Category: Participant Spotlight

For more than two decades, Dr. Mary Romano has spent her career helping young people navigate complex health challenges. As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, she has dedicated her professional life to caring for patients and guiding families through difficult seasons.

In 2023, a breast cancer diagnosis forced a sudden, disorienting role reversal.

After her diagnosis, Mary began a treatment journey that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While her medical training helped her understand the road ahead, it also brought a heightened awareness of the uncertainties and challenges that cancer treatment can bring.

“I am a physician, so it was incredibly challenging to be on that side of the doctor-patient relationship,” she shared. “Knowledge is a blessing and a curse.”

The Invisible Challenge of “Going Back to Normal”

While Mary managed to keep up with her demanding job throughout her treatments, the true challenge emerged after the clinical interventions ended. To the outside world, she seemed to be doing remarkably well.

“The return to work and ‘going back to normal’ was definitely harder than expected,” Mary shares. “It was something I felt others didn’t realize was happening, since I seemed ‘fine’ for the most part.”

Like many survivors, she discovered that returning to work and everyday routines was difficult. Her medical appointments became less frequent, but the effects of treatment remained. That experience helped her recognize something many survivors face: finishing treatment does not automatically mean recovery is complete.

Rebuilding Strength with Personalized Support

Mary wanted to regain her strength, balance, and flexibility, but she found herself struggling to return to the gym on her own. She wanted to get back into a routine, but she needed a dedicated space to process what her body had been through.

As Mary described her frustrations with her plastic surgeon, she recognized exactly what was missing and recommended Survivor Fitness.

“I knew I needed something else to move forward and past treatment,” Mary says. “I hadn’t really utilized any resources like this before and, honestly, I figured, why not!”

Starting the program allowed Mary to pause and acknowledge that her recovery was an ongoing process. Working one-on-one with a personal trainer provided a structured environment where she could safely focus on recovering her strength, balance, and flexibility. 

In many ways, Survivor Fitness also gave Mary permission to acknowledge something she had been pushing through for months.

“Survivor Fitness allowed me to pause and recognize that I was still recovering and that I still needed help to move forward,” she said. “Perhaps not to return to normal, but at least to feel more like myself.”

That shift in perspective helped her focus less on getting back to who she was before cancer and more on building strength for the future.

Grace, Time, and Patience

Today, Mary encourages other cancer survivors to be patient with themselves and to accept support when it’s offered.

“I would tell them to give themselves grace, time, and patience,” she said. “To ask for help and utilize resources when offered. You can never have too much help or too much support.”

Her experience also reinforced the importance of ongoing survivorship resources.

“Having the awareness and acknowledgment of the need for ongoing support and resources for survivors is important, no matter how far out you get from treatment and how ‘okay’ you seem to others.”

Our team at Survivor Fitness couldn’t agree more. We’re grateful that Mary trusted us to be part of her journey and thankful for the reminder that strength isn’t always about pushing through alone.

Are you ready to stop trying to force yourself “back to normal” and start moving forward on your own terms?

Whether you are navigating the physical side effects of treatment or trying to manage the mental transition back to everyday life, Survivor Fitness is here to support you with one-on-one fitness training, nutritional coaching, and mental health support. 

Learn more about our programs or apply today. You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter for timely insights and tips for reclaiming your life after cancer treatment. 

In the world of post-treatment recovery, the gym can often feel like an intimidating place. For many survivors, the goal is to rediscover what their bodies are capable of after a life-changing event. Finding a coach who understands that transition is essential.

That’s one reason why we are thrilled to introduce one of our newest partners in the Chattanooga area: Mathias Porter, owner of 3 Bridges CrossFit & Personal Training. Mathias brings a unique background and a deep commitment to helping survivors move from the mindset of being a patient to someone who is getting stronger every day.  

From Service to Strength: A Natural Fit for the Mission

Mathias grew up on Signal Mountain just outside Chattanooga and has spent much of his life rooted in service. Before opening his gym, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served five years as a Navy EOD Officer. That background in high-stakes environments gave him a profound appreciation for resilience, but it was his passion for fitness that led him back home to Chattanooga. Mathias first connected with Survivor Fitness by hosting the Rock the Row fundraiser.

“Once I learned about the mission and what Survivor Fitness does for cancer survivors, I was excited to get more involved,” Mathias shared. That excitement turned into a formal partnership, and he is currently working with his first participant.

Focusing on Consistency Over Intensity

For Mathias, the key to a successful recovery routine is simple but profound: Consistency over intensity. 

“The temptation—especially for people who were active before their diagnosis—is to try to get back to where they were as fast as possible,” Mathias explained. “But recovery isn’t linear. The most important thing you can build in the early stages is the habit of showing up.”

Like our other fitness partners, Mathias develops an individualized plan for each participant. He meets participants exactly where they are, focusing on rebuilding capacity gradually and celebrating small wins. By creating a safe, supportive environment, he helps strip away the intimidation factor often associated with walking into a gym. 

Mathias also highlights a growing trend in fitness that is incredibly relevant for cancer survivors: the vital importance of strength training.

“More and more people are recognizing the real benefits of lifting weights—and not just for aesthetics,” Mathias said. “Strength training has a direct impact on longevity and mobility. Building and maintaining muscle mass supports bone density, improves functional movement, and helps the body handle the physical demands of daily life.”

For a survivor, these functional improvements mean reclaiming the ability to navigate daily life with confidence and ease.

Reclaiming an Identity of Strength

What inspires Mathias most is the mental shift that occurs during the 12-week program. He knows that the physical work in the gym serves a much larger emotional purpose.

“My favorite part about working with participants is knowing that through committing to their fitness journey, there is going to be a moment when they stop thinking of themselves as patients and start thinking of themselves as someone who is getting stronger again,” he shared. His advice for anyone on the fence about starting? Just walk through the door.

“The hardest rep is always the first one,” Mathias said. “You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You don’t need to be in shape to start getting in shape. What you need is one coach who sees you, one community that supports you, and the willingness to show up one time and see what happens.”

Are you a cancer survivor in Tennessee looking to rebuild your strength? We are proud to partner with personal fitness trainers like Mathias who are dedicated to your recovery.

Learn more about our programs or apply today to start your journey.

For many cancer survivors, the suggestion of “going to the gym” doesn’t exactly spark joy. After months or years of clinical appointments, scans, and treatments, spending free time in another body-focused environment can be intimidating.

Marian McDonald shared that hesitation. In addition to recovering from breast cancer treatment, Marian was also navigating the complexities of living with multiple sclerosis. But her story is proof that with the right support, you can do hard things—and you might even find a new calling along the way.

Finding the Right Time to Heal

Marian’s journey began in July 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her path to recovery was long and grueling, involving a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and eventually a hysterectomy. Because of MS, her body required a slower, more intentional pace for healing from cancer treatment.

She first heard about Survivor Fitness in late 2023, but she wasn’t ready yet. She still had surgeries on the calendar and needed time to process the weight of her diagnosis. It wasn’t until late 2025 that the opportunity resurfaced in what she calls “perfect timing.” In mid-December, she took the leap and began her intake process.

Overcoming the “Gym Hurdle” and Other Health Conditions

Marian didn’t hide her feelings when she met her trainer, Bree, at Tri-Fit Athletic Club in Murfreesboro. “I told her that I hated the gym,” Marian recalls telling her during their first meeting. “I’m sure that made a great impression.”

Beyond her mental hesitation, Marian’s MS caused weakness on one side of her body, creating constant balance issues. The reconstruction surgery had left her feeling physically limited and fearful that she might hurt herself if she pushed too hard.

However, Bree met Marian exactly where she was. She pushed her gently, encouraged her constantly, and taught Marian about a strength she had hidden away.

“There were things Bree said we were going to do, and I replied, ‘Yeah right,’ Marian remembers. “But I always said I would try, and usually that was all it took. I did hard things—things I never imagined I could.”

Finding a Community for New Hard Things

As the weeks passed, the woman who “hated the gym” found herself looking forward to her sessions. She began combining her Survivor Fitness exercises with her physical therapy to build a foundation of strength that helped combat fatigue and muscle weakness.

She also found vital support through her nutrition coach. Together, they tackled the difficult battle of weight gain caused by hormone blockers and medications for depression and anxiety. For Marian, having these tools made her feel prepared for the battle rather than overwhelmed by it. 

Her experiences also gave her a new sense of purpose. 

“After years of fighting to live, fighting to be a better version of me was a welcome change,” she shared.

Her nutrition coach even encouraged her to consider going back to school to become a Registered Dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition. It’s a big goal, but Marian isn’t backing down. “It’s a hard thing, but I can do it. I just have to find a way.”

A Message for Other Survivors

Marian’s journey is a reminder that self-confidence doesn’t always return the moment treatment ends. It is something that must be rebuilt, one step at a time. She encourages other survivors to talk to their oncologists, get a referral, and accept the opportunities that come their way.

“Becoming physically stronger was a huge accomplishment, but learning that I can do hard things was a great confidence builder,” she explained. 

Marian’s trainer and coaches have become a permanent part of her circle. She stepped into the program looking for health, and she walked away with a support system, a new career path, and the knowledge that she is capable of more than she ever imagined.

Are you ready to rediscover your strength and find a community that supports your unique journey?

Whether you are navigating post-treatment fatigue, managing other health conditions, or simply looking for a place to start, Survivor Fitness is here to walk alongside you.

Learn more about our programs or apply today to start your recovery journey.

We often praise the strength it takes to get through a cancer diagnosis, but we rarely talk about the endurance needed to live in the “after.” Navigating life after treatment means carrying the heavy uncertainty of the future while trying to rebuild a body and mind that have been through a battle. It takes more than just a positive attitude; it takes a commitment to your own well-being. That commitment is exactly where Survivor Fitness starts. We help survivors navigate the gap between medical treatment and long-term wellness. 

For Olivia Leow, that “whatever it takes” mentality not only got her through treatment —it helped her find the resources to continue to heal so she could move forward with purpose.

Facing Cancer with “Whatever it Takes”

Olivia’s journey began in June 2021 after experiencing a few unusual visual changes. She drove herself to the emergency room, not knowing what to expect. Soon after, she heard the words no one is ever prepared for: “There is something on your brain.”

She was diagnosed with stage 2 astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. From there, everything moved quickly. Olivia connected with her care team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and began planning the next steps.

In August, she underwent an awake craniotomy to remove the tumor. After surgery came 27 rounds of radiation and six months of oral chemotherapy. Even now, she continues to undergo regular MRI scans and follow-ups with her oncologist. Through it all, Olivia held onto a simple but powerful mindset:

“My motto was ‘whatever it takes.’ I was willing to do whatever it takes to be the mom of my two young boys.”

That mindset carried her through some of the hardest moments, especially daily radiation treatments. Showing up each day, despite the pain and emotional toll, required everything she had.

Carrying the Weight of Uncertainty

At the time of her diagnosis, Olivia was raising two young boys, working full-time, and leading a nonprofit. At the same time, she was navigating her new reality. Her worries didn’t end when her treatment did. It continued in the form of “scanxiety” and the uncertainty about what the future might hold.

“My brain cancer diagnosis is heavy,” she shared. “I still fight anxiety about the future.”

The physical challenges were significant, and the mental and emotional weight was just as difficult. She used incredible endurance to make it through treatment and then had to figure out her next steps. 

Finding Holistic Support Through Survivor Fitness

Olivia was introduced to Survivor Fitness by Beth Jones, whose husband is a former participant and advocate for our mission. After attending the Survivor Fitness Soirée, Olivia was encouraged to apply. She saw it as an opportunity to focus on her health in a new way. She committed fully to the program, participating in all three areas: personal training, nutrition, and mental health support.

Olivia was paired with Carrie Loughlin, a trainer at A|Train Fitness in Nashville, and she began building strength again, both physically and mentally.

“I learned how to build strength and confidence in the gym,” she said.

At the same time, she worked with a therapist through BetterHelp. That support became a key part of her healing process.

“It was immensely helpful in talking through the trauma that comes with a cancer diagnosis.”

The nutrition component added another layer of support. She gained practical tools for fueling her body and caring for her family in a way that felt manageable. What made the biggest difference to her recovery was the opportunity to focus on herself.

“I am a busy mom of two with a full-time job. During my treatment, I was always focused on my family. This program gave me a chance to focus on what I needed as a cancer survivor.”

Her time in the gym became something she looked forward to. With the encouragement of her trainer, she began to feel strong again in a way she hadn’t in a long time.

“I could feel my body getting stronger, and I found myself actually looking forward to working out again.”

More importantly, the impact of Survivor Fitness didn’t end after 12 weeks. Olivia continues to carry what she learned into her daily life to manage anxiety, care for her body, and move forward with confidence.

“I use something that I learned from Survivor Fitness every day, whether it be meal prepping for my family or moving my body.”

Moving Forward with Purpose

Olivia’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t stop when treatment ends. It’s a process that takes time, support, and intention. Her advice to other survivors is simple but honest:

“Often after the cancer treatment ends, your community may think you are back to normal. You’ve been through so much and aren’t the same person as before your diagnosis. Survivor Fitness is a program designed to help you return to health in every way.”

Whether you’re looking to rebuild strength, improve your nutrition, or find support for your mental health, Survivor Fitness is here to walk alongside you. You don’t have to navigate the next phase alone.

Learn more about our programs or apply today to take the next step in your recovery journey.

After cancer treatment ends, many survivors find themselves caught between the past and the future. There is a strong pull to feel normal again, to move their bodies, to keep up with their families, and to reclaim routines that once felt simple. At the same time, there is fear and fatigue. Fear of not knowing where to begin and a feeling of uncertainty while navigating lingering side effects and the lasting impact of treatment on their bodies.

For Beth Lehman, a young mother navigating life after breast cancer, that tension was very real. She wanted to feel strong again and to feel a sense of control over one part of her recovery. Through Survivor Fitness, she found a place to begin.

Facing Fatigue, Fear, and the Unknown

Beth received her breast cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2023. What followed was more than a year of intensive treatment and recovery.

“After completing multiple surgeries, chemo, antibody infusions, and radiation, moving into remission came with its own challenges,” Beth said. “Fatigue and low muscle tone were at the top of the list.”

As a working mother, the physical toll was heavy. Feeling tired and weak did more than affect her body. It affected her confidence. One of the most difficult aspects of cancer was the mental weight she felt.

“The hardest part of my experience with cancer was the mental aspect,” she shared. “Not knowing or seeing what was happening in my body has been very difficult.”

Finding a New Beginning

When treatment ended, Beth knew she needed help moving forward. She wanted to begin exercising again, but starting alone felt overwhelming.

“I wanted to start working out, but felt overwhelmed about starting from scratch on my own at a gym,” she said.

Her oncology team pointed her toward Survivor Fitness as a way to extend the personalized care she had received during treatment. Once she applied to the program, the process felt manageable.

“I got to pick a location and time convenient to my schedule and was matched with a personal trainer,” Beth said. “She is amazing.”

For Beth, one of the greatest gifts of the program was simply having a starting point.

“Survivor Fitness gave me a place to start and to move again. To have help getting scheduled, a place, a person, a starting date—it just all helped provide momentum that I could not generate myself after all of the treatments.”

Rebuilding Strength and Regaining Belief

Over the course of twelve weeks, Beth began rebuilding her strength with guidance and encouragement.

“My trainer was able to help me tone and strengthen during our sessions together,” Beth shared. “It honestly was such a morale boost to be able to take care of my body in a way that left me feeling stronger, and not weaker like all the chemo did.”

More importantly, Survivor Fitness gave Beth confidence. Her trainer was able to walk through specific routines and different ways to work out to hit all muscle groups. The knowledge she gained was just as great as the change in muscle tone that she saw.

“After completing twelve weeks with my personal trainer, I now feel more confident in understanding what my body needs to maintain its strength,” she said. “I feel better equipped to continue working out to maintain what my trainer helped me achieve.”

Choosing What She Can Control

As she looks ahead, Beth is honest about what she can and cannot control.

“I know I cannot control if my cancer returns,” she said. “But I can take care of my body in a way that supports overall health.”

At a recent oncology follow-up, her doctor reinforced that message. Staying active, caring for her body, and protecting both her physical and mental health now play a key role in maintaining remission.

Beth now encourages other survivors to seek support.

“I have been telling folks,” she shared. “I have encouraged several survivors to utilize this program to help them feel empowered and assisted in their pursuit of health.”

Her journey is a reminder that healing does not happen alone.

“We all need help in this life,” Beth said. “Support systems like this one are in place because they really do matter and make a difference.”

For Beth, Survivor Fitness offered more than a workout plan. It offered a way to rebuild strength one step at a time.

If you’re a cancer survivor or know someone who is, we invite you to learn more about our programs. Like Beth, take the first step and apply today. 

Cancer has a way of shifting the ground under your feet. One week, you think you’re heading in a certain direction, and the next week, everything changes. A treatment works, then suddenly it doesn’t. A plan feels clear, then it has to be rewritten. Many survivors describe it as living with “moving goalposts.” It’s confusing and exhausting. At times, it can feel like everything is happening faster than you can process it.

For many years, this was Elizabeth Lindsay’s reality. But through Survivor Fitness, she found something she hadn’t felt in a long time: steadiness and a sense of control returning to her life. 

Facing a Fast-Moving Diagnosis

Elizabeth’s cancer journey began in July 2023 during what she expected to be a routine mammogram. When something looked unclear, she was called back for an ultrasound and then a biopsy. Within three weeks, she had walked in and out of the same imaging center multiple times, and deep down she sensed what was coming.

When her doctor’s office called and asked her to come in, she already knew. The confirmation came that afternoon: invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 1A, triple positive.

Everything moved quickly after that. At her first oncology appointment, Elizabeth’s doctor took the time to explain everything — from her diagnosis and treatment plan to recurrence rates and things to consider around vitamins, nutrition, and exercise.

“My mind was absolutely spinning, and I almost missed her discussing losing my hair,” she recalled.

The long months that followed were filled with unexpected changes, drug reactions, schedule shifts, and physical challenges she never anticipated. She often describes that time with a phrase many survivors will recognize: “the goalposts kept moving.”

But through it all, she made it to each milestone: chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation, and immunotherapy were all completed by Christmas Eve the next year. Soon after treatment concluded, Elizabeth stepped into the next chapter of her healing.

Finding Survivor Fitness

During treatment, Elizabeth worked closely with an oncology counselor and an integrative oncology nurse practitioner who helped her manage the emotional and physical stress of cancer care. Her healthcare team suggested she look into Survivor Fitness as she neared the end of her immunotherapy. 

She did. And during her first call with Survivor Fitness staff, she mentioned—almost offhand—her partner MJ’s own history with kidney cancer. Immediately, she was asked something she didn’t expect:

“Would he like to do the program as well?” The answer was an easy yes.

In January 2025, just before her birthday, both Elizabeth and MJ began their 12-week programs. They were paired with trainers at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin and committed to two sessions a week. They had different trainers, different goals, and different paths for recovering from cancer, but they got to do it side by side.

Rebuilding Strength, Confidence, and Balance

Within a few weeks, Elizabeth began regaining muscle strength she’d lost during treatment, and she then surpassed her pre-cancer fitness levels. She became stronger, more flexible, and more confident in her body’s ability to move again. She lost body fat, built muscle, and felt herself returning—not just physically, but emotionally.

“The personal training has been outstanding,” she shared. “I’m more fit than I have been in too long to name.”

Elizabeth also participated in the nutrition coaching program, which added another layer of support. She learned how to fuel herself before and after workouts, found new sources of important nutrients, and gained clarity from a fresh set of eyes reviewing her lab work. 

“The nutrition coaching paired well with the training to help me with foods to eat before and after sessions,” she shared. 

Both her trainer and nutritionist helped her reshape her mindset to pursue progress, not perfection or unrealistic expectations.

“If you focus on progress, you get to keep stepping forward,” she said. “Even if you occasionally take a step back.”

Having people walk alongside Elizabeth on every step of her recovery journey made a world-changing difference. She felt seen, understood, and supported—not judged.

“Not all of my friends or family knew how to accept or support me,” she shared. “I appreciated my nutritionist celebrating my wins. Paige, my personal trainer, is my strongest cheerleader.”

Paying It Forward and Supporting Others

As strong as she feels today, Elizabeth hasn’t forgotten what those early days felt like. Her hope is to use her experience to help others navigate that same uncertainty. She’s even started writing what she jokingly calls her “Cancer 101 Procedural Manual.” Until that’s published, she shared a few pieces of encouragement for anyone beginning this journey:

• The goalposts will move. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. It’s okay.
• Your relationships may shift. Some friends will pull closer. Others may step back. It’s okay.
• Use every resource available—financial, physical, emotional.
• And finally, “You are not fighting cancer. You are the battleground for the fight. The doctor is the warrior. The drugs are the weapon.”

Elizabeth’s strength is quiet but powerful, and her story reminds us that healing is not a straight line. It twists and turns. It changes direction. But it also leads to new chapters filled with hope, resilience, and growth.

For Elizabeth, Survivor Fitness became the bridge between what she had endured and the stronger, steadier version of herself she is today.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor ready to take your next step or someone looking to support this mission, we invite you to learn more about our programs or get involved today. 

One of the most inspiring parts of our work at Survivor Fitness is watching our participants face their unique challenges and discover a level of resilience they didn’t know they had. That’s the story of Survivor Fitness participant Kaity McMahon, whose journey proves that even when someone encounters significant setbacks, it’s possible to come out stronger on the other side.  

Kaity was diagnosed in July 2024, when she found a small lump in her right breast. Tests that followed led to a diagnosis of stage 2A estrogen- and progesterone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. By the time the full picture emerged, Kaity was faced with a frightening reality. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy in September and reconstruction in January, but the physical recovery was harder than she anticipated.

“I didn’t feel like myself,” Kaity shared. “I felt limited by my mobility, like a burden. I couldn’t do things at the same level as before.”

The emotional weight of recovery was just as heavy. Her loss of mobility was compounded by a growing lack of confidence, leaving her feeling dependent and frustrated.

Finding a Coach and a Community

At her doctor’s recommendation, Kaity applied for Survivor Fitness and started the program in May 2025. She was paired with trainer Marissa at 360 Fitness, a connection that quickly turned her recovery around. Kaity realized that getting back into the gym would provide a more holistic approach to her recovery. 

“Those first few sessions were tough. I realized just how weak I actually was—how much cancer had taken from me.”

The realization was hard, but she didn’t have to face it alone. Together, they developed a motto that kept her grounded: “Even baddies get saddies.” Their playful phrase served as a simple reminder that tough moments are part of the journey, but they don’t define it.

With Marissa’s personalized guidance, Kaity began to find both emotional and physical strength.

“Survivor Fitness couldn’t have come at a better time for me,” she said. “My trainer Marissa not only helped me regain physical strength that I thought was lost to me—she also helped me through the emotional struggles I was still facing. She was a champion, a friend, and the best coach I could have possibly asked for.”

Kaity also took part in the nutrition program, connecting with a registered dietitian who helped her create a healthier routine and identify simple ways to add beneficial nutrients back into her life.

When she began the program, Kaity had one main objective: to regain confidence.

“I gained that and so much more,” she said. “I’m physically stronger than I have been in years, even before my diagnosis.”

The Ultimate Test: Coming Back Stronger

For Kaity, the benefits of the Survivor Fitness program went beyond the day-to-day. The work she put in directly prepared her for the future. When she needed a second follow-up reconstruction surgery in October 2025, she was stunned by how well her body handled the process.

“I’ve been amazed at how much better I tolerated the surgery and how much quicker I’m recovering this time. I attribute that fully to the work I’ve been doing in the gym—work that never would have begun if it weren’t for Survivor Fitness.”

Her experience has given her a new, compassionate, and resilient outlook on life. She often reflects on a simple, surprising truth: “It took getting cancer to get me to a place where I’m now the healthiest I’ve been since I was a teenager.”

She’s also learned that strength isn’t about avoiding struggle. “Even when the worst thing you can imagine happens, you can still get back up and come back stronger if you commit to the process and give yourself grace in the moments of weakness.”

Survivor Fitness: Find Support for the Next Step in Your Journey

Today, Kaity is recovering from her most recent surgery, but she is already eager to return to the gym and continue training with her trusted team. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets the right support and how the hardest moments can be a turning point toward a stronger future.

If you’re a cancer survivor or know someone who is, we invite you to learn more about our programs. Like Kaity, take the first step and apply today. 

Cancer has a way of marking time. You remember the exact dates, the faces in the room, the way fear and disbelief sit heavy in your chest. For many survivors, it’s not just the treatment that’s hard, it’s the mental and emotional weight that follows. The mix of fear, guilt, and gratitude can feel overwhelming. 

Survivor Fitness participant Melanie Waller, who faced her diagnosis while navigating a major life change and the responsibility of caring for her family, knows that journey well.

Diagnosis and the Guilt of “Good” News

Melanie had recently moved back to Nashville after three decades in Colorado to help care for her parents and her developmentally disabled sister, Amy. On July 2, 2024, a routine mammogram led to a diagnosis of breast cancer.

“I remember it so clearly because my sister was away at camp,” Melanie shared. “I was so grateful she wasn’t home when I found out. I was so shocked and just wrote down—’I have cancer.’”

With the help of her best friend, a nurse, Melanie quickly connected with Dr. Lisa Bellin, an oncologist, who provided clarity and compassion in a difficult moment. “I couldn’t imagine going through the weekend without talking to someone about next steps,” Melanie said. “Dr. Bellin was amazing, to say the least.”

Two months later, Melanie underwent a double mastectomy. Less than a month after surgery, she received the news that she wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. Still, the road to recovery was far from easy.

“I was skeptical about joining Survivor Fitness because I felt so bad after surgery and the medications,” she said. “I also felt guilty because I didn’t have ‘bad’ cancer. I thought I shouldn’t ask for help when things could have been worse.”

Furthermore, she was out of shape before surgery and gained weight during recovery. Her independence was shaken, and a deep mistrust of her body set in. “I didn’t like going on walks by myself because I kept thinking I would fall down. It was odd because I am so used to being independent and taking care of myself and other people.”

Finding Hope Through Survivor Fitness

Despite her doubts, Melanie decided to complete the Survivor Fitness application before her reconstructive surgery. “When they called about joining the program, I felt a sliver of hope,” she said. “But I wasn’t sure if I would actually do it.”

Melanie started the program in April 2025 at 360 Fitness, where she was paired with Coach Marissa Erickson. The environment she encountered was immediately welcoming.

“Walking into the gym that first day was overwhelming. The entire staff was amazing and supportive. Not to mention they have a resident dog, Murphy, who greets you at the door.”

Along with her fitness training, Melanie also met with a Survivor Fitness nutritionist who shared recipes that she still uses today. “It was such a simple thing, but it made a huge difference,” she said. “They gave me the tools I needed to take care of my body again.”

A Life Transformed

The progress Melanie has made since joining Survivor Fitness has been remarkable. “Survivor Fitness, Marissa, and the staff at 360 Fitness are a big part of overcoming the challenges,” she shared. “They encouraged me continuously and met me where I was. My mindset was in the dumps when I started, but I have come so far.”

Since beginning the program, Melanie has lost more than 25 pounds, feels stronger, and experiences less pain. “My knees hurt less. My arm strength is amazing. I feel good again. I feel like myself from three years prior,” she said. 

Even more meaningful than the physical results is the mental clarity and confidence she’s regained. “I had no idea how much better I would feel just moving my body in a way that was safe and tailored for me,” she explained. “I like working out. I like getting stronger. I want to lift heavy weights and get in really good shape. I’m motivated to keep going!”

Paths Crossing for a Purpose

Melanie Waller’s story highlights how often we are surrounded by a community of people willing to help, even in unexpected places. In September 2025, Melanie celebrated one year cancer-free. A few weeks later, she attended a fundraising event for her sister’s day program, Friends Life Community. There, she experienced an unexpected reminder of how connected life can be.

“Sitting next to me on the shuttle bus was my breast surgeon,” Melanie said with a smile. “It was so out of context that I was confused at first. Then I learned she was there to support her son, who is also developmentally disabled. It reminded me how small the world is and how our paths often cross in ways we never expect.”

Finding Strength in Community

Melanie’s story is a reminder that even when we feel isolated, we’re surrounded by people ready to help—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Through Survivor Fitness, Melanie found a team that believed in her when she wasn’t sure she could believe in herself. “They met me where I was and helped me get back to who I am,” she said.

Today, Melanie continues to train regularly, celebrate her progress, and live with renewed confidence and purpose. If you’re ready to take the next step in your cancer recovery journey, learn more about our programs or apply today.

Every cancer survivor navigates a unique journey to reclaim their health and well-being after treatment. While the experience is undoubtedly challenging, many find that the process of recovery can be a catalyst to emerge stronger and more resilient than they were before their diagnosis.

Marva Steed’s journey through diagnosis and recovery is a testament to extraordinary resilience. Her battle for health didn’t begin with cancer; it started two years prior with a life-threatening encounter with a novel virus that shattered her physical foundation.

The Double Battle: Fighting COVID Recovery and Cancer Complications

In March 2020, Marva became one of the first people in America to be diagnosed with COVID-19. “I spent 13 days on a ventilator, which caused significant muscle atrophy,” she recalled. Just as she was rebuilding her strength, her health was dealt another blow. In May of 2022, she received a breast cancer diagnosis. 

Marva’s cancer journey required a double mastectomy. Unfortunately, the path to recovery was complicated by serious setbacks. During the surgery, she contracted pseudomonas, a severe infection that necessitated an emergency surgery just two weeks later, requiring the complete removal and redoing of the reconstruction.

“Obviously, the recovery was longer than expected and unfortunately brought more muscle atrophy,” Marva explains. 

After battling COVID-induced weakness, major surgery, and all the complications that followed, Marva found herself physically depleted. The years of effort to get back on her feet had been erased, leaving her discouraged and out of shape.

Finding the Courage to Start with Survivor Fitness

Once she had physically recovered from the mastectomy surgeries, Marva’s plastic surgeon gave her a flyer for Survivor Fitness and strongly suggested she look into the program to regain strength. The idea was planted, but the action took time.“It took a little while to get the courage to make the contact,” Marva admits. “I was initially embarrassed to join as I was so out of shape.”

It’s a common feeling among survivors—the body that once endured so much trauma now feels unfamiliar and weak. But Marva found the support she needed to push past the hesitation. 

In January 2025, she took the necessary leap, connecting with Survivor Fitness and beginning her strength training journey with her coach, Paige Rugaard, at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, TN. Paige was incredibly encouraging, creating a safe and motivating environment that Marva needed.

Marva was amazed at her progress, even after a few short weeks. Not only has she regained her functional strength, but the program has instilled a deeper sense of self-worth. “It’s also given me a sense of pride and excitement that I did something for myself that will help improve my chances of remaining cancer-free.”

The result is a renewed and robust outlook on life. “I’m proud to say, I am stronger now and more motivated to stay active than ever before.” 

Marva credits Survivor Fitness for giving her the push she needed: “I owe so much to Survivor Fitness for giving me the opportunity, as I don’t believe I would have ever taken the necessary steps to do it on my own.”

The Importance of the First Step

Having fought back twice from severe physical setbacks, Marva offers simple but profound advice to other cancer survivors who may be facing their own post-treatment battles. She understands that the weight of weakness, isolation, and embarrassment can be paralyzing.

“Finding motivation and humbling myself to take the first step and make the connection with Survivor Fitness was definitely the hardest part of the journey.”

That first step, she says, is the hardest. But the benefits far outweigh the fear. Her message is clear: “Put all the fear aside and just do it. You’ll be so glad you did.”

The measurable success Marva achieved through her partnership with Paige solidified the program’s value in her eyes. “I don’t believe I would have ever regained my strength without the program. I’m stronger now than I have been in many years.”

The fact that this transformative recovery is offered at no cost to the survivor is, as Marva puts it, “truly amazing.” Marva completed her initial program in April 2025. Determined to maintain her hard-won progress, she decided to purchase more sessions to continue her strength training with the team she trusts.

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

Marva Steed didn’t just survive two major health crises; she emerged stronger than she’s been in years. By finding the courage to take the first step, she turned her recovery from a daunting chore into a source of pride and a commitment to a healthier, stronger future.

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor ready to reclaim health and strength, Survivor Fitness offers personalized fitness, nutritional, and mental health programs to support you.

Learn more about how to start your personalized recovery program today!

The feeling of a life-altering diagnosis can often be compounded by its timing. For Corinne Davis, a routine mammogram in June 2024 revealed hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancer, arriving just four days after celebrating her son’s fifth birthday and two months after her 41st birthday. As she describes it, “It could not have happened at a worse time.”

Corinne, who self-identifies as an athlete at her core, found her life abruptly rerouted. After a lumpectomy in August that showed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, she faced a brutal regimen of eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by 21 rounds of radiation that stretched from October 2024 to March 2025. While she finished chemo and radiation with strength and grit, the emotional and physical toll of treatment lingered long afterward.

The Unseen Damage: Starting Over After Treatment

For cancer survivors, the moment treatment ends is rarely the moment healing begins. For Corinne, the consequences were significant.

“The cancer treatment drastically affected my mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” she says.

After finishing treatment, Corinne found herself struggling with basic, functional movements. She was in desperate need of a structured program that could bridge the gap between physical therapy and a full return to her active life. The fear of losing consistency and momentum led her to search for help.“I was fearful that I would not be able to remain consistent with my fitness alone. I needed help, and Survivor Fitness showed up right on time,” she recalls.

A Partnership in Recovery: Finding Herself Again 

The Survivor Fitness program managers helped Corinne connect with a dedicated team at 360 Fitness, where trainer Marissa guided her through every movement and exercise.“She pushed me when I needed it and provided great feedback on how to perform the movements that were more difficult for me to understand,” Corinne explains. The personalized attention and knowledgeable training environment allowed her to redefine herself.

“Being an athlete has always been who I am at my core. The Survivor Fitness program and 360 Fitness have made me feel like I can be athletic again. Breast cancer took so much from me, but this program did not let it take my strength, endurance, or mobility.”

For Corinne, this journey was about much more than just lifting weights; it was an act of reclamation.

“It was important for me to reclaim my health. I wanted to see the healed version of myself. An inactive Corinne is not an authentic Corinne. I wanted to look in the mirror to see an accurate representation of who I truly am.”

Corinne’s story shows the powerful things that happen when the medical side of care and the wellness side of recovery join forces. When doctors and wellness programs like ours work together,  survivors are supported in every part of the healing process, during treatment and beyond.

Connection and Community: Continuing the Journey with a New Perspective

Corinne’s fight continues. Because her cancer was hormone-positive, she faces a long-term treatment plan: ten years of ovarian suppression injections, aromatase inhibitors, and CDK4/6 inhibitors. These medications, though life-saving, can cause debilitating side effects. But with the structure and support of Survivor Fitness, Corinne has found a way to combat these challenges head-on. 

“The post-cancer medications I take to prevent recurrence are brutal on my body, causing weight gain, bone loss, fatigue, and joint pain. Survivor Fitness has helped me take back what cancer stole from me.”

Her experience has shifted her perspective on life, moving her toward a philosophy of connection and community. She recognizes the profound isolation she felt during and after treatment.“Survivor Fitness gave me a reliable and committed fitness community. It makes a huge difference knowing I have a community of trainers that work with me to help me achieve my goals.” 

Equally important has been her family.

“I am forever grateful for my family and friends who supported me and dropped everything in their lives to show up for me. My husband continues to show up and do what is needed—he is my rock. My son has handled everything so well despite how much it rocked his world!”

Ready to Rebuild?

Corinne Davis’s journey illustrates how post-treatment life doesn’t have to be a return to life with limitations—it can be a reclamation of strength, confidence, and joy.

Her story also underscores the value of integrated survivorship—making sure medical treatment and wellness programs connect to help individuals recover and heal holistically. 

Thanks to the generous support of our partners  at Williamson Health, we can make the Survivor Fitness program available to more people who need it. This partnership allows survivors like Corinne to continue their healing with the strength and community they deserve.

If you or a loved one is a cancer survivor struggling to regain strength, mobility, and confidence after treatment, Survivor Fitness can help you write your own comeback story.

Take the first step toward reclaiming your authentic self. Learn more about our Survivor Fitness programs or apply today!