Participant Spotlight: Maureen Clarke

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It is always a joy to read about our participants’ experiences, especially when they’re as passionate as Maureen Clarke. She has been an advocate for our program from day one, and we are delighted to see the value that she’s gained since joining. We think you’ll be inspired by Maureen’s story, too.

A Q & A with Maureen Clarke

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your relationship with Survivor Fitness and how you became a participant.

Maureen Clarke: I became a participant at the suggestion from my Oncologist, Dr. Means-Powell and my Surgeon Dr. Baskin, both at Tennessee Oncology. They said I should look into it after my treatment. I did. First, I called Gilda’s Club in Franklin. They knew who to call—Survivor Fitness!

SF: When did you begin your journey with Survivor Fitness?

MC: I was accepted and had my evaluation on July 20, 2020.

SF: How has Survivor Fitness helped you along your journey to regaining your health and wellness?

MC: Survivor Fitness put me on the road to regaining my health and wellness with valuable information to help me physically and nutritionally. The workouts were THE BEST I have experienced in my life! It was not the old way of reps done three times. I became noticeably stronger, leaner, and taller in those weeks. I felt so well and proudly wore my Survivor Fitness t-shirt after working out to wherever I went publicly. I did notice people reading it. 

The personal trainers for Survivor Fitness are handpicked for their knowledge and personal interest in their clients’ wellness. It showed every time I walked in—from the front desk and throughout my experience. 

When I had my last day, Jen told me I could call her anytime. Knowing my financial status somewhat, she offered the ongoing opportunity for group exercise. I suppose my own support that I use is Jen’s photo business card on my fridge in an area that I ALWAYS see.   

My memory of the training sessions I received is always vivid. Everything I learned has and will stay with me because it changed my body and mind for better health and wellness. 

I must talk about Jill Merkel, who is a Registered Dietician for Survivor Fitness. She was my therapist, my nurse, my nutritionist, and my friend. She dried my tears and helped my heart and body. She checked on me after my sessions with Survivor Fitness had ended and sent me meaningful greeting cards and a beautiful flower arrangement when times were very emotionally sad. She is a wonderful and knowledgeable person.

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

MC: I absolutely have told survivors about Survivor Fitness. I tell them there is nothing that can be better! I have said there is NOTHING like a personal trainer. Nothing! I say, “you will LOVE what you will learn, and it will stay with you, in mind and body.”

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Participant Spotlight: Melissa Lyon

The Survivor Fitness team is forever motivated by our outstanding participants. They’ve faced such big challenges and tackled them head-on. It’s such a joy to hear our survivors’ many testimonials, and we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Melissa Lyon in this Q & A feature.

A Q & A with Melissa Lyon

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your relationship with Survivor Fitness and how you became a participant.

Melissa Lyon: After talking to my doctor about reconstructive surgery on my breast, they needed me to lose weight before they could operate. I wanted to try diet pills, but my Nurse Navigator suggested I speak with the team at Survivor Fitness first.

SF: When did your journey with Survivor Fitness begin?

ML: I started in October of 2020 and finished up in January of 2021.

SF: How has Survivor Fitness helped you along your journey to regaining your health and wellness?

ML: Survivor Fitness put me in touch with my personal trainer, Stephanie. Stephanie took my vitals and my weight before coming up with a game plan. I went two times a week for 12 weeks, for an hour each time. She coached me to change my habits. For example, I was drinking a lot of soda instead of water. I was challenged to drink water every day, so it became two steps above hate for me. But, after I saw the end results, I was very motivated to stay active. I lost 10 pounds, as well as inches in my waist, arms, and legs. I joined a gym to keep up the work, as I still have a ways to go before reaching my goal.

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

ML: I encourage any cancer survivor struggling with their weight or getting in shape to get in touch with Survivor Fitness. Meg and Stephanie are both such awesome individuals who don’t pass judgment. I walked away from this experience motivated and feeling like I could conquer the world!

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Participant Spotlight: Maria London

There’s a reason why you’ll hear the phrase, “Beating cancer is just the beginning of your story” at Survivor Fitness. And the best parts of the story are often what lies ahead in each participant’s lives. It’s such a joy to hear the many testimonials of our survivors, and we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Maria London in this Q & A feature.

A Q & A with Maria London

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your relationship with Survivor Fitness and how you became a participant.

Maria London: I am a breast cancer survivor. A few months back, I was sharing on my support group page my total frustration at not being able to lose any weight after my treatment and ongoing hormonal blockage. I have always been very active, but the pounds kept piling on. Meg Grunke reached out to me on the support group page and suggested I try Survivor Fitness, and I expressed interest. Money was a concern, but because the program offers scholarships to participants, I was able to take this next step.

SF: When did your journey with Survivor Fitness begin?

ML: I started my 24-session program in September of 2020. After that, I have reupped for another 12-sessions on my own. I am still seeing the personal trainer on a weekly basis.

SF: How has Survivor Fitness helped you along your journey to regaining your health and wellness?

ML: I love to hike but, after cancer, would get winded quickly, and my knees and hips would hurt all the time. I also had lost upper body strength after surgery and radiation. I was also afraid to hurt myself, not knowing what exercises were appropriate for my body after surgery and having lymph nodes removed. According to the surgeon, I will always be at risk of developing lymphedema, so I have to be very careful.

During the pandemic shutdown in 2020, I didn’t want to go to a regular gym. Working out with a personal trainer in a small gym was a game changer. My Survivor Fitness trainer knows just how far to push my body to gain strength without hurting it. I have never felt stronger or been in better shape. Hiking is such a pleasure now, as I have no pain and can go on forever. The dietitian was also very helpful. There are so many diets out there, but none are sustainable for me, so I needed to find a new way of dealing with food, and she really helped me set reasonable expectations.

SF: What makes the relationship with Survivor Fitness so good?

ML: It’s not a workout program. It’s a lifestyle change that is sustainable and completely dependent on the effort you put in. Nobody is yelling at you to do more reps, but you want to do your best because it will benefit you. Personal trainers and dietitians are the key to success. Meg and Aaron Grunke are so supportive, and they make you part of their survivor family.

SF: In what ways does Survivor Fitness empower you to stay active and healthy?

ML: If it weren’t for Survivor Fitness, I would still be sitting on the couch, telling myself that nothing was going to help me lose weight. Boy, was I wrong! Once I started working out and seeing results, I knew I could do this and stick with it. Money is still a concern, since my 24 sessions are over, and I have to pay out of my pocket for individual sessions, but I know that continuing on this journey is important.

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

ML: I am happy to say that I have already referred a friend to the program, and she is thriving. I told her how much better I felt and how my clothes fit again. I feel healthy, strong, and confident, and it’s all thanks to Survivor Fitness starting me on that path.

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.