Category: Participant Spotlight

A cancer diagnosis often plunges individuals into a sea of uncertainty. The days and weeks following the diagnosis can be filled with confusion and apprehension. While proactive screening, advancements in medical technology, and the expertise of oncologists have improved cancer detection and treatment, each patient’s journey remains unique.

Amy McConkey’s experience exemplifies this blend of gratitude and navigating the unexpected. After an annual mammogram, a biopsy revealed two tumors in each breast, leading to a diagnosis of Grade 2 breast cancer. Amy was scheduled for a follow-up MRI and an appointment with an oncologist two days later. This initial appointment lasted three hours, and the results from the MRI significantly altered the course of Amy’s journey.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

During that initial three-hour appointment, Amy received a life-altering diagnosis that transformed her breast cancer journey. Instead of the Grade 2 breast cancer initially identified, Amy learned that she had an invasive, aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. This aggressive form of cancer had formed tumors both within and outside her breast ducts. 

“We thought we knew the treatment plan until we heard the words that more test results showed HER2 Positive Breast Cancer.”

Amy remembers that moment as a whirlwind of emotions, describing the experience as a “roller coaster ride” that had just taken a terrifying turn.  Despite the overwhelming news, Amy expressed gratitude for her oncologist’s compassionate approach and the time he dedicated to explaining the details of her condition and outlining the aggressive treatment plan that lay ahead. This plan involved six rounds of chemotherapy administered every three weeks, followed by surgery.

“At that point, life became one appointment after the other.” 

Amy started her first round of chemo in September 2021. Five months later, she had a double mastectomy and almost immediately began another 14 rounds of targeted treatment for any cancer cells that might still be in her bloodstream. Amy completed treatment in December of 2022. During that time, she also had a complete hysterectomy. Despite the challenging treatment, Amy looks back on it with a grateful mindset. 

“I am so thankful for the wonderful facility at TN Cancer Specialist, the doctors, nurses, and life-long friendships that were formed during this time.”

Life After Cancer Treatment

Exhausted from the grueling 20 rounds of treatment, Amy found herself constantly tired. Her bones ached, and her physical strength had dwindled. 

“After ringing the bell on December 7, I thought life would finally be back to normal. That was not the case.”

Amy discussed her lingering concerns with her oncologist and surgeon. She knew she could find a personal trainer at a local gym, but that process was somewhat intimidating. She wanted a trainer who understood the lingering effects of chemotherapy and could tailor a plan to address her specific needs. 

That’s when she was introduced to the program at Survivor Fitness. 

Amy thought working out with a personal trainer might be embarrassing. Still, she reminded herself that nothing she faced would be as complicated as walking into the treatment room for her first round of chemo. 

“Reminding myself of the steps I’ve already taken helped me get through the anxiety on my first day of workouts. I knew I had to get outside of my comfort zone to reach a new and better level of health and fitness.” 

Growing Stronger and Healthier

Over the next twelve weeks, Amy worked alongside her trainer, Kathleen Bullock. From the initial session, Amy remembers how patient, supportive, and encouraging Kathleen was as she helped her set goals and gain confidence. Twice a week, Amy would wake up early and drive an hour to make her 8:00 a.m. workout session. As someone who had never enjoyed the gym, her own dedication surprised her.

Amy also appreciated receiving guidance from a registered dietitian as part of the program. Like many survivors, Amy was overwhelmed by the nutritional articles that often contained contradictory information. Amy’s dietitian provided guidance for pre and post-workout meals and daily meal prepping tips. 

“With my trainer’s support and guidance from my dietitian, I am stronger and healthier than before my diagnosis. Being able to work out is one of the many things I took for granted before being diagnosed. Now, I view it as something I get to do, NOT just something else I have to do.”

Becoming Better, Not Bitter

Looking back on her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, Amy believes that maintaining a positive outlook was one of the most important practices to keep her going — especially on days when it seemed like the only thing she could control was her attitude. 

“I had to choose whether I was going to become bitter or better. I believe the challenges I have faced have made me better. I am blessed to be surrounded by caring and supportive friends and family, doctors, nurses, and now a Survivor Fitness community.” 

She recently celebrated her two-year “cancerversary”! More than anything, Amy hopes that her story can encourage and support others on their journey the way she has been so graciously supported.

Support and Strength for Cancer Survivors

Survivor Fitness has worked alongside survivors of every age, fitness level, and diagnosis to help individuals achieve their fitness goals after cancer treatment. While each participant’s journey is unique, every cancer survivor’s story gives us the momentum to continue providing this service to those who need it most. 

To learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness participant, connect with us today.

Navigating the complexities of cancer is an arduous journey, with its impact lingering long beyond the realms of surgery and treatment. Recognizing the enduring challenges, maintaining a robust support network post-treatment becomes pivotal for cancer survivors. Sherri Hoy’s personal experience underscores the significance of this continued support.

In the fall of 2021, Sherri faced the unexpected diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer following a routine mammogram. Within three months, she underwent surgery, vividly recounting the initial shock and disbelief that accompanied her journey.

“It rocked my world; I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.”

Sherri underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Like many cancer patients, she experienced a number of side effects, including muscle loss, hair loss, and neuropathy. She also struggled with chemo-brain and fatigue. Her last treatment left her with neuropathy in her feet, causing her to often feel off balance. 

Turning Adversity into Motivation

The challenges continued as she began taking a medicine called Arimidex. This new treatment caused joint pain and further muscle decline, but Sherri continued to persevere.

“You’re not the same person after going through cancer. But after five years, I keep on keeping on and move forward each day.”

Despite the challenges, Sherri joined Survivor Fitness as a way to become stronger and “not let cancer beat her down.” She completed the 12-week program via Zoom, participating in weekly online sessions with her personal trainer. The impact of the program on her physical and mental well-being was profound, and she expressed lasting gratitude. 

 “I will be forever grateful that this program was made available to me. It made me stronger both physically and mentally.“

Grateful for the Guiding Lights on the Journey

Throughout her cancer journey and Survivor Fitness experience, Sherri deeply appreciated the support network that surrounded her. She credits the diligent technician who discovered the small mass during her mammogram, her oncologist who provided emotional and spiritual guidance, and her personal trainer, who kept her motivated and excited about her fitness journey. 

“I got to the point where I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning and get going with training.”

Sherri acknowledges that her battle with cancer was challenging, but she remains grateful for the unwavering support that saw her through.

“Everything I needed, God provided for me, even this program to help me gain strength back. I will always be forever GRATEFUL! I just celebrated my 60th birthday, and I’m thankful things are as well as they are with me.” 

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

Sherri’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of ongoing support for cancer survivors. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! 

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

For Malicia Wilson, her family’s history of cancer made her vigilant about checking for signs of this disease. She lost her younger sister to breast cancer when she was 50 years old. This inspired her to be diligent about going every six months for checkups and mammograms or breast MRIs. 

On Thanksgiving Day 2021, she noticed a lump during her routine self-exams. The following week, she had an ultrasound that detected cancer in three different places. After an initial lumpectomy, Malicia decided to have a total mastectomy, which went deeper into the chest wall to remove any potential cancer on the margins. A few months later, in June of 2022, she had reconstruction surgery. 

After being unable to do much physically for 6-8 months, Malicia experienced everything from changes to her body to her mood from not having hormones.  

“Needless to say, my chest muscles were so weak,” Malicia said. “I wanted to feel better and learn new ways of moving.”

Finding Hope for the Future

Malicia joined Survivor Fitness at the beginning of 2023—eager to work with a personal trainer who could help her identify routines to increase her strength. Her son, who works in the medical field, introduced his mother to the program after he learned about it through a friend who worked as a trainer.  

Malicia was paired with  Micah McKee at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, TN. Like most participants, Malicia recognized the value in learning how to start where you are and continuing to show up every single session. She improved so much that she was selected as Chadwick’s Client of the Month due to improving her strength scores. 

After 12 weeks, the program helped reverse some of the physical changes from treatment. But more than that, it gave her hope for the future. 

“Hope was the biggest blessing,” she said. “It made such a difference to know I could still work hard and have a body that would respond.”

Celebrating New Family Milestones

Today, Malicia feels much more comfortable with her body. She maintains an active lifestyle by working out regularly.

Malicia recognizes how much that impacts her overall self-esteem and ability to enjoy life’s most meaningful moments again, especially when celebrating with family. Earlier this year, Malicia welcomed her first grandchild—a beautiful baby girl—into the family. She also celebrated her son’s wedding in Portland, Maine, a few weeks ago. These milestone moments mean so much more to her now as a healthy and thriving cancer survivor.  

She credits Survivor Fitness for helping her regain strength, teaching her new ways to work out, and giving her the personal courage to do so.

“I am amazed at all the people who are out there to help—who give their time and talents, and I am eternally grateful,” she shared. “This program definitely contributed to where I am today as a Survivor!”

Last month, we had the opportunity to celebrate our fourth annual Survivor Soirée in Nashville, one of our marquee events for the year. It was a night to remember as we celebrated participants from Nashville and the surrounding area. We also enjoyed performances from Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tim Nichols, ACC Award-nominated singer-songwriter Lance Miller, Nora Collins, and Joe Forte. 

In addition to celebrating the impact of our supporters and recognizing this year’s honoree, we also had the opportunity to share some exciting news about the future of Survivor Fitness.

Highlights from the 2023 Nashville Survivor Fitness Soirée

Thank you doesn’t even begin to describe how grateful we are for the generosity from the Nashville community. We are continually blown away by their love and support for Survivor Fitness. This year’s Nashville event raised almost $140,000 to help cancer survivors not only regain their strength but reclaim their lives! 

The support raised from this year’s soirée will make a life-changing impact for hundreds of cancer survivors. 

Special thanks to our sponsors for this year’s event: Pinnacle Financial Partners, Green Apple Strategy, Taylor Farms, Truist Investment Services, The Smith Group of Truist Investment Services, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, GCA, Polsinelli Law Firm, Ernst & Young, and Nashville Breast Center.   

Celebrating This Year’s Honoree: Feroza Freeland

Recognizing a recent Survivor Fitness participant is one of the highlights of each Survivor Fitness Soirée we’ve hosted. This year, we had the opportunity to celebrate Feroza Freeland as this year’s honoree.

In 2020, at 25 years old, Feroza noticed a lump in her chest that was later identified as breast cancer. A couple of weeks later, while visiting a fertility specialist, cancer was also discovered in her uterus. After three rounds of surgery and chemo, Feroza fought through all of the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that arose through treatment. But like many cancer survivors, she recognized that wasn’t the journey’s end.

“Ringing the bell at the end of treatment felt very triumphant,” Feroza explained. “There was a sense that ‘you’re done, you’ve beaten it, it’s over, now you can move on with your life,’ but I wasn’t feeling that at all.” 

As Feroza was searching for ways to start her journey of healing and process, she discovered Survivor Fitness. She experienced a true transformation through personal training, encouragement, and community. 

Watch the video below to hear more about Feroza’s experience with Survivor Fitness:

In 2018, when we hosted our first Survivor Fitness Soirée in Knoxville, we recognized how meaningful it was to celebrate participants and remind our supporters how they were making HOPE possible. 

Last month, we had the opportunity to host our fifth annual Survivor Soirée in Knoxville. The evening was a special time for us to join together and honor cancer survivors in our community. We celebrated the impact of our participant’s hard work, recognized our special Survivor Fitness honorees, and shared some exciting news about the future of our organization.

Highlights from the 2023 Knoxville Survivor Fitness Soirée 

The generosity of our Knoxville community is truly inspiring. This year’s event raised over $120,000 to support the needs of cancer survivors in Knoxville. Their generosity will help us to provide essential services and support to cancer survivors and their families. 

Special thanks to our sponsors for this year’s event: FirstBank, FirstBank Investment Partners, Axle Logistics, Peyton Cherry Fine Homes, Revitalyze MD, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Tennessee Orthopedic Clinics, CBi, Rachael Wedkind Hones, Citizens Bank and Knoxville Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

Celebrating This Year’s Honorees: Shawyn King and Dani Lorson

A special part of the evening is recognizing individuals who have made an impact on this community. In 2023, we honor Shawyn King and Dani Lorson as our Survivor Fitness honorees. Dani is a professional dancer and leukemia survivor who had cancer for multiple years before joining our program. After going through 30 rounds of radiation treatment for breast cancer, Shawyn joined the Survivor Fitness community to regain her strength and see what life could look like after cancer. Both women are inspiring examples of strength and resilience in navigating life after cancer. 

Watch the video below to hear more about each of their journeys: 

A cancer diagnosis can be a seismic shift in life—especially for people who revel in the joys of hiking, running races, and exercising. Suddenly, most of the physical activities that were once a part of their life come to a halt. Once treatment begins, the trails they once conquered with ease become daunting, and the finish lines they used to cross seem distant. Finding the courage and regaining the strength to endure the marathon of recovery is a testament to their resilience.

Survivor Fitness participant Kim Nielsen exemplifies what’s possible when you are determined to reclaim life after cancer treatment and redefine what it means to be active.

Kim is an avid runner and adventure seeker. However, after completing the 16-kilometer race from Paris to Versailles in 2019, she noticed slight differences in her body. Kim began to experience bloating, and weight gain, along with respiratory symptoms and trouble breathing. She decided to visit the doctor and was diagnosed with Stage 3c Ovarian Cancer.

That’s when her long journey with cancer began. She immediately started three rounds of IV chemo. Then, she underwent surgery to remove the cancer throughout her thoracic cavity and completed a hysterectomy before enduring three more rounds of IV chemo.

Once that treatment ended, Kim began two-and-a-half years of PARP inhibitor therapy, a type of chemo intended to ‘trick’ her DNA into not producing cancer cells.

A New Path to Regaining Strength

After the surgery, Kim recognized how much her body had changed. The treatment had impacted her hormones and the steroids she had to take affected her metabolism. Like most cancer patients, she had lost significant muscle mass and gained weight during treatment.  

“The strong body I once lived in became weak,” she said. “I wanted to feel alive and in control of my body again.”

Kim started running and hiking again during her treatment with the PARP inhibitor. But she also recognized a need to regain strength after so much medicine and lack of activity. That’s when Julie at the VICC Patient and Family Resource Center told her about Survivor Fitness. Kim immediately recognized this was the answer to finding the help she needed to reconnect with and strengthen her body.

“Three years of chemotherapy and treatment made me determined to regain my strength and confidence to do things I loved to do, like hike, camp, run, and travel,” she shared. “I needed to be strong and confident in my body to continue to live my life to the fullest.”

Connecting with Survivor Fitness

Over the next twelve weeks, she began working with Caroline and Michaela at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, TN.  Their encouragement, support, and training were the perfect match for her recovery after cancer treatment. 

Finding a way to regain her strength was an incredibly healing process for Kim. It also opened the door for her to seek new opportunities and chase adventures she thought she had lost. 

“Being back in my body and knowing I can count on it again after the betrayal of cancer has been so empowering,” she said. “Survivor Fitness has given me back my confidence to hike my bucket list hikes and go after the things I had put aside in the past.” 

Kim continues to use her newfound strength to build up her running and keep completing her hiking and adventure goals. She recently hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. She also continues to work out with Chadwick’s Group Fitness Program with other Survivor Fitness participants and athletes.

“Survivor Fitness has been a great gift to me. I have regained, gained strength, lost inches, and feel like I fit into my body again,” Kim celebrated. “Without the program, I would not be able to do the things I have been able to do since I ended treatment.”

Support and Strength for Survivors

Survivor Fitness has worked alongside survivors of every age, fitness level, and diagnosis to help individuals achieve their fitness goals after cancer treatment. While each participant’s journey is unique, every cancer survivor’s story gives us the momentum to continue providing this service to those who need it most. To learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness participant, connect with us today.

The journey of a cancer survivor reflects remarkable inner strength. Many patients have navigated the physical and emotional challenges of fighting cancer — sometimes over the course of numerous years – only to find themselves facing uncertainties about the road ahead. As the demanding treatments end, a wave of feeling overwhelmed and fearful can wash over, emphasizing the deep complexity of life after treatment.

That’s how Survivor Fitness participant Jennifer Brown described her experience. 

In April 2018, Jennifer was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She started chemotherapy the following month, which dropped her weight to 98 pounds and forced her to learn new ways of caring for herself.  After initially receiving an NED diagnosis, Jennifer’s cancer returned at the beginning of 2021, and she began another round of treatment. This time, it took such a toll that Jennifer had to retire from work.

Thankfully, Jennifer became stable around October 2022. That’s when she started thinking about how to regain her strength and energy. 

“I knew my body was weaker than ever, and I wanted to be able to get out and live life. But I was scared I would do more harm than good, and quite frankly, I was embarrassed about my physical state. I could do nothing!” 

Jennifer found hope when she saw a story about Survivor Fitness on the news and reached out to apply for the program. 

From Surviving To Thriving

The following month, Jennifer started her program with Matt Kay at Performance Training in Knoxville, TN. After her first workout, Jennifer knew that this program was precisely what she needed to get back on her feet. She was grateful to connect with a personal trainer who understood her unique challenges and shared a kindred spirit that would encourage and challenge her when needed. 

With Matt’s guidance and support, Jennifer made tremendous strides throughout the 12-week program. 

“At first, the warm-up felt like a total workout. By the end of the sessions, I was working with weight and doing kettlebell squats with 35 to 40 pounds!”

Like many Survivor Fitness participants, Jennifer celebrates how much she achieved in such a short amount of time. Not only was she able to regain strength and energy, but confidence as well. She remembered the discouraging feeling she would get when people looked at her during cancer treatment. Today, she is able at things completely differently. She has been able to change her mindset from “I can’t” to “Maybe I can… let’s try.” 

“This program changed the view of myself from a cancer patient to a person living with cancer!” she celebrated. “I see myself as a person, not a diagnosis. Cancer can take a lot from you, but it can’t take your spirit.”

“Choose Hope and Get to Living” 

Today, Jennifer continues to make tremendous strides in her recovery journey. Through  Survivor Fitness, she’s learned the proper way to lift and exercise. 

“Survivor Fitness showed me everyone has their own starting point, and there is no shame in what that looks like. Just making an effort is a step toward success.” 

Jennifer continues to work out with kettlebells and dumbbells at home. She walks regularly and has even begun incorporating jogging into her routine. She is grateful that her increased movement and strength are helping her body recover faster and fight cancer cells.

Jennifer’s recovery has also opened the door to new opportunities she never thought would be possible again. 

“I was recently contacted about returning to a job I absolutely loved — working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Because of Survivor Fitness, I could return to working part-time!”

Jennifer carries her infectious positivity and ‘can-do spirit’ into everything she does. As she continues her recovery journey, she encourages every cancer survivor to find the determination to keep moving forward after treatment.

“Choose hope, choose resolve, choose positivity. Choose Survivor Fitness and get to living!”

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more about our program and our in-person or virtual training options.

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a roller coaster experience. There’s the initial shock, the uncertainty about what’s to come, the joy of positive news, the fear of further complications and issues, and the difficulty of embracing a new reality. For some cancer survivors, it feels like the roller coaster keeps descending a lot more than it goes up. Every experience requires bravery, courage, and commitment to keep moving forward. 

That’s the experience that Survivor Fitness participant Nancy Lopez had throughout her diagnosis and treatment. In November of 2021, Nancy had her annual mammogram with no concerns. The next month, she was diagnosed with DCIS. Instead of opting for a lumpectomy, Nancy decided to get a double mastectomy. That turned out to be an important decision because it revealed a more aggressive cancer hiding behind the DCIS that didn’t show up on any screenings. In April of 2022, Nancy was required to undergo surgery for a hysterectomy caused by the treatment medication. Finally, in June of 2022, she had reconstruction surgery. 

“Discovering and Embracing the New Me”

After the whirlwind battle with cancer, Nancy struggled with the same struggles many cancer survivors experienced. She experienced weight gain, fatigue, weakness, and other physical side effects. 

“The most difficult part of my journey was realizing that I am never going to be the same again,” Nancy said. “I had to embrace the change in myself both physically and mentally.”

That’s when Nancy’s oncologist connected her with Survivor Fitness. As soon as she was cleared to start working out again, Nancy was connected with a trainer and began her 12-week program. Being part of the program helped Nancy address the ​​specific side effects of her treatment and surgeries. Today, she feels equipped with the necessary tools to continue her fitness routine.

“Sometimes I don’t feel like myself with all of these changes, but Survivor Fitness is helping me find and embrace the new me,” Nancy said. “I know what I need to do to implement the changes I want to make for my overall health and well-being.” 

“Cancer Doesn’t Have to Dictate Your Whole Life”

Like many Survivor Fitness participants, Nancy realized the program’s impact on the mental and emotional aspects of her recovery as well. She shared how the encouragement she received from her trainer meant just as much as what she learned about strength training.

“My trainer was so supportive and encouraging,” she shared. “He made the workouts fun, and we laughed a lot. I believe laughter is good for the soul.” 

After completing the program, Nancy recognized the difference that committing to physical fitness and wellness made on her journey as a survivor. Today, she feels stronger and has less pain.

“The program has given me confidence,” Nancy said. “It has shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to and that cancer doesn’t have to dictate your whole life.”

Looking for Inspiration and Encouragement on Your Recovery Journey?

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

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