upside Down…”

Brooke was diagnosed in April 2020 with a form of breast cancer known as invasive ductile carcinoma. Reflecting on her experience, Brooke will never forget the day the surgeon also informed her that the diagnosis was triple negative. Not only is it one of the worst types of tumors, but it also is a more aggressive form of cancer that does not have a targeted treatment plan.  

But navigating treatment was only part of the challenge that made cancer difficult. Brooke is also a wife and mother.

“I realized the lump I discovered was not a good thing, but I had no idea how our world was going to be turned upside down,” Brooke explained. “There isn’t a specific way to target the triple negative form of cancer, so you kind of have to throw the kitchen sink at it.”

Brooke immediately began an aggressive treatment plan that included IV chemotherapy infusions, a double mastectomy, 30 radiation treatments, 12 months of immunotherapy, and six months of chemotherapy medication. 

Cancer, along with the treatment, took a tremendous toll on her body. Six months into treatment, Brooke began trying simple exercises to get back to normal. That’s when a sobering reality set in.  

“I remember trying to do a push-up, and I realized I couldn’t do it,” Brooke said. “It was like everything came crashing down at that moment, and I realized what cancer treatment had done. I can’t explain the hope I got when I learned that I could be part of a program that could help me rebuild.” 

“Treatment is Over… But Cancer is Not.” 

After her long, difficult treatment regimen was completed, Brooke began adjusting to life after treatment, which can be an extremely difficult experience for cancer survivors.

“There’s a reality that when treatment is over… cancer is not,” Brooke said. “Treatment is complete, but it’s sort of like hearing, ‘Congratulations! That part is over. Here’s what you have left.’” 

In July of 2021, Brooke joined Survivor Fitness and began working with Survivor Fitness trainer Carissa Mahoney. Together, they developed an intentional training plan based on the treatment Brooke received and the health goals she wanted to achieve. 

Four months later, Brooke achieved something she never thought possible after treatment: hiking to the top of Mount LeConte. While the hike was difficult, Brooke was able to ground herself in the reality of where she was and how far she’d come. 

“At one point on the hike…I just stood there and cried,“ Brooke said. “I never knew if I was ever going to be able to do something like this. I got to summit LeConte, and I will always be grateful for that, but I got so much more.” 

Brooke attributes her ability to achieve something like hiking Mt. LeConte to the physical, mental, and emotional she receives through Survivor Fitness. The training and encouragement have made a tremendous impact on her ability to engage with life in ways she couldn’t envision after treatment.

“I cannot imagine post-treatment without Survivor Fitness,” Brooke stated. “I believe that folks need to know that cancer isn’t the end of the story. The story continues. We get to live that out.”

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

Brooke’s passion for life and her family inspire us all in the Survivor Fitness community. It’s such an honor to walk with her during this phase of her journey. If Brooke’s story resonates with you, you can also check out the experience of other Survivor Fitness participants here on our blog.

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, connect with us today to learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant. You can also donate to the Survivor Fitness Foundation to provide scholarships to those in need of support.

Celebrating Maheen: The 2022 Nashville Survivor Soirée Honoree

Last month, we hosted our third annual Survivor Soirée in Nashville, TN. This was a special opportunity to recognize people who are making an impact in the Survivor Fitness community and also raise support for cancer survivors to continue their journey of healing through our mission. One of our favorite highlights from the event is getting to honor a Survivor Fitness participant who embodies the values of our community.  

This year’s honoree was Maheen. Here’s a brief look at her story and why we were honored to recognize her at this year’s event. 

An Unexpected, Life-Altering Diagnosis

Maheen is a driven and compassionate woman who was just about to start her career in medicine when she received news that would change her life. After finishing her post-doctoral residency training program, Maheen was ready to start her career when she recognized a lump along her chest wall one morning. She immediately knew something was wrong. 

“I remember sitting on my bedroom floor and crying as we received the phone call,” Maheen said. “It was like everything went black at that moment, and I didn’t understand what I was being told.”

Maheen was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the rarest and most aggressive forms of breast cancer. This required a comprehensive and difficult approach to treatment. 

“I was very scared and nervous. Some studies show that only 35-40% of people with this diagnosis get a good response from treatment. I didn’t know what was going to happen or where I would go,” she explained. 

Maheen’s cancer journey included numerous ups, downs, and unexpected turns. A few weeks after her double mastectomy, Maheen learned that she had a pulmonary embolism. A couple of months after starting treatment for that, doctors found a large mass in her heart  This led to unexpected open-heart surgery. 

“I just remember there being a lot of hopeless days and nights, not knowing what was next,” she recalled.   

“Regaining Control and Feeling Like Myself Again”

After completing treatment, Maheen immediately noticed a change in her body. Because of chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and multiple surgeries, Maheen lost a significant amount of physical strength.

“I wasn’t able to work or even do simple day-to-day tasks that were easy before my diagnosis. I didn’t feel like myself after treatment,” she said.  

That’s when she learned about Survivor Fitness from Julie Bulger, who works at the Patient and Family Care Center at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Cancer Center.

“Cancer had taken a lot away from me, and I recognized that Survivor Fitness was one way I could do something for myself. I finally had a way to take back control where I could,” she said.

Maheen was connected with her Survivor Fitness trainer J.J. Fish, and the two began working together on a personalized plan that would help Maheen regain her strength and vitality. While losing the weight she gained during treatment was an area of focus, Maheen recognized that it was ultimately a byproduct of getting strong and healthy.

“I’m just extremely thankful to be able to work with a trainer like J.J.,” she said. “I’ve been able to lose over 45 pounds. But more than that — I’ve regained my confidence, improved my sleep, and I feel like myself again, mentally and physically.”

Maheen’s commitment to recovering her vitality and strength is inspiring to our community at Survivor Fitness. At one point in her recovery, Maheen had to stop training to recover after another surgery. She maintained a commitment to getting back to training as quickly as she could. 

“Survivor Fitness has given me so many things I never imagined I’d be able to regain,” she said. ”I feel so much stronger mentally and physically. I feel like I’ve been able to regain control over my life.” 

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, connect with us today to learn more.

Board Member Spotlight: Rhett Lankford

The journey after cancer involves hard work and dedication. It also requires connection and care from others. These are the values that help cancer survivors navigate the new challenges they face after treatment. 

While he hasn’t experienced a personal cancer diagnosis, Rhett Lankford embodies the values of connection and care that led him to become a Survivor Fitness board member. 

Rhett’s closest experience with cancer came when his dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. After a year of treatment, Rhett’s father entered remission, but the physical toll is still making an impact three years later. 

“After treatment, my dad didn’t have a lot of energy. He couldn’t be as active as he was before the diagnosis which caused him to put on some extra weight and created other health issues. Thankfully, he was able to overcome those and is more disciplined about taking care of his body,” Rhett said.  

Shortly after his dad’s diagnosis, Rhett was introduced to Survivor Fitness. His wife, Joanna, was a childhood friend of Survivor Fitness co-founder, Meg Grunke. Joanna and Meg reconnected when they both moved back to Knoxville, and the two families became close friends. 

When Rhett pitched the idea of sponsoring and supporting Survivor Fitness to his employer, FirstBank, the leadership was immediately supportive. 

“It’s not hard for people to see the value of what Survivor Fitness does,” he explained. “Whenever I walk someone through the program and how it works, it doesn’t take more than five minutes for most people to want to find a way to help.” 

Rhett’s passion for the mission, dedication, and willingness to be open to new opportunities aligned earlier this year when he joined the Survivor Fitness board.  

“It was kind of a God thing. My wife and I were talking about how beneficial it would be for me to find activities to pursue outside of work, family, and exercise. Not long after that conversation, Aaron asked me to serve on the board,” he said.  

Rhett’s hardworking demeanor and connections across the state make him a valuable addition to the board. As a member of the growth committee, Rhett is actively working on connecting friends and family members in the Chattanooga area with Survivor Fitness as the organization looks to expand its mission into new areas. 

“I don’t have a cancer survivor’s perspective. But I am excited about helping to spread the word about Survivor Fitness as much as I possibly can.”

Rhett is excited about the opportunity to use his natural skills and business acumen to consider a scalable process that can be replicated to support more cancer survivors across Tennessee and beyond.

“Unfortunately, cancer isn’t going anywhere. But you recognize the power of having a path forward after hearing stories of Survivor Fitness participants. I believe the more that people know about Survivor Fitness, the more lives it can change. That is an exciting challenge to be part of.”

Rhett’s passion and community-oriented spirit are summed up perfectly in the way he describes Survivor Fitness to those who are entering the next phase after treatment.

“Survivor Fitness gives you a path forward without having to take the journey alone. You’re partnering with people who’ve walked the same journey alongside you.”

Rhett Lankford lives in Knoxville, TN with his wife, Joanna, and their children, William and Bennett. He works as a Financial Advisor and Vice President of FirstBank Investment Partners and serves on the Survivor Fitness board.

Leadership Spotlight: Meg Grunke

The first time Meg Grunke encountered the harsh reality of cancer face to face was also the moment she met the love of her life. 

Fresh out of college and adjusting to her new life in Nashville, Meg attended a social event where a mutual friend introduced her to Aaron, who is now her husband and a loving father to their twins, James and Anna.

“When you think of spouses that have faced cancer together, you often assume they were together from diagnosis to remission,” said Meg. “I didn’t know Aaron when he was going through treatment. I met him during the aftermath, if you will, before he really started getting back control of his mental and physical health.”

As their relationship grew, Meg learned about Aaron’s life-altering cancer journey that started just a few years before they entered each other’s lives. 

For the future Mrs. Grunke, listening carefully was essential to bonding over an experience that she didn’t share with Aaron in person.

“When we were dating and he was explaining his journey to me, I had him repeat everything over and over because I wanted to know everything that happened in detail,” Meg explained. 

Just four years earlier, at the age of 21, Aaron had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer that required three surgeries and seven rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. 

“He was the closest person to me who had gone through cancer, and knowing what that experience was like—the ups and downs and back and forth between treatment and monitoring—meant genuinely getting to know the man I love,” she added.

By the time they had met, Aaron had already spent three years fighting for his life—the kind of physical, emotional, and spiritual battle that comes at a cost for survivors and those closest to them.

Shortly after they married in 2010, Aaron began the second part of his cancer journey—one to reclaim his physical wellness, restore his mental well-being, and reclaim what he had lost to the disease and its treatment.

“What I had the privilege of witnessing was the evolution and transition between where he was struggling with life after treatment and getting back the control he had lost,” said Meg. “Seeing that transition in him and watching him rediscover this piece of the puzzle that was missing for so long was really powerful.”

Fitness was just one of the interests that Meg and Aaron had in common. So, when Aaron proposed Survivor Fitness as part of a business school project, she quickly saw its potential to help others recovering from cancer.

“Aaron’s the ‘wow’ guy, but I’m the ‘how’ person,” Meg remarked jokingly. “One day, he came home and told me he had filed the paperwork to start Survivor Fitness. That’s when I realized that we were actually going to do this together.”

Today, Survivor Fitness operates across Tennessee to connect cancer survivors with customized, one-on-one fitness training and nutritional counseling to regain strength, stamina, and independence.

As its executive director, Meg  Grunke plays a major role in shaping the board of directors at Survivor Fitness by recruiting leaders who can help the nonprofit grow in size and increase its reach.

“We’ve been very blessed by the people who have entered our lives and have teamed up with Survivor Fitness,” said Meg. “Cancer is something that touches everybody in some form or fashion. Unfortunately, that means you don’t have to look too far to find someone who has fought cancer themselves or who has a loved one who has faced it.”

Reflective of her own leadership style, the foundation of her recruitment strategy is elegantly simple and straightforward.

“Board members need a passion for changing people’s lives,” she explained. “And they need to be able to share in a bigger vision to help as many survivors as possible. Together, we’re filling a need that isn’t unique to Tennessee. It’s a need all across the country, anywhere you go.”

While that growth happens, Meg looks to the survivors in her life, both at home and through Survivor Fitness, for inspiration to continue leading with confidence.

“Every time I get an email, or a text, or a phone call from a participant who wants to share their progress is a special moment for me,” said Meg. “For some, that means just getting to play with their children again, or opening up a jar of peanut butter on their own, or being able to be left at home without worry of falling and injury.”

“Each story is a reminder of how something so seemingly simple as moving your body—and having someone walk beside you—can make such a difference.”

Meg Grunke lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband Aaron and their children James and Anna. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and serves as Executive Director of Survivor Fitness Foundation.

Participant Spotlight: Ashley Hensley

Every cancer survivor knows what it’s like to deal with the uncertainty after their diagnosis. There are so many unknowns and questions. How long will this impact my life? Will I ever get back to normal? What does normal even mean? How should I approach my everyday activities in light of my diagnosis? These were the questions that Survivor Fitness participant Ashley Hensley asked herself when she was diagnosed with cancer in the midst of a season that was already filled with uncertainty.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma, to be exact) in November of 2020 while on furlough from my job during the pandemic,” Ashley explained. “That was a year full of uncertainty.”

After radiation treatment, Ashley was prescribed a plan to take tamoxifen for the next ten years because her tumor was estrogen positive. While the medication helps prevent cancer from returning, some of the side effects have a noticeable impact on physical activity and capacity. 

Ashley heard about Survivor Fitness from her oncologist about a year after her initial diagnosis. She joined as soon as she could after treatments as a way to get her confidence back. 

Finding the Mental Strength for the Fight

Ashley already lived an active lifestyle prior to her diagnosis. This helped her find the strength she needed to undergo treatment. After treatment, she wanted to find a way to get back to normal. Survivor Fitness became a way for Ashley to regain mental strength and fortitude as her fight against cancer transitioned to the next phase. 

“Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, it never really leaves your mind. It still finds its way into my everyday life when I least expect it,” Ashley said. ”I joined Survivor Fitness because I wanted to get stronger so that I am always ready to fight.”

The same determination that helped Ashley persevere through radiation treatment also helped her regain momentum for her new fitness routine.  

“Even on days when I just really don’t feel like it, I keep at it. This program has helped me to be more accountable to myself so that in the end I am getting stronger both mentally and physically. It really is such a mental exercise.” 

Ashley attributes much of her recovery and her new approach to her trainer, Kim Day. 

“Kim is the best trainer. She pushes me when I need a push and supports me when I need support. For the first time in my life, I don’t even look at the scale anymore. Kim has helped me get stronger, and that is what I’m using to measure success.” 

Regaining Strength, Control, & Confidence 

After six months with her trainer, Ashley has already noticed a tremendous difference in her strength and confidence. After such a season of uncertainty, Ashley is grateful for the program and everyone who made it possible for her to get back on track after her cancer detour.

“Survivor Fitness has absolutely helped me to get my confidence back,” Ashley said. “As you might imagine, the body image stuff coupled with tamoxifen can be difficult. This program helped me to get back into that good head space, and it has honestly been the best gift.”

While Ashley continues the fight to keep cancer from returning, she has embraced the same level of consistency and commitment that she originally leaned on after diagnosis. When asked what advice she would give to someone on a similar journey, Ashley shared so much wisdom from her experience.

“It doesn’t happen overnight, but you will get stronger every day. The confidence that you will feel is the absolute best gift that you can give yourself. You will see what your body is capable of and be so proud of yourself.”

Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Ashley took a courageous “fight like a girl” approach. Needless to say, she’s embraced the same perspective as she continues her journey as a cancer survivor. Ashley’s personality and resolve remind us while we can’t predict the future, we can control how we respond to it.

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.