Category: Board Member Spotlights

At Survivor Fitness, our mission has always been to help cancer survivors reclaim their health and thrive after treatment. In recent years, our reach has expanded, our impact has deepened, and our community has grown. Much of our growth is thanks to the passion of our participants and advocates and the expertise of partners who believe cancer survivors deserve to find hope and healing after treatment.

A research scientist and host of the Rewire Your Brain: The Peace & Positivity Podcast, Liz brings a rare blend of clinical insight, strategic leadership, and heartfelt compassion to everything she does. Before her current endeavors, Liz spent over a decade as a healthcare executive, dedicating her career to supporting oncology patients. As she describes it, helping patients and survivors is “woven into every strand of her being.”

Her introduction to Survivor Fitness came through a cherished connection with Laura Crawford, a former program participant and board member. Inspired by Laura’s story and the organization’s mission, Liz joined the board in 2022 and immediately took on a leadership role. Since then, Liz has used her expertise to help shape our vision and expand our services.

Why the Survivorship Journey Matters

As someone who spent years working alongside oncology patients, Liz was no stranger to the milestones and challenges of treatment. But it was a conversation with a former colleague—a two-time breast cancer survivor—that changed her perspective on what survivorship truly means. This colleague shared a poignant truth: “I was never as scared during treatment as I was when I entered survivorship. You have so many appointments and scans, so many people are always checking on you. When you hit survivorship, you feel like you are all alone and there are limited resources to support you.”

That moment left a lasting impression on Liz.

“I remember crying when she shared that and feeling conviction to help in whatever way I could to improve a patient’s journey during survivorship.”

Creating a Space for Healing and Mental Health 

Liz’s dedication to supporting individuals facing life’s challenges extends beyond her work with Survivor Fitness. Her passion for empowering women feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burdened by daily pressures led her to launch her own initiative, Rhythm Restoration Collective. Through this venture, she helps clients establish daily rhythms grounded in scientifically backed protocols and practices. Her holistic approach and expertise proved to be a tremendous asset for Survivor Fitness as we launched our mental health programs in 2024.

“It is my firm belief that every single cancer patient should have access to mental health services free of charge. The ups and downs of a cancer diagnosis, nervous system dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, fear, and depression can be nearly as debilitating as navigating a cancer diagnosis and survivorship,” Liz shared.

As a board member, Liz played a crucial role in guiding Survivor Fitness through the multifaceted process of rolling out our mental health program. Her insights and leadership were instrumental in navigating the complexities and alleviating barriers to ensure survivors have access to the vital tools and support they deserve to thrive.

Spreading Hope and Healing

With the mental health program now in place, Liz is focused on what comes next: reaching even more survivors and expanding the ripple effect of healing.

“The impact Survivor Fitness has sends ripples of hope and healing for generations,” she said. “The more survivors we can reach, the more healing and hope we can bring to survivors and their families.”

After years of service, Liz remains inspired by the strength and perseverance of the Survivor Fitness community. If she could offer a message directly to those navigating life after cancer, it would be this:

“I am so proud of each and every single one of you. The courage and strength it takes to go through treatment and keep moving forward to thrive is more inspirational than words could ever describe.”

A Ripple Effect of Healing

Survivor Fitness exists because of people like Liz—people who show up, lead with heart, and believe in the life-changing impact of community and care. Her dedication has helped shape programs that meet survivors where they are and provide the tools and support they need to thrive. We are grateful every day for Liz’s leadership, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in the power of healing. If you or someone you know is navigating life after cancer treatment, learn more about our programs or apply today to join a community that believes in creating a ripple effect of healing for survivors.

Survivor Fitness began as a grassroots movement born from our own personal experiences navigating life after cancer. Over the years, our mission and programs have spread across Tennessee and beyond, thanks to the passion and dedication of the participants, partners, doctors, and friends who believe in what we do. One of the most exciting aspects of our journey is seeing supporters join our mission and help shape our future. 

Jamie Ernst is a perfect example of this spirit in action.

Jamie first learned about Survivor Fitness when her best friend, Laura Crawford, participated in the program back in 2016. She witnessed the transformative power of the program firsthand, observing Laura regain her strength and confidence post-treatment. Shortly after, the two began attending Survivor Fitness events together in Nashville, where Jamie was deeply moved by the positive impact these gatherings had on survivors.

“As someone who is passionate about health, fitness, and a holistic approach to well-being, Survivor Fitness’s mission deeply resonated with me. After hearing Aaron’s story and learning that insurance typically doesn’t cover aftercare for survivors, I felt a strong desire to help and be part of something impactful,” Jamie shared.

This experience ignited a spark in Jamie to become more involved. She joined the planning committee for the annual Nashville Survivor Soirée, contributing her energy and expertise to the event. 

Recognizing her unwavering passion and commitment, we invited Jamie to join our board of directors in 2024 so she could further her commitment to impacting the lives of cancer survivors.

Making Survivor Fitness a Household Name

As an artist Manager and director of marketing, Jamie understands the power of grassroots marketing and effective outreach. 

“Although Survivor Fitness has been around for some time, it still feels like we’re in the early stages of its growth, which is incredibly exciting,” she said. “I appreciate having the opportunity to be involved from the ground up.”

Jamie’s goal is to amplify Survivor Fitness’s reach and impact, ensuring that more cancer survivors know they’re not alone on the recovery journey and have access to our programs after treatment.

“My hope is for Survivor Fitness to become a household name for patients as they navigate their cancer journey, providing them with the support they need to thrive after treatment,” she expressed.

Looking Ahead with Vision and Determination

As a board member, Jamie continues to channel her passion into actionable change. She plays a crucial role in growing the Survivor Soirée event in Nashville, contributing invaluable insights on rebranding and marketing strategies for the organization. Her forward-thinking approach ensures that Survivor Fitness remains responsive to the evolving needs of the cancer survivor community.

“I’m excited about the growth of Survivor Fitness and the impactful initiatives underway, especially the expansion into mental health support.”

Jamie’s journey—from being inspired by a friend’s recovery to becoming a vital member of our board—illustrates the transformative power of community and shared purpose. Her work reminds us that helping survivors navigate life after cancer treatment includes rebuilding hope and offering a sense of belonging.

Join the Survivor Fitness Movement

If you or someone you know is navigating life after cancer treatment, we’d love for you to explore our programs. Whether you’re interested in personalized fitness training, nutritional coaching, or mental health counseling, we’re here to help you build a fulfilling and resilient future.

Want to support a friend or loved one? Discover how you can get involved in helping cancer survivors find hope and long-term healing after treatment. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of those navigating the challenges of survivorship.

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.”

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.

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.”