Category: Spotlights

Survivor Fitness has always grown through relationships. Participants tell friends about the program. A former participant might encourage someone else to apply. Families share resources when someone they love receives a cancer diagnosis.

But sometimes, the connection comes full circle.

Angela Prichard and her father, John Coates, are both cancer survivors. They also both became Survivor Fitness participants in 2025, working with the same trainer, David Rogers, at A-Train Fitness. Angela started first. By the time she was finishing the program, she realized something: Survivor Fitness might be exactly what her dad needed, too.

So she encouraged him to apply. He did.

Cancer Journeys They Would Navigate Together

John was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014 and reached remission after treatment about a year later. Nearly a decade later, Angela received her own diagnosis of rectal cancer in 2023. She went through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery before reaching remission the following year. While Angela was beginning physical therapy after her surgery, her father learned that his cancer had returned. 

The roles shifted. Initially, John had supported Angela through her treatment, and now she was attending treatment with him. John successfully completed treatment again within the year.

For Angela, watching her father navigate cancer before her own diagnosis had given her a perspective she would eventually draw on herself. As she went through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, she found herself thinking about what her dad had already faced.

“I think somehow it’s a little bit of a competition,” Angela says. “If he can do it, I can do it. And when I did it, he could do it again.”

Their journeys were different, but they found themselves facing the same difficult reality from opposite sides of the same family.

One Program. Two Very Different Starting Points.

Angela began Survivor Fitness in January 2025. As she neared the end of her 12 weeks, she realized her dad could benefit from the program, too. There was just one problem. John had never been a member of a gym. He didn’t own a pair of tennis shoes or gym clothes. He wasn’t someone who lived by his calendar or communicated through text messages. Still, he was willing to try.

Angela connected him with David, the same trainer who had worked with her, and what happened next surprised her.

“Survivor Fitness seemed to make the activity of working out accessible, and it challenged him,” Angela says. “I think it took the mystery out of it for him.”

She noticed the changes in small ways. John began stretching on his own. He became more open to fitness. He discovered that exercise was something he could do, even though it had never been part of his routine before.

Angela recognized the same transformation in herself. Working with David helped her rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence after treatment. For both of them, personalized training made exercise feel less intimidating and more achievable.

Growing Stronger, Together

Perhaps the most meaningful part of their Survivor Fitness experience has been what it has given their family. Between them, Angela and John have now navigated cancer three times. They have supported each other through diagnoses, treatment, uncertainty, and recovery. 

“We have gone through some really rotten times and three times that we’ve come out on the other side,” Angela says. “We are literally stronger with Survivor Fitness in our lives!”

For Angela, that strength extends beyond what happens inside the gym. She has learned that families don’t need perfect answers when someone they love has cancer. They need to be present, listen, and stay flexible.

“It takes a village,” she says. She also believes it is important to remember that a cancer diagnosis does not erase the person underneath it.

“A cancer patient is also just a human, the human you know and love. Don’t forget that.”

Angela and John’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery does not always happen alone. Sometimes, it happens alongside the people who understand what you’ve been through because they’ve been there, too.

Find Your Way Forward with Survivor Fitness

Every cancer journey is different. So is every recovery. Survivor Fitness connects cancer survivors with personalized fitness training, nutrition coaching, and mental health resources designed to meet them where they are.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you find your way forward. You can learn more about our programs or apply today to connect with a trainer like David and take a step toward building your support network after cancer. 

For many cancer survivors, navigating nutrition after treatment can feel like one more task to juggle during an already-difficult time. There is no shortage of advice online, and much of it can feel rigid or inflexible—cut this out, avoid that, follow this diet, never eat that food again. Julia Clover, a registered dietitian with Flora Wellness Practitioners, takes a different approach.

Since beginning her work with Survivor Fitness participants in January 2026, Julia has counselled more than 30 survivors one-on-one in nutrition. Her focus is simple: help people understand what their bodies need, make informed choices, and build habits they can actually maintain.

That same philosophy shaped Survivor Fitness’ summer nutrition series, which Julia led with a three-part video series called “Meal Planning Without the Overwhelm.” The series offered practical strategies for making nutrition feel less complicated, especially during busy summer months.

Today, we invited Julia to sit down, share a little more of her story, and offer her take on what cancer survivors should know about eating well after treatment.

Starting With the Person, Not the Plan

Julia first connected with Survivor Fitness through Flora Wellness Practitioners, where she works as a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, metabolic health, hormone health, sustainable weight loss, and oncology nutrition.

Her recognition that everyone’s body is different—with unique needs and challenges—also informs her work as a Survivor Fitness partner. When Julia meets each participant, they arrive with different questions, challenges, and goals in mind. Instead of making them follow a one-size-fits-all plan, Julia starts building a plan with each patient in mind.

“The most important part of a cancer patient’s diet is recognizing that nutrition needs to be individualized,” she says. “There is no single ‘cancer diet’ that works for everyone.”

That individualized approach can include everything from rebuilding muscle with adequate protein to navigating digestive changes, improving energy, incorporating more nutrient-dense foods, or simply finding meals that fit into a busy schedule.

Julia also encourages participants to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions. Carbohydrates, for example, can play an important role in providing fuel for the brain and body. Instead of eliminating entire food groups, she encourages survivors to focus on balanced nutrition and sustainable habits.

When Food Becomes Fuel, Not Something to Fear

One of Julia’s favorite parts of her work is watching participants change their relationship with food over time.

One of her first Survivor Fitness participants initially came to her after years of struggling with weight maintenance and body image. Cancer treatment added another layer to those challenges, but nutrition coaching allowed her to rethink what food meant and how it could support her health.

As their work together progressed, Julia watched her become more confident, improve her energy and strength, and develop a healthier relationship with food.

“She no longer views ‘healthy eating’ as a punishment or something restrictive,” Julia says. “Instead, she has taken what she has learned, experimented with new foods and recipes, and found ways to create meals that are enjoyable while also supporting her health.”

During one check-in, a participant summed up that transformation in her own words: “I view food as fuel and enjoy learning how my body responds, adjusting as needed. It makes me feel empowered to be in my own skin.”

For Julia, those moments capture why individualized nutrition support matters.

Making Healthy Habits Work in Real Life

Julia’s work is not about chasing the latest nutrition trend. While topics such as anti-inflammatory foods, protein, gut health, and intermittent fasting receive plenty of attention, she encourages survivors to focus first on the fundamentals.

That means eating a variety of whole foods, incorporating adequate protein, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and creating habits that fit real life.

“Nutrition plays an important role in supporting cancer survivors, but there is no single ‘perfect’ diet that everyone needs to follow,” she says. “The most important focus is creating healthy, sustainable habits that can be maintained long term.”

That philosophy also guided her summer webinar series. Rather than adding another complicated task to participants’ plates, Julia focused on making meal planning more manageable.

You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

Julia knows that reaching out for nutrition support can feel intimidating, particularly when there is already so much conflicting information available.

Her advice? Start anyway.

“There will never be a ‘perfect’ time to start,” she says. “So even if you are feeling scared, nervous, or unsure of yourself, I encourage you to take that first step.”

You don’t have to arrive with a perfect diet or a list of goals. Survivor Fitness participants can start wherever they are and work with a qualified nutrition professional to determine what makes sense for their individual needs.

That’s what makes the partnership so meaningful for Julia: she gets to provide education, answer questions, and offer reassurance while helping survivors rebuild confidence in something they navigate every day.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Survivor Fitness participants and be part of their health journey,” she says.

That journey can begin with something as simple as learning to see food in a new way.

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

We’re incredibly grateful for Julia and the expertise, encouragement, and practical insights she has shared with the Survivor Fitness community. From leading our summer nutrition series to working one-on-one with participants, Julia continues to help survivors build a healthier, more confident relationship with food. We’re grateful for the difference she makes, and for the care she brings to every participant she supports.

Interested in becoming part of the Survivor Fitness community? Trainers, dietitians, and other wellness professionals can learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness partner. Cancer survivors can explore our free programs and find support for the next stage of their journey.

Rebuilding your life after cancer treatment rarely happens in a vacuum. Long after the clinical appointments end, the everyday world keeps moving. For many survivors, the challenge lies in navigating life’s major milestones—both the joyful moments and the deeply difficult ones—while your body is still healing. 

Learning how to listen to your body and care for it can be one of the most important parts of recovery.

For busy grandmother Rhonda VanCleave, Survivor Fitness helped her do exactly that. Her story is a powerful reminder that true recovery is not about forcing yourself to go at full speed all the time. It is about understanding your body and giving yourself the grace to slowly build back up.

Overcoming the Energy Slump

Rhonda’s cancer journey began in 2016 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent a thyroidectomy. Several years later, in May 2023, she faced another diagnosis. This time it was breast cancer. She underwent lumpectomies on both breasts after doctors discovered cancerous tumors in each. Later that year, she completed bilateral proton radiation. Like many survivors, her treatment eventually came to an end. Her fatigue didn’t.

“I had little to no energy and what felt like the inability to rise above it,” Rhonda recalls.

She knew she wanted to feel stronger again, but getting started felt overwhelming.

“I knew I needed help to get over the slump.”

A Different Kind of Fitness Experience

Recognizing that she could not break the cycle of inactivity on her own, she took the leap to look for outside support. The opportunity arrived via an email from Oncovery, which introduced her to Survivor Fitness. In late 2025, she was paired with personal trainer Randianne Sears at Evolve Fitness.

Like many people entering a post-cancer exercise program, Rhonda wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

“I imagined being sweaty and sore and pushed to improve,” Rhonda admits. “But I was pleasantly surprised. Randianne was super encouraging from day one. She challenged but did not push. She made me feel good about any progress, physical or mental.”

That personal connection changed everything. Working out stopped feeling like a grueling chore and became an empowering discovery process. While Rhonda did sweat during her sessions, it felt good because it was rooted in a newfound desire to improve and an awareness of what her body could truly achieve.

“I learned more than I expected. It wasn’t just about exercise, but how to do some things and why it impacts your body.”

Learning That Recovery Is Part of the Journey

One of the biggest lessons Rhonda carries with her today has little to do with weights or workouts. It’s about giving herself permission to recover. 

“I don’t feel like I’m failing when my body needs recovery time after an intense stretch emotionally or physically,” she says.

Survivor Fitness gave Rhonda the tools to navigate heavy emotional and physical seasons without feeling like she was failing. Whether she is stepping back from an intense stretch of grief—such as the recent passing of her mother—or simply recovering from a joyful, high-energy vacation week with her family, her perspective on rest has completely changed.

“Regardless of the reasons, good or bad, it’s okay to allow for some recovery time, then slowly build back up. Rather than feeling in a slump of inactivity, I accept that there are times of less energy, but each day is a new chance to do something active.”

That perspective has helped her replace guilt with confidence and consistency.

One Step Can Change Everything

Looking back, Rhonda says the hardest part of the entire experience wasn’t one particular workout. It was making the first appointment. Like many participants, she wasn’t sure what the program would be like or whether she was ready. Today, she’s grateful she took that first step.

“Do it!” she encourages other survivors. “The encouragement and accountability are great tools to get moving forward again.”

At Survivor Fitness, that’s exactly what we hope every participant discovers. Recovery isn’t about returning to who you were before cancer. It’s about learning how to care for the person you are today. With the right support, guidance, and encouragement, every small step forward becomes part of something much bigger.

Are you ready to break out of the post-treatment slump and learn how to support your body through every season of life? 

You don’t have to figure out the path to physical wellness on your own. Survivor Fitness provides personal fitness training, nutritional guidance, mental health counseling, and the community support you need to move forward.

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

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.