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.
