Board Member Spotlight: Hollie Adams

Hollie Adams, Survivor Fitness Board Member

At Survivor Fitness, our mission is to transform the way people navigate life after cancer. We’ve been fortunate to celebrate countless success stories thanks to the dedication of our team, partners, donors, and volunteers, as well as the passion of our alumni and friends in the medical community. But with more than 43,000 Tennesseans expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, the need for support is incredibly great. We remain focused on expanding our reach, working as hard as we can to help as many survivors as possible.

One person who shares this passion for growth and innovation is Survivor Fitness board member Hollie Adams. An experienced healthcare executive, Hollie has a wealth of experience leading strategic growth and marketing initiatives for hospitals and networks such as Ascension Health, Community Health Networks, and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis. 

Turning a Personal Battle Into a Mission for Change

Prioritizing fitness was always an important part of Hollie’s lifestyle. But in 2021, her life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her double mastectomy, Hollie experienced significant weakness and a limited range of motion. Although she was eager to regain her strength, getting back into a fitness routine proved more challenging than anticipated.

Once cleared by her doctor, Hollie attempted to return to her home gym, hoping to get back into a normal workout routine. However, the demands of exercise after surgery took a toll on her body. During one workout, she fainted from pushing herself too hard.

“I was trying to do too much too soon. That’s when I realized that cancer survivors require experts who know how to properly heal the body from the kind of trauma that comes from cancer surgery,” Hollie said.

Recognizing she needed professional guidance, Hollie turned to Google in search of a program that could help her safely rebuild her strength. That search led her to Survivor Fitness. After completing the online application, Hollie received a response within the same week. She soon began working with a personal trainer and nutritionist to regain her strength and stamina in a safe and effective way.

From Survivor to Advocate: A Vision for Thriving After Cancer

A year after completing the Survivor Fitness programs, a colleague reconnected Hollie with the leadership team at Survivor Fitness. This opportunity allowed her to get to know the organization from a different perspective—one that extended beyond her personal journey as a participant. Through this connection, Hollie discovered how deeply the mission of Survivor Fitness resonated with her experience.

“When people with cancer go through treatment, the medical community refers to those patients as survivors. While going through treatment, being called a survivor didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to just survive cancer – I wanted to grow and thrive from it. Survivor Fitness’s mission is to empower survivors to reclaim their health and thrive after cancer treatment. That really resonated with me,” Hollie explained.

Hollie’s personal journey and her passion for helping others aligned seamlessly with her professional expertise in healthcare and strategy. She is committed to cultivating connections and conversations within the adult oncology space. 

The need for collaboration is clear. With tens of thousands of Tennesseans facing a cancer diagnosis each year, there is an urgent call to create a holistic system of care—one where Survivor Fitness is seamlessly integrated into the oncology space, offering cancer survivors the tools and support they need to reclaim their health after treatment.

“Survivor Fitness has realized incredible growth in the past few years, and it is exciting for me to envision an organization that could help every cancer patient truly thrive after treatment and live their best life possible,” Hollie said.

A Brighter Future for Survivors

We’re incredibly grateful for Hollie’s passion, vision, and dedication to expanding our mission. Her experience as both a cancer survivor and a professional in the healthcare field brings invaluable insight to our board. With her leadership, we are confident that Survivor Fitness will continue to grow and help more survivors regain their strength and truly thrive after treatment.

If you, or someone you know, is a cancer survivor looking for support, we invite you to learn more about our programs. Together with dedicated advocates like Hollie, we are committed to helping more survivors become “thrivers.”

Board Member Spotlight: Peyton Cherry

Professional portrait of Peyton Cherry.

Passion. It’s a word that permeates and drives so much of our work at Survivor Fitness. It fuels the determination of our participants as they reclaim their health and rebuild their lives through our programs. It drives the dedication of the trainers, therapists, and dietitians who guide them on their journey. And it underpins the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, supporters, advocates, and board members who help us amplify our impact.

Passion is also the perfect word to describe one of our dedicated board members, Peyton Cherry. A native Knoxvillian, Peyton’s connection to Survivor Fitness began through mutual friends who introduced him to our founders, Aaron and Meg Grunke. Hearing Aaron’s story of resilience during his own battle with cancer deeply inspired Peyton, prompting him to get involved.

A Heart for Transformation

“I was truly inspired not only by Aaron’s story,” Peyton says, “but by all of those who’ve participated in the Survivor Fitness programs. The organization strives to do good on the largest possible scale, which truly shows within the community of tightly knit individuals who participate in this program.”

Peyton’s involvement with Survivor Fitness began to grow as he attended more events, including our Knoxville Survivor Soirée. This event, which featured a live auction, was particularly meaningful to Peyton. The auction raised funds for the financial support and scholarships we offer to participants, ensuring that anyone who needs our programs can access them.

“Seeing all the attendees raise their paddles and donate generously to promote the cause was beyond special to witness,” Peyton reflected.

It’s no surprise then that Peyton’s passion, coupled with his strong ties to the Knoxville community, made him a perfect candidate for our board in 2023. His primary focus is to expand our reach and connect with businesses and individuals who share our mission. He believes this increased exposure will draw in more resources and support and attract a wider range of participants who could benefit from Survivor Fitness programs.

“With the year-over-year growth of Survivor Fitness,” Peyton says with optimism, “the number of people able to join this program is only going to increase. The ability to touch so many lives is amazing, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The Power of Community

Beyond passion, Peyton understands the power of community. As a real estate agent, he witnesses firsthand the profound impact that a strong support network can make for cancer survivors. This understanding resonates deeply with Survivor Fitness’ core values.

“The feeling of having folks around you with similar stories helps to invoke hope among the individuals within it,” Peyton explains. “The Survivor Fitness programs are not only special to me, but to so many within the community.”

At Survivor Fitness, we are incredibly grateful for Peyton’s unwavering passion and boundless energy. His dedication to expanding our reach allows us to empower more cancer survivors as they move towards a happier, healthier future after treatment.

Board Member Spotlight: Chris Guay

Professional portrait of Chris Guay.

Survivor Fitness thrives because of the incredible people who believe in our mission. We’re fortunate to have a board of directors that is comprised of passionate leaders and talented individuals who dedicate their skills and experience to positively impacting the lives of cancer survivors. Chris Guay is a shining example of this dedication.

A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Chris founded Vitality Living, a leading provider of active independent and assisted living communities. Since its launch in 2016, Vitality Living has flourished under Chris’s leadership, becoming a top senior living company nationwide. His passion for people and commitment to quality service have allowed the organization to serve over 2,000 residents across the country.

Chris’s energy, strategic thinking, and innovative approach are evident in his work at Vitality Living. But it’s his inherent desire to help others that truly inspires him. This desire is what led him to join the Survivor Fitness Board.

Finding a Connection with Survivor Fitness

Chris connected with Survivor Fitness founder Aaron Grunke during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Chris collaborated with Aaron to secure COVID tests for Vitality Living employees and residents, he learned about Aaron’s story and the inspiration behind Survivor Fitness. Chris felt an immediate call to action, compelled to support the organization and its mission.

As Chris became more involved, he discovered a close friend had been one of the program’s first participants following her breast cancer battle. This personal connection further solidified his decision. Cancer touches us all, and Survivor Fitness was making a tangible difference.

“I am new to the organization,” Chris says, “but was drawn to it by Aaron and other survivors’ stories of how going through the Survivor Fitness Program helped them gain not only physical strength but confidence after battling cancer.”

A Personal Connection and a Shared Mission

Personal health and fitness are cornerstones of Chris’s life. Like many, he has witnessed the impact of cancer firsthand.

“I have watched too many loved ones fight this disease,” Chris reflects, “and have seen the negative impacts it has during and after treatments. Gaining the confidence that they are strong and their bodies can be healthy again is one of the most valuable aspects of cancer survivorship.”

Chris firmly believes that supporting an organization aligned with his passion for wellness and fighting cancer is a calling. “I am extremely honored and excited to help more survivors find and experience our program,” he adds.

Since joining the board, Chris has been consistently inspired by the stories of program participants.  Hearing firsthand how Survivor Fitness empowers survivors and transforms their outlook on life fuels his dedication.

For those considering starting the Survivor Fitness program, Chris offers these encouraging words: “Don’t let cancer define you and make you feel weak. Battling the disease takes a mental and physical toll, but our program can help you get your strength back and more.”  These powerful words encapsulate Chris’s unwavering support for our mission.

Survivor Fitness is incredibly grateful to have Chris as a board member. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as we strive to grow and reach more cancer survivors.  But most importantly, Chris’s passion for our mission and his calling to be part of our organization is a powerful asset that will make a difference in the lives of our participants.

To learn more about how we help cancer survivors reclaim their mental health, read more about our program or submit an application today! 

Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Mitchell

Rachel Mitchell smiling outside at the park

Community is like a super glue that holds everything together in a cancer survivor’s journey. It’s how people with different passions and perspectives come together to build each other up. That’s why it’s one of our core values at Survivor Fitness Foundation. We’ve seen countless survivors find their power and purpose within our community, and it’s truly inspiring.

The essence of this community spirit is mirrored in our Board of Directors. We’re privileged to work alongside a mosaic of community leaders, nonprofit professionals, fitness specialists, business visionaries, and medical experts. Their collective voices and insights are instrumental in sculpting the Survivor Fitness Foundation into a beacon of hope and healing for cancer survivors across Tennessee.

Today, we’re honored to introduce Dr. Rachel Mitchell, one of the inspiring board members guiding us on this mission.

As a doctor at Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Mitchell serves patients in the Nashville and Shelbyville clinics. From her earliest memories, her heart was captivated by the concept of healthcare. That led her to pursue a medical degree from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, where she specialized in oncology—a discipline where she could harness innovation and empathy to profoundly impact her patients’ lives.

After practicing in Tennessee for a couple of years, Dr. Mitchell was introduced to Survivor Fitness by a discerning friend who noticed an alignment between Dr. Mitchell’s expertise and the Survivor Fitness mission. She instantly recognized the synergy and felt a magnetic pull towards our cause.

“Physical activity has always played a large role in my life, both for physical and mental benefits. As a medical oncologist, you see the impact that both diagnosis and treatment can have on patients. Being able to approach a patient’s recovery process through a whole-person approach is so important,” she shared.

Dr. Mitchell walks alongside hundreds of patients during diagnosis and treatment, but she doesn’t always get to follow their recovery journey as closely. Getting the opportunity to see the changes that Survivor Fitness participants experience has been one of the most meaningful experiences for her since joining the board. Witnessing participants reclaiming their lives after treatment fuels her commitment to the cause.

“Hearing patients’ stories after they participate in the program has been very rewarding,” she said. “The program is truly life-changing. It EMPOWERS the patient to be able to gain control of their lives again after overcoming a cancer diagnosis.”

As an oncologist, she recognizes the impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment have on a patient physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Dr. Mitchell is a testament to the power of community and compassion in cancer recovery. Her journey alongside patients, both in the clinic and as a board member, shines a bright light on the path to hope and healing. We are incredibly grateful for her passion, her expertise, and her relentless commitment to helping cancer survivors reclaim their lives and redefine what it means to thrive.

Board Member Spotlight: Michelle Hunter

michelle hunter standing in front of a bridge

The reality of living in a world touched by cancer is a paradox of extremes. On one hand, the battle with the disease and the aftermath of treatment are fraught with difficulty, fear, and isolation. Yet, cancer also possesses a powerful unifying force. Whether you’re a survivor or someone closely impacted by the disease, hearing another’s diagnosis ignites an instinctual desire to offer support, born from a shared understanding of the journey ahead.

This very idea led Michelle Hunter to join the board of directors at Survivor Fitness. Michelle is a seasoned marketing and sales professional residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has already contributed her expertise to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. However, it’s her personal story with cancer that fuels her dedication to Survivor Fitness.

Finding Strength Together

With a significant history of hereditary cancer in her family, Michelle has witnessed firsthand the arduous process of regaining strength and vitality after treatment.

“I knew from my own experience that trying to regain my strength after treatment required a systematic approach and a team of encouragers,” Michelle shared. “I frequently got hurt because I wasn’t taking my limitations into account. I needed someone with a plan to help me stay safe.” 

In addition to her personal battle with cancer, Michelle walked alongside family members through diagnosis and treatment. Watching them go through similar struggles solidified her belief in the importance of community. In fact, she first learned about Survivor Fitness while her daughter was undergoing treatment at Vanderbilt.

“Meeting Aaron and hearing about his success in overcoming his own health challenges as a young college student was incredibly encouraging for both my daughter and me,” Michelle said. “His unique perspective allowed him to connect with her in a way I couldn’t.”

From Patient and Parent to Advocate and Advisor

Deeply impressed by the need for Survivor Fitness’ services and the effectiveness of the holistic approach to post-treatment recovery, Michelle knew she wanted to be involved. In 2021, as Survivor Fitness announced its expansion into Chattanooga, Michelle saw the perfect opportunity to use her expertise and passion to support a cause close to her heart. She recently joined the board of directors, bringing her personal story and valuable perspective to the table to help more cancer survivors on their post-treatment journeys.

One of the highlights of Michelle’s time on the board was attending the annual Survivor Fitness Soiree in Nashville. This event serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of participants and the impact the organization has made.

“As a parent, it helped me to see that my daughter’s journey is not unique. Finding a community that understood and supported our experience was incredibly meaningful.” 

Despite the hardships cancer has brought to Michelle and her family, she remains grateful for the opportunity to leverage her experience to empower others. She is tremendously excited about Survivor Fitness’ continued expansion in Chattanooga and beyond.

“I believe there are so many people yearning to regain their zest for life, feeling lost and hopeless about moving forward,” she said. “The team at Survivor Fitness understands this process and is dedicated to making it easier.”

We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s perspective, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping Survivor Fitness reach and serve more cancer survivors in Chattanooga, across Tennessee, and beyond. Her passion for connecting with others on their road to recovery is a powerful asset that will make a difference in the lives of countless cancer survivors who join our program.

Board Member Spotlight: Callie Jubran

Callie Jubran, Survivor Fitness Board Member

Everyone who is involved with Survivor Fitness — our partners, donors, and board members — has a unique source of inspiration for supporting cancer survivors through our program. Some are moved by seeing participants discover a new way of living after treatment. For others, the connection is even more personal. 

Callie Jubran joined the Survivor Fitness board of directors in 2023. A native of Knoxville, Callie and her husband have supported the organization and participated in events for years. But after her father passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018, Callie found a new source of inspiration for getting involved. 

“I knew Survivor Fitness was the type of organization my dad would have absolutely loved,” Callie said. “He was extremely conscious about his health and held nutrition and exercise as a high priority even through his battle with pancreatic cancer.” 

Callie felt that being part of the Survivor Fitness community was a meaningful way to honor her dad and give back to others diagnosed with cancer. After watching her dad navigate the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of cancer and treatment, Callie recognized how devastating a diagnosis can be. 

“I know firsthand how the fight can affect your body long term,” she said. “However, it is not just the physical effects; the emotional impact goes hand in hand. Learning how to live again can often be difficult.”

Callie firmly believes that the program’s holistic approach, addressing the physical, nutritional, and emotional aspects, is what sets Survivor Fitness apart and makes it so impactful. 

“Survivor Fitness helps participants rebuild physically, nutritionally, and emotionally,” Callie highlighted. “Hearing stories and seeing participants thrive because of the stepping stones Survivor Fitness helped lay down is exciting.”

As Survivor Fitness continues to grow and reach survivors far and wide, Callie is filled with anticipation for the positive changes it will bring to the lives of countless individuals across the country. 

“Survivor Fitness started small, and each year it has grown exponentially,” she shared. “Now it is reaching survivors near and far.”

While the potential impact energizes Callie to share our mission with as many people as possible, it’s her personal connection and source of inspiration that is most meaningful to her. She feels privileged to be part of an organization that honors her father’s legacy and is dedicated to supporting those who face the challenges of cancer head-on. 

“I am thankful to be able to be a part of a cause that I know my dad would be proud of,” she shared. “Unfortunately, each of us is touched by cancer in some way. Knowing that I am participating in an organization that is working hard to wrap its arms around the people who have to fight this ugly disease is very rewarding.”  

Board Member Spotlight: Devin Driscoll

Strength. Perseverance. Self-belief. These are all attributes that describe Survivor Fitness participants as they work to regain their health and fitness after treatment. Coincidentally, they’re also the characteristics that board member Devin Driscoll knows well — not only through his own story but through the countless athletes and individuals he has trained over the years. 

Today, Devin owns six D1 training facilities across Tennessee and Alabama. He also sits on D1 Corporate Training Panel, Franchise Advisory Council, and Validation Committee, where he utilizes his experience to support the 110 D1 franchises across the country.  

Devin’s journey in fitness and training began well before he connected with D1 founder, Will Bartholemew, in 2017. As a Knoxville native, Devin grew up playing sports throughout his childhood. Devin went on to play collegiate athletics and even wrestled for the WWE Federation for two years.

“I always loved lifting and training,” Devin said. “But I fell in love with fitness and recovery when I blew out my knee in college.”  

The lifelong passion Devin discovered in college became a career when he opened his own personal training company, Next Level Fitness, in 2007. At Next Level, he worked primarily with high school and college athletes. After nearly a decade of building his business, Devin connected with D1, creating the perfect opportunity to franchise multiple locations successfully. 

Devin’s passion for fitness and expertise in business intertwined with a few personal experiences when he first learned about Survivor Fitness in 2021. Like many Survivor Fitness board members and advocates, Devin’s had a front-row seat to the impact that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have after watching multiple family members battle cancer, including his mother. 

“The first person I thought of when I heard about Survivor Fitness was my mom,” Devin explained. “She was actually my first client when I started my business. Knowing what she went through and how challenging it is to get back to the gym after treatment was something I’ll never forget.” 

After connecting with Survivor Fitness founder Aaron Grunke, Devin began using his local connections to support the Knoxville market while exploring opportunities for growth throughout the entire D1 community. Devin recognizes the welcoming environment at D1 is an ideal space for Survivor Fitness participants to train. 

“After treatment, the last place you want to go is somewhere that feels like a hospital,” he said. “D1 has such a different environment. Because so many of our clients are training for something, we’ve created a space that inspires people.” 

Devin officially joined the Survivor Fitness board of directors in 2023 and is looking forward to using his connections and knowledge to impact even more lives through the program.

“What excites me the most is being able to create connections between Survivor Fitness and the relationships we have to grow exponentially quicker.” 

After observing the community-oriented momentum that has grown within the fitness space in recent years, Devin is excited to see how the entire fitness community could wrap its arms around the mission of Survivor Fitness to support cancer survivors after treatment.

“It’s been so cool to see how people have come together and supported one another in the fitness community over the years,” he shared. “There’s so much momentum for the community. I think that’s where our team at D1 can really help the future of Survivor Fitness.”  

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.

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.