Board Member Spotlight: Peyton Cherry

Professional portrait of Peyton Cherry.

Passion. It’s a word that permeates and drives so much of our work at Survivor Fitness. It fuels the determination of our participants as they reclaim their health and rebuild their lives through our programs. It drives the dedication of the trainers, therapists, and dietitians who guide them on their journey. And it underpins the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, supporters, advocates, and board members who help us amplify our impact.

Passion is also the perfect word to describe one of our dedicated board members, Peyton Cherry. A native Knoxvillian, Peyton’s connection to Survivor Fitness began through mutual friends who introduced him to our founders, Aaron and Meg Grunke. Hearing Aaron’s story of resilience during his own battle with cancer deeply inspired Peyton, prompting him to get involved.

A Heart for Transformation

“I was truly inspired not only by Aaron’s story,” Peyton says, “but by all of those who’ve participated in the Survivor Fitness programs. The organization strives to do good on the largest possible scale, which truly shows within the community of tightly knit individuals who participate in this program.”

Peyton’s involvement with Survivor Fitness began to grow as he attended more events, including our Knoxville Survivor Soirée. This event, which featured a live auction, was particularly meaningful to Peyton. The auction raised funds for the financial support and scholarships we offer to participants, ensuring that anyone who needs our programs can access them.

“Seeing all the attendees raise their paddles and donate generously to promote the cause was beyond special to witness,” Peyton reflected.

It’s no surprise then that Peyton’s passion, coupled with his strong ties to the Knoxville community, made him a perfect candidate for our board in 2023. His primary focus is to expand our reach and connect with businesses and individuals who share our mission. He believes this increased exposure will draw in more resources and support and attract a wider range of participants who could benefit from Survivor Fitness programs.

“With the year-over-year growth of Survivor Fitness,” Peyton says with optimism, “the number of people able to join this program is only going to increase. The ability to touch so many lives is amazing, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The Power of Community

Beyond passion, Peyton understands the power of community. As a real estate agent, he witnesses firsthand the profound impact that a strong support network can make for cancer survivors. This understanding resonates deeply with Survivor Fitness’ core values.

“The feeling of having folks around you with similar stories helps to invoke hope among the individuals within it,” Peyton explains. “The Survivor Fitness programs are not only special to me, but to so many within the community.”

At Survivor Fitness, we are incredibly grateful for Peyton’s unwavering passion and boundless energy. His dedication to expanding our reach allows us to empower more cancer survivors as they move towards a happier, healthier future after treatment.

Board Member Spotlight: Chris Guay

Professional portrait of Chris Guay.

Survivor Fitness thrives because of the incredible people who believe in our mission. We’re fortunate to have a board of directors that is comprised of passionate leaders and talented individuals who dedicate their skills and experience to positively impacting the lives of cancer survivors. Chris Guay is a shining example of this dedication.

A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, Chris founded Vitality Living, a leading provider of active independent and assisted living communities. Since its launch in 2016, Vitality Living has flourished under Chris’s leadership, becoming a top senior living company nationwide. His passion for people and commitment to quality service have allowed the organization to serve over 2,000 residents across the country.

Chris’s energy, strategic thinking, and innovative approach are evident in his work at Vitality Living. But it’s his inherent desire to help others that truly inspires him. This desire is what led him to join the Survivor Fitness Board.

Finding a Connection with Survivor Fitness

Chris connected with Survivor Fitness founder Aaron Grunke during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Chris collaborated with Aaron to secure COVID tests for Vitality Living employees and residents, he learned about Aaron’s story and the inspiration behind Survivor Fitness. Chris felt an immediate call to action, compelled to support the organization and its mission.

As Chris became more involved, he discovered a close friend had been one of the program’s first participants following her breast cancer battle. This personal connection further solidified his decision. Cancer touches us all, and Survivor Fitness was making a tangible difference.

“I am new to the organization,” Chris says, “but was drawn to it by Aaron and other survivors’ stories of how going through the Survivor Fitness Program helped them gain not only physical strength but confidence after battling cancer.”

A Personal Connection and a Shared Mission

Personal health and fitness are cornerstones of Chris’s life. Like many, he has witnessed the impact of cancer firsthand.

“I have watched too many loved ones fight this disease,” Chris reflects, “and have seen the negative impacts it has during and after treatments. Gaining the confidence that they are strong and their bodies can be healthy again is one of the most valuable aspects of cancer survivorship.”

Chris firmly believes that supporting an organization aligned with his passion for wellness and fighting cancer is a calling. “I am extremely honored and excited to help more survivors find and experience our program,” he adds.

Since joining the board, Chris has been consistently inspired by the stories of program participants.  Hearing firsthand how Survivor Fitness empowers survivors and transforms their outlook on life fuels his dedication.

For those considering starting the Survivor Fitness program, Chris offers these encouraging words: “Don’t let cancer define you and make you feel weak. Battling the disease takes a mental and physical toll, but our program can help you get your strength back and more.”  These powerful words encapsulate Chris’s unwavering support for our mission.

Survivor Fitness is incredibly grateful to have Chris as a board member. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as we strive to grow and reach more cancer survivors.  But most importantly, Chris’s passion for our mission and his calling to be part of our organization is a powerful asset that will make a difference in the lives of our participants.

To learn more about how we help cancer survivors reclaim their mental health, read more about our program or submit an application today! 

Board Member Spotlight: Devin Driscoll

Strength. Perseverance. Self-belief. These are all attributes that describe Survivor Fitness participants as they work to regain their health and fitness after treatment. Coincidentally, they’re also the characteristics that board member Devin Driscoll knows well — not only through his own story but through the countless athletes and individuals he has trained over the years. 

Today, Devin owns six D1 training facilities across Tennessee and Alabama. He also sits on D1 Corporate Training Panel, Franchise Advisory Council, and Validation Committee, where he utilizes his experience to support the 110 D1 franchises across the country.  

Devin’s journey in fitness and training began well before he connected with D1 founder, Will Bartholemew, in 2017. As a Knoxville native, Devin grew up playing sports throughout his childhood. Devin went on to play collegiate athletics and even wrestled for the WWE Federation for two years.

“I always loved lifting and training,” Devin said. “But I fell in love with fitness and recovery when I blew out my knee in college.”  

The lifelong passion Devin discovered in college became a career when he opened his own personal training company, Next Level Fitness, in 2007. At Next Level, he worked primarily with high school and college athletes. After nearly a decade of building his business, Devin connected with D1, creating the perfect opportunity to franchise multiple locations successfully. 

Devin’s passion for fitness and expertise in business intertwined with a few personal experiences when he first learned about Survivor Fitness in 2021. Like many Survivor Fitness board members and advocates, Devin’s had a front-row seat to the impact that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have after watching multiple family members battle cancer, including his mother. 

“The first person I thought of when I heard about Survivor Fitness was my mom,” Devin explained. “She was actually my first client when I started my business. Knowing what she went through and how challenging it is to get back to the gym after treatment was something I’ll never forget.” 

After connecting with Survivor Fitness founder Aaron Grunke, Devin began using his local connections to support the Knoxville market while exploring opportunities for growth throughout the entire D1 community. Devin recognizes the welcoming environment at D1 is an ideal space for Survivor Fitness participants to train. 

“After treatment, the last place you want to go is somewhere that feels like a hospital,” he said. “D1 has such a different environment. Because so many of our clients are training for something, we’ve created a space that inspires people.” 

Devin officially joined the Survivor Fitness board of directors in 2023 and is looking forward to using his connections and knowledge to impact even more lives through the program.

“What excites me the most is being able to create connections between Survivor Fitness and the relationships we have to grow exponentially quicker.” 

After observing the community-oriented momentum that has grown within the fitness space in recent years, Devin is excited to see how the entire fitness community could wrap its arms around the mission of Survivor Fitness to support cancer survivors after treatment.

“It’s been so cool to see how people have come together and supported one another in the fitness community over the years,” he shared. “There’s so much momentum for the community. I think that’s where our team at D1 can really help the future of Survivor Fitness.”  

Board Member Spotlight: Marriah Mabe

Since she was a young college student, Survivor Fitness board member Marriah Mabe felt a calling to work with cancer patients. This special calling has led to a career defined by her compassion and sense of duty to serve others.

After moving from Maryville to Memphis, Marriah graduated from the social work program at the University of Tennessee while her husband attended medical school. After completing her studies, she was hired as a social worker in the survivorship program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work at St. Jude,” said Marriah. “That’s where I fell in love with supporting patients and families through the journey of diagnosis and treatment—really even the survivorship piece is where my heart is.”

Today, Marriah works with cancer patients and their families at one of only a few dozen proton beam therapy clinics in the United States. 

Most people are familiar with radiology as an integral part of cancer care. After all, nearly one out of every two cancer patients will undergo some form of radiation therapy. Among those patients, only a small sub-group qualifies for proton beam therapy—a procedure in which protons are separated from hydrogen atoms, sped up in a particle accelerator, and used to destroy tumor cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

What may sound like science fiction to some has been a life-saving treatment for others since 1954. But due to its high cost—a single proton beam therapy machine can cost upwards of $200 million—proton therapy clinics are a rare commodity.

That’s why patients travel from far and wide to receive treatment in Knoxville. Away from home and facing a life-threatening diagnosis, patients can rely on Marriah and her colleagues for the support they need.

“We have a lot of patients from three hours away or even further,” said Marriah. “Transportation, housing, and other basic needs is where I come in to help patients overcome the barriers to getting here and getting treated.”

Aside from the logistics of traveling for treatment, Marriah provides encouragement and emotional support during a difficult medical journey.

“I’m here to be a resource for them, even if it’s just somebody to talk to while they’re with us in Knoxville,” Marriah explained.

It was a proton therapy patient who introduced Marriah Mabe to Survivor Fitness, which operates in Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga. Today, she proudly serves on its board of directors to help cancer patients bridge the gap between remission and recovery.

“While a diagnosis is shocking and overwhelming, options to move forward are put in front of you,” said Marriah. “After treatment, patients go from running 100 miles per hour to feeling like they’re doing nothing—a sense of losing control that catches people off guard.”

“They think life will get back to normal, but normally can look very different for different people,” she continued. “Many patients struggle because they want to find a way to contribute to their health moving forward, but they’re not sure how to get started.”

That’s where Survivor Fitness comes in by connecting patients with qualified professionals for customized, one-on-one fitness training and nutritional guidance.

By reclaiming their physical health, survivors build confidence and feel empowered to reclaim the lives they led before being diagnosed and treated.

“It’s a great thing to help patients regain that sense of control,” said Marriah. “Besides the benefits of exercise, one of the best benefits of Survivor Fitness is how it connects survivors with one another. Even if it’s just one person, discovering that you’re not the only one going through the challenges of survivorship can be a huge piece in knowing things will be okay.”

Marriah Mabe, LCSW, is an oncology social worker at Provision CARES Proton Therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee where she oversees the clinic’s Art Therapy Program, serves as chair of the Provision CARES Ethics Committee, and leads the Pediatric Program Committee.

Board Member Spotlight: Rhett Lankford

The journey after cancer involves hard work and dedication. It also requires connection and care from others. These are the values that help cancer survivors navigate the new challenges they face after treatment. 

While he hasn’t experienced a personal cancer diagnosis, Rhett Lankford embodies the values of connection and care that led him to become a Survivor Fitness board member. 

Rhett’s closest experience with cancer came when his dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. After a year of treatment, Rhett’s father entered remission, but the physical toll is still making an impact three years later. 

“After treatment, my dad didn’t have a lot of energy. He couldn’t be as active as he was before the diagnosis which caused him to put on some extra weight and created other health issues. Thankfully, he was able to overcome those and is more disciplined about taking care of his body,” Rhett said.  

Shortly after his dad’s diagnosis, Rhett was introduced to Survivor Fitness. His wife, Joanna, was a childhood friend of Survivor Fitness co-founder, Meg Grunke. Joanna and Meg reconnected when they both moved back to Knoxville, and the two families became close friends. 

When Rhett pitched the idea of sponsoring and supporting Survivor Fitness to his employer, FirstBank, the leadership was immediately supportive. 

“It’s not hard for people to see the value of what Survivor Fitness does,” he explained. “Whenever I walk someone through the program and how it works, it doesn’t take more than five minutes for most people to want to find a way to help.” 

Rhett’s passion for the mission, dedication, and willingness to be open to new opportunities aligned earlier this year when he joined the Survivor Fitness board.  

“It was kind of a God thing. My wife and I were talking about how beneficial it would be for me to find activities to pursue outside of work, family, and exercise. Not long after that conversation, Aaron asked me to serve on the board,” he said.  

Rhett’s hardworking demeanor and connections across the state make him a valuable addition to the board. As a member of the growth committee, Rhett is actively working on connecting friends and family members in the Chattanooga area with Survivor Fitness as the organization looks to expand its mission into new areas. 

“I don’t have a cancer survivor’s perspective. But I am excited about helping to spread the word about Survivor Fitness as much as I possibly can.”

Rhett is excited about the opportunity to use his natural skills and business acumen to consider a scalable process that can be replicated to support more cancer survivors across Tennessee and beyond.

“Unfortunately, cancer isn’t going anywhere. But you recognize the power of having a path forward after hearing stories of Survivor Fitness participants. I believe the more that people know about Survivor Fitness, the more lives it can change. That is an exciting challenge to be part of.”

Rhett’s passion and community-oriented spirit are summed up perfectly in the way he describes Survivor Fitness to those who are entering the next phase after treatment.

“Survivor Fitness gives you a path forward without having to take the journey alone. You’re partnering with people who’ve walked the same journey alongside you.”

Rhett Lankford lives in Knoxville, TN with his wife, Joanna, and their children, William and Bennett. He works as a Financial Advisor and Vice President of FirstBank Investment Partners and serves on the Survivor Fitness board.

Board Member Spotlight: Nick Galbraith

Leading a nonprofit organization like Survivor Fitness requires passion, commitment, and discernment. On the one hand, there’s an exciting opportunity to impact thousands of lives through your work and mission. On the other hand, there are hundreds of operational details to consider and wisdom that’s needed to grow in a healthy way.

As a board member for Survivor Fitness, Nick Galbraith brings a unique combination of zeal and business acumen to help more people recover after cancer through Survivor Fitness’ unique approach to fitness, nutrition, and support. 

“From my experience, there are not a lot of helpful accessible resources to help cancer survivors recover physically after treatment,” Nick highlighted. “Many people don’t know where to turn or what to do. I’ve always been impressed by the way Survivor Fitness was designed to help guide them and help people get healthy again.”

Nick and his wife were first introduced to Survivor Fitness in 2018 after being invited to the Survivor Fitness Soiree, an annual fundraiser supporting the foundation’s scholarship-based work across Tennessee. That initial encounter inspired Nick and his wife to stay connected to the organization and support the cause in various ways. 

Today, Nick is using his experience as a business owner to find ways for Survivor Fitness to impact more lives in years to come. As a member of the marketing committee, Nick is excited about helping more cancer survivors discover the life-changing experience of being part of the Survivor Fitness community. 

“Cancer is a disease that touches everyone in some way, shape, or form,” Nick mentioned. This is a statement he knows from personal experience, losing his grandfather, his wife’s aunt, and a best friend from high school to cancer. Through each of these experiences, Nick recognized how beneficial it can be to support patients during the journey.   

“The main thing I’m passionate about is getting the word out to help as many survivors recover their strength and health,” Nick expressed. “I believe Survivor Fitness meets a massive need for patients after treatment or in remission and that really excites me.” 

Being a first-year board member has given Nick the chance to learn more about the organization and everything that goes into supporting patients across the state. This has also sparked some creative ideas as the leadership at Survivor Fitness explores ways to help more survivors.  

“We’re looking at growing the in-person trainer gym network and our virtual support for participants. We don’t want to be constrained by boundaries and access to gyms. We’re exploring some really innovative ways to support patients virtually as they are looking for ways to regain strength and vitality.”

Nick Galbraith is the President and Founder of Foundations Mortgage Company in Knoxville, Tennessee. A New York native, he’s called Tennessee home since 2003. He has a wife and two little boys. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members.

Board Member Spotlight: Courtney Snodgrass

For patients and caregivers, the cancer journey can often feel like a daunting voyage into unfamiliar terrain. Beyond the disease itself, complex medical decisions, insurance claims, and personal finances become roadblocks on the path to wellness.

As a communications professional in radiation oncology, Courtney Snodgrass helps lead her patients, many of whom belong to vulnerable populations in underserved communities, through the complexities of cancer treatment and medical billing.

“I’m very passionate about cancer, healthcare, and treating the whole patient, which includes relieving their financial anxieties,” said Courtney, a native of Nashville, Tennessee.

“Our patients trust us during a hard time in their lives,” Courtney explained. “We don’t send patients to collections. We always answer the phone so patients don’t have to deal with an automated system. And we do whatever we can to make the billing process as simple as possible.”

In her career, she’s driven to turn patients into survivors through compassionate care – the same motivation that has led her to serve on the Survivor Fitness Foundation board of directors.

In 2018, a Survivor Fitness trainer at Courtney’s local gym introduced her to Meg Grunke, the non-profit’s executive director.

“We were looking as a company to support organizations that work with local cancer patients and fit our mission to serve the whole patient,” said Courtney. “We are big on health and fitness as a company and have a lot of initiatives to encourage people to take care of themselves.” 

For the past four years, Courtney’s company has matched Giving Tuesday contributions to Survivor Fitness, a scholarship-based program providing cancer survivors with one-on-one fitness training and nutritional counseling in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

“I love their mission,” said Courtney. “I’m big into fitness myself. Seeing how it’s helped me personally with my mental and physical health, it’s inspiring to know they’re helping a lot of people who might otherwise not have that service – especially where they live.”

Courtney knows what it means to have access to essential services that are local and convenient. Her company recently expanded to operate its own radiology clinics in rural Alaska, Oklahoma, and Oregon with a mission to reach patients with limited treatment options.

Similarly, she knows the importance of having a local resource like Survivor Fitness to bridge the gap between remission and wellness.

“A lot of studies show that getting help and getting treatment close to home helps in recovery because you’re around your friends and family,” explained Courtney, who envisions Survivor Fitness eventually expanding nationwide.

“I think Survivor Fitness will eventually increase its offerings to patients in more places while still staying true to its mission, one patient and partnership at a time,” she said.

As a proud Survivor Fitness board member, Courtney is pioneering a simpler, safer route to good health for cancer patients everywhere.

Courtney Snodgrass, MSDM is Manager of Marketing and Communications at Radiation Business Solutions in Nashville, Tennessee. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members.

Board Member Spotlight: Erik Morrison

In 1910, a young woman in Washington created a special holiday to celebrate her father, a single parent who made tremendous sacrifices to raise six children. Today, families everywhere celebrate Father’s Day by reflecting on the special bond between dads of all types and the kids who love them.

For Erik Morrison and his wife, Lindsey, the third Sunday in June is more than an occasion for sentimental greeting cards or breakfast in bed. Each June, they reflect on the anniversary of their family’s cancer journey.

“This time of year really hits home,” said Erik. “June 13th marked three years since Caroline’s diagnosis, and I can remember every little detail about her cancer journey since then.”

In 2019, when she was just two years old, Caroline began exhibiting posture and balance issues after returning home from a family vacation to Disney World.

“She was late to walk and probably didn’t start until about 16 months, so I didn’t really think much about it at that point,” explained Erik. “A few months later, I came home from a trip and really noticed that she had become weaker and had a hard time getting up from the floor.”

Initially, Caroline was checked for multiple sclerosis. When her results came back negative, a follow-up MRI was scheduled as a precaution. Erik remembers every detail of the day Caroline received her diagnosis and each milestone that followed, memories enhanced by the overwhelming trauma of her illness.

“It was a Thursday morning, and I had just landed in Denver for a work trip,” he recalled. “I’ll never forget the rush of texts and voicemails from Lindsey when I turned my phone back on. It’s just a feeling I’ll never forget.”

He clearly recalls the day Caroline received her port placement, the nine days she spent in the hospital with a fever, and the moment he learned that his little girl, who was still learning to explore the world around her, faced the possibility of never walking again.

Now a vibrant five-year-old, Caroline is doing much more than walking. With the love and support of her mom, dad, and her older siblings, she’s learning to thrive.

“She’s the life of every party, and she never meets a stranger,” said Erik proudly. “Anyone who meets her would tell you that she’ll bring a smile to your face every day.”

After her surgery, a family friend made a donation in Caroline’s name to Survivor Fitness, a scholarship-based program in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga that provides cancer survivors with one-on-one fitness training and nutritional counseling. 

“I firmly believe in what Meg and Aaron are doing,” said Erik. “Fitness is an important part of my life, and the service that Survivor Fitness provides is directly in line with my core values.”

Earlier this year, Erik accepted an appointment to the Survivor Fitness Foundation board of directors. As chair of its fundraising committee, he has his sights set on expanding the program nationwide.

“Anyone from Kingsport to Dyersburg who is fighting cancer should have access to this program, but it shouldn’t stop there,” said Erik. “There’s certainly a need for Survivor Fitness everywhere you can imagine, and we have the opportunity to really grow in the next five to ten years.”

Today, Caroline may recall a version of her cancer journey that’s very different from Erik’s experience.

“She vaguely remembers being sick in the hospital, but she clearly recalls eating a lot of Cheez-Its and watching Frozen on repeat,” he laughed.

Despite their own versions of the past, Erik’s grateful for the chance to spend future Father’s Days making new memories with the daughter he loves.

Erik Morrison is Vice President of lease Purchase at Western Express. Originally from Maryville, he currently resides in Nashville with his wife Lindsey, and their three children. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members.

Board Member Spotlight: Scott Breece

Scott Breece is in the business of protection. As a young sailor aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Scott dedicated himself to defending our nation. As a cybersecurity professional, he helps safeguard private health data from prying eyes.

And as a cancer patient, he did everything he could to protect his loved ones from the trauma of his life-threatening diagnosis.

In 2014, after just a few months of difficulty swallowing and keeping down food, Scott had rapidly lost 50 pounds. When five different reflux medications proved ineffective, an endoscopy and CT scan revealed a rare form of esophageal cancer. 

Just four days later, doctors implanted his port to immediately begin a 12-week course of chemotherapy and radiation.

The next summer, Scott finally received the news that every cancer patient desperately wants to hear. After a marathon operation requiring three different surgeons, a biopsy of 36 separate lymph nodes showed that he was finally in the clear.

But, unlike most patients, he met his new prognosis with little emotion or expression, prompting one of his doctors to return the next day and ask about his reaction.

“She asked if I was okay, and I told her I was fine,” Scott explained. “At the time, the survival rate for my type of cancer was just two percent. She was worried that I wasn’t excited because I didn’t understand what had just happened. But all I could think about was the work left ahead of me.”

Cancer demands both mental and emotional stamina. For Scott, finding that stamina meant assuming the roles of both patient and protector. 

Whether celebrating or suffering, he did it in silence. He found himself isolating, both physically and mentally, to help maintain his composure and to reassure his wife and young daughter; to protect them from the harsh reality of his cancer through a display of quiet confidence.

Now, he has just one word of advice to give other cancer patients – and that’s to speak up. “Be vocal about your cancer, your treatment, and your recovery,” said Scott. “I tried to internalize my experience and keep things private by looking within myself for encouragement.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better support system, but one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you have to open up to get the support you truly need,” he explained.

After spending two weeks recovering in the hospital, Scott had to relearn how to eat, how to drink, and how to restore his mind and body after emerging from the fight of his life.

“When I went through that process, I wasn’t given a lot of direction outside of being referred to a therapist,” said Scott. Eventually, he enrolled at a local gym to begin the process of rebuilding strength and endurance on his own.

In 2020, he was introduced to Survivor Fitness by his friend who was serving as the foundation’s board chair at the time. 

Later that year, Scott attended the 2020 Nashville Survivor Soiree where participants shared stories of their own cancer journeys and all the ways that Survivor Fitness changed their lives. 

The experience compelled him to join as a board member and to use his voice to help end the post-treatment gap into survivorship.

“Survivor Fitness is unique because all we do is help people recover from cancer,” said Scott. “When you’re physically healthy, your mental state improves. Even after just one workout, you’ll emerge with a clear head to help you deal with life’s stresses.”

“As a survivor myself, the work we do is near and dear to my heart,” he explained. “That’s why I’m determined to leverage my experience and my network to connect Survivor Fitness with organizations across the country.”

Scott Breece serves as Vice President and Chief Security Officer at Cerner in Franklin, Tennessee. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members and other members of its leadership team.

Board Member Spotlight: Laura Crawford

Nashville is known around the world as “Music City,” a nickname that has endured across centuries. While country music helped put Nashville on the map, the city has become an international destination for artists and fans of many different genres. Tennessee native Laura Crawford is part of Nashville’s storied musical heritage. 

Originally from Chattanooga, Laura attended UT Knoxville before moving to Nashville to begin a career in the recording industry. Just a few years after starting her career and her new life in Nashville, she faced a devastating cancer diagnosis followed by a complicated abdominal surgery and intensive chemotherapy.

Though the treatments proved successful, they took their toll on a young woman who was used to daily workouts — including three hot yoga classes a week. After a year and a half of recovery time, she was introduced to Meg and Aaron Grunke, who created Survivor Fitness to help cancer survivors regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. 

“It was perfect timing because I was intimidated to go back to the gym,” said Laura. “I had lost a lot of weight, strength, and muscle.” Her other side effects included painful neuropathy and balance issues that made a complete recovery much more than just a matter of will.

“I was going through a lot mentally as well,” she continued. “So when I learned that there was a program that could help me ease back into exercise with individualized support, I jumped at the chance.” Laura quickly began a 12-week fitness program with a certified strength and conditioning specialist in Franklin, TN. By teaming up with a knowledgeable and experienced trainer close to home, she felt assured that her new fitness journey would be as safe as it was convenient.

“At the very beginning, they did mobility tests to see where I was physically,” Laura explained. “We started at three days a week doing cardio mixed with strength training and then tapered to two days a week.”At the end of the program, her trainer reevaluated her physical condition to demonstrate how much progress she had made since joining Survivor Fitness.

“I saw definite improvements, especially when it came to my two biggest goals — building back muscle and improving my balance,” said Laura.

Most importantly, she left Survivor Fitness feeling confident enough to attend other fitness classes on her own. Instead of dwelling on her illness and the odds of recurrence, Laura learned to channel her energy into her recovery outside the hospital walls.

“I had spent enough time in the hospital, so it was really important to me that Survivor Fitness wasn’t in a hospital setting,” said Laura.

Today, Laura prefers the intense pace of high-intensity training over hot yoga. And as a Survivor Fitness board member, she’s using her own cancer journey to help others facing an uphill battle — both mentally and physically.

Here in Music City, Laura chairs the events committee and organizes the Survivor Fitness Soiree, an annual fundraiser supporting the foundation’s scholarship-based work across Tennessee.

“It’s true what they say about taking things day by day, especially for survivors after treatment,” she said. “It takes time, but Survivor Fitness can give you the strength and confidence to bounce back.”  

It’s a tune she’s happy to share with anyone, and everyone, who needs to hear it.

Laura Crawford is a senior manager of membership and industry relations at The Recording Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members and other members of the leadership team.