Participant Spotlight: Lynette Valentine

Lynette Valentine

Every Survivor Fitness participant has different reasons for committing to focus on their health and wellness after treatment. Most are looking for ways to combat the side effects of treatment to improve their quality of life and long-term health. Many have other responsibilities in their life – whether it’s work-related or taking care of family members — that inspire them to join the program.  For Lynette Valentine, it was a combination of both. 

Lynette was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lobular Breast cancer in October 2021. As a naturally energetic and vibrant personality, Lynette wondered how the diagnosis and treatment would impact her lifestyle — including her role as the primary caregiver for her husband who was disabled in an accident. After four rounds of chemo, a bilateral mastectomy, and reconstruction surgery, Lynette’s stamina took a big hit during treatment. Losing her hair and having to recline and recover not only impacted her physically but there were days she wondered if life would ever be the same again. 

During one of her follow-up appointments, Lynette learned about Survivor Fitness from her breast navigator nurse and immediately reached out. 

I Feel Better than Before Cancer

“I wanted guidance on what exercises I could do after my type of surgery. I also wanted to get strong after a year of recovery.” 

After filling out the interest form, we were able to connect Lynette with the team at Chadwick’s Fitness in Franklin, TN. Abby Johnson, General Manager at Chadwick’s, reached out to coordinate the details and connected Lynette with personal trainer Carson Voce. After completing an initial mobility and stability assessment, the two began working out right away. 

“I was sore at first, but it felt so good to stretch my body and start to feel strong again. I feel better now than before I was diagnosed with cancer.” 

Lynette’s assessment showed that she had gained almost 40% more strength in her upper body. She’s also lost seven pounds since starting the program. Like many Survivor Fitness participants, Lynette decided to continue her personal training routine with Carson after the 12-week program. She even convinced her sister to join her for workouts, which has provided another means of emotional and physical support. 

A Grateful Heart Helps the Healing

Lynette’s vibrant personality and generous spirit have been such an inspiration to those she’s met on her recovery journey. While her battle with cancer was difficult, Lynette doesn’t let that stop her from celebrating the journey and sharing advice with others who are looking for support after cancer. 

“It may sound cliche, but a positive attitude goes a long way. Lean in on those who love you, and vent when you need to. Get it all out and then move forward. My tribe has supported me all along the way – including the doctors. Be thankful for them. A grateful heart helps the healing.”

Lynette has also become one of the biggest advocates for Survivor Fitness since joining the program. 

“Give it a try. There’s a community of survivors here that will support you even if it’s just a high five at the gym. It’s encouraging and healthy.”

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 are here to walk alongside you throughout this journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

Trainers and Dietitians: Learn more about becoming a Survivor Fitness Partner. 

Participant Spotlight: Ursula Dahnelt

Survivor Fitness was founded on the principle of supporting cancer survivors  “no matter your age, no matter your fitness level, no matter your diagnosis.” Because of technology like video-conferencing, we’ve also been able to add “location” to our list of “no matters”. While Survivor Fitness was founded in Nashville and has expanded to cities across Tennessee, several of our fitness partners also offer virtual training courses which have created the opportunity to serve cancer patients in rural areas or even different states.  

Ursula Dahnelt is a Survivor Fitness participant who recently completed our training program virtually. She has proven that a desire to stay healthy is all you need to take the steps from survivor to thriver. 

A Long Battle with Cancer

Ursula is a Colorado native who loves to hike and explore the outdoors. In 2017, Ursula was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. For her, coming to accept her diagnosis was the hardest part of the journey which included five years of constant treatment. 

“I have been in a lot of treatment for the last five years with only little breaks,” Ursula recalled. “It puts a toll on body and mind.” 

The harsh medication caused Ursula to experience a lot of fatigue. She also lost strength along the way which was frustrating. Thankfully, her treatment plan worked, but after five years of constant treatment, Ursula struggled to find the motivation to get back into fitness again. That’s when she stumbled across Survivor Fitness.

“I saw Survivor Fitness mentioned online. I don’t remember where exactly, but I was intrigued and immediately sent an email expressing my interest.” 

A Turning Point of Accomplishment

Ursula was connected with Emma, one of our Survivor Fitness training coaches, in September of 2022. Together, they met online twice a week for three months. After her first training session, Ursula was hooked.  

“Emma made the class fun, and I gained strength week by week. It is not easy with age, but I am grateful that she helped me obtain my goal of getting stronger again.” 

Ursula completed the 12-week training program without missing a single class. After completing her sessions, she recalled how the program helped her address the toll that treatment had on her mentally and physically. Through a mix of functional strength training exercises, Ursula was able to build power, increase endurance, and gain better posture. Her confidence also grew along the way. 

“Survivor Fitness helped me build up my strength and become confident in myself again. I love being able to open bottles and containers with my own strength. That is a wonderful accomplishment.” 

A New Journey in the Right Direction

Like many Survivor Fitness participants, Ursula used the program as a springboard to continue her recovery journey. Today, Ursula continues to attend strength and fitness training classes at her local training center. 

“Survivor Fitness was such a great find to move in the right direction again. It was not easy, but my motivation to complete the program then allowed me to continue outside of Survivor Fitness by attending local classes.” 

She credits her time with Emma and Survivor Fitness as a turning point in her recovery journey.

“The Survivor Fitness training gave me an edge to join those classes. Without those three months of private training with Survivor Fitness, I would have become discouraged very fast and would have ended up not continuing with my workouts.”

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

We realize that cancer doesn’t discriminate and wanted to create a program that would be beneficial for any and every survivor. As a result, we’ve worked with participants from all walks of life. Our fitness trainers understand the toll that cancer treatment has on the body and do an incredible job of working with each participant to develop a personal training routine that leads to transformation and cultivates the motivation to continue their post-cancer journey. 

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 as well as our in-person or virtual training options.

Participant Spotlight: Natasha Leeth

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and licensed therapist, Natasha’s life was filled with the joyful gifts and responsibilities that come with caring for others. Like most survivors, Natasha Leeth’s story is intertwined with other events and occasions in her life.  

Natasha’s battle with cancer began in March 2021, when her doctor requested a follow-up visit after her annual exam. She scheduled her appointment the day before her daughter’s 17th birthday. That day, her doctor informed her that she had DCIS and would need to be seen by a breast surgeon. 

“I was by myself because I wasn’t expecting any bad news,” Natasha said. “I was in disbelief. I had been consistently receiving my yearly exam, and then this?”

The Highs of Life with the Lows of Cancer

After her diagnosis, Natasha met with her wonderful team of doctors to develop a plan. But after two unsuccessful lumpectomy surgeries, she decided to have a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Her doctors also determined that she needed a short round of chemotherapy.

“My daughter started the first day of her senior year of high school and I headed to chemo on the same day,” she shared. “I was unable to attend a lot of her senior activities and missed my son’s entire basketball season due to being exhausted and immunocompromised.” 

Despite the side effects of treatment, Natasha still found a way to make her family feel important. Their support also made a tremendous difference in her fight. Thankfully, Natasha’s final surgery was successful, and she was able to return to work seven months later.

Tackling Life’s Responsibilities with “A Better, Stronger Me”

After needing to rest and recover for over seven months, Natasha knew she needed to do something to regain her strength. While talking with her surgeon about physical therapy options, she was given a brochure about the Survivor Fitness program. Natasha will always remember walking out of the office, reading it, and contacting the Survivor Fitness team while she was waiting to see her oncologist the same day! 

“Cancer changed my life. Learning new ways to keep moving forward became my focus,” she described. “I wanted a program that would understand what I was going through and be sensitive to that.” 

Alongside her personal trainer, Natasha figured out how to make exercise and fitness a priority in her everyday routine.

“Having a family, I constantly neglected my physical health,” she said. “The program provided me with the accountability and structure I needed to get back to my active lifestyle.”

Like most Survivor Fitness participants, Natasha was amazed by the results she experienced. The program allowed Natasha to engage in her normal joyful experiences and responsibilities. 

“I am able to carry my grandbaby without any difficulty. I was also able to care for my son (who is 6’6”) when he broke his leg.” she shared. “I am so grateful to the program for helping me be a better, stronger me!” 

A New Outlook on Life and Work

Like many cancer survivors, Natasha’s battle with cancer was life-changing in so many ways. While the journey was difficult, it also inspired Natasha to explore a new opportunity to help and serve others. After her treatment and experience with Survivor Fitness, Natasha decided to find ways that she could support clients who want to integrate health and wellness with traditional counseling. 

“Now I am training to be a health and wellness coach in addition to providing psychotherapy! I was blessed throughout my journey in many ways and I hope to be a blessing to others.”

Survivor Fitness played a pivotal role in Natasha’s cancer recovery journey. Now, she can make a positive impact on the lives of countless people through her new vocation in health and wellness, in addition to the difference she’s already making as a wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Become Part of the Survivor Fitness Movement

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain strength and health after cancer, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more about participating in our program or check out more stories of other participants or learn how you can help others heal by donating to Survivor Fitness.  

Participant Spotlight: Victoria May

We often hear our participants say that the need for support doesn’t end after cancer treatment ends. For many survivors, a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have physical and emotional consequences that last for months or years after their initial diagnosis. That was also the experience of Survivor Fitness participant Victoria May. 

Victoria was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer in 2019. In addition to undergoing a single mastectomy, Victoria underwent several surgeries and had to fight numerous infections during her treatment. After her final surgery, Victoria was diagnosed with lymphedema—an uncomfortable and often painful build-up of lymphatic fluid—in her right arm. 

Seeing Tangible Results, One Step at a Time

Victoria experienced many side effects of breast cancer treatment, including weakness, weight gain, and scar tissue development. She also had swelling and pain in her arm and hand from the lymphedema. 

In order to treat the lymphedema, Victoria wore a compression sleeve for more than a year. During that year, Victoria heard about Survivor Fitness and decided to reach out. 

“I started Survivor Fitness to help me learn from a trainer how to properly work out, especially with the lymphedema,” Victoria said. “And I wanted to take back my life and create better habits for myself.“ 

Victoria filled out the application and was connected with a trainer who designed a personal fitness plan that would help her achieve her goals. Like many Survivor Fitness participants, Victoria received a scholarship that allowed her to participate in the program at no cost. 

Over the course of 12 weeks, Victoria worked out with several trainers to regain strength and relieve some of her physical discomfort. This made a tremendous difference in her recovery journey. 

“I know that I feel stronger and have less pain and my arm feels much better,” she said. “I know working out helped my lymphatic flow.”

Victoria acknowledges that her trainers have made a tremendous impact on the mental and emotional aspects of recovery as well. 

“[My trainers] have been some of my biggest supporters and are so knowledgeable and encouraging,” she mentioned. “I can’t thank them enough.”

Embracing the New Victoria

Today, Victoria continues to participate in the Survivor Fitness program through small-group sessions. This allows her to keep up her workout routine. Having a group to work with offered her helpful accountability. 

“This program is too good to pass up,” Victoria said. “To have such an opportunity given to me was too good to not go for!”

Like most cancer survivors, the journey after treatment hasn’t been easy for Victoria. But her strong spirit and decision to accept her situation proved to be life-altering moments.

“The most difficult part of the journey was realizing that I was never going to be the same again. I had to embrace the change in myself both physically and mentally. Once I started doing that, I was able to move forward and embrace a new me. Survivor Fitness has definitely helped me do that.”

When asked what advice she would give someone who has experienced similar challenges, Victoria summed it up perfectly:

“Talk to people to see what will be right for you. The bottom line is, you have to start somewhere. We never know until we try, so what are you waiting for?”

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

Victoria’s bravery to start the program and perseverance to continue the journey has been such an inspiration to our team 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.

Participant Spotlight: Denise Jones

Even after removal and treatment, cancer sometimes returns. This is one of the most frustrating and disheartening realities of cancer. After dealing with the emotions and challenges of a first diagnosis, hearing the word “cancer” again can create an even heavier burden for survivors. But every person battling cancer demonstrates a special strength and fortitude during their fight. Patients with recurring cancer are the ones who get back in the ring time and time again.

That is Survivor Fitness participant Denise Jones’ story. 

Denise Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. After treatment and four years of positive news from her doctor, Denise learned her cancer had returned in 2021. The news was understandably devastating. 

“I didn’t think I could handle it again,” Denise said. “I was broken and didn’t understand why me again?”

Finding Hope & Inspiration Through a Miracle

Her cancer then returned the following year. While she was receiving treatment during her third bout with cancer, Denise was determined to stay in the fight by embracing healthy habits and looking for ways to maintain her strength after surgery. That’s when she found out about Survivor Fitness through a friend.

“Getting connected with Survivor Fitness was a godsend,” she said. “I remember asking my friend about juices and which ones were best. When she asked what they were for, I told her I was diagnosed with cancer AGAIN.” 

Denise’s friend, Anita, told her about Survivor Fitness and the rest is history. 

After her surgery, Denise was eager to start her recovery journey. She started the program the day the doctors allowed her to begin physical activity. Denise connected with Survivor Fitness right away and began her personal training program.

Like many participants, Denise experienced a life-changing adventure by participating in Survivor Fitness. 

“On day one, I left training thinking, ‘I can’t do this,” she explained. “On the final day, I left knowing there is nothing I CAN’T do!”

Inspiring Others to Stay in the Fight

After battling breast cancer twice, Denise was physically and mentally exhausted. But today, she can say that she has won the battle with cancer. Fear and uncertainty can still arise, but she is better prepared to handle them and use her worries as motivation to encourage others.  

“The hardest part for me is not knowing what tomorrow will bring,” Denise said. “But realizing that today could be my last inspires me to live every day spreading hope, love, and awareness.”

At first, Dense didn’t understand why she had to experience another cancer diagnosis. Now she knows why—to bring awareness and hope to patients in need. 

When asked what she would tell someone else who might be on a similar journey of cancer recurrence, Denise answered with passion, “Fight! Don’t give up. You are not alone. Let people help and bless you.” 

If there’s one thing Denise has learned from her Survivor Fitness training program, it’s to keep pushing no matter what… and tell the world about Survivor Fitness!

We are incredibly grateful for the way Denise has inspired us with her passion and commitment to keep fighting. 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: Ashley Hensley

Every cancer survivor knows what it’s like to deal with the uncertainty after their diagnosis. There are so many unknowns and questions. How long will this impact my life? Will I ever get back to normal? What does normal even mean? How should I approach my everyday activities in light of my diagnosis? These were the questions that Survivor Fitness participant Ashley Hensley asked herself when she was diagnosed with cancer in the midst of a season that was already filled with uncertainty.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma, to be exact) in November of 2020 while on furlough from my job during the pandemic,” Ashley explained. “That was a year full of uncertainty.”

After radiation treatment, Ashley was prescribed a plan to take tamoxifen for the next ten years because her tumor was estrogen positive. While the medication helps prevent cancer from returning, some of the side effects have a noticeable impact on physical activity and capacity. 

Ashley heard about Survivor Fitness from her oncologist about a year after her initial diagnosis. She joined as soon as she could after treatments as a way to get her confidence back. 

Finding the Mental Strength for the Fight

Ashley already lived an active lifestyle prior to her diagnosis. This helped her find the strength she needed to undergo treatment. After treatment, she wanted to find a way to get back to normal. Survivor Fitness became a way for Ashley to regain mental strength and fortitude as her fight against cancer transitioned to the next phase. 

“Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, it never really leaves your mind. It still finds its way into my everyday life when I least expect it,” Ashley said. ”I joined Survivor Fitness because I wanted to get stronger so that I am always ready to fight.”

The same determination that helped Ashley persevere through radiation treatment also helped her regain momentum for her new fitness routine.  

“Even on days when I just really don’t feel like it, I keep at it. This program has helped me to be more accountable to myself so that in the end I am getting stronger both mentally and physically. It really is such a mental exercise.” 

Ashley attributes much of her recovery and her new approach to her trainer, Kim Day. 

“Kim is the best trainer. She pushes me when I need a push and supports me when I need support. For the first time in my life, I don’t even look at the scale anymore. Kim has helped me get stronger, and that is what I’m using to measure success.” 

Regaining Strength, Control, & Confidence 

After six months with her trainer, Ashley has already noticed a tremendous difference in her strength and confidence. After such a season of uncertainty, Ashley is grateful for the program and everyone who made it possible for her to get back on track after her cancer detour.

“Survivor Fitness has absolutely helped me to get my confidence back,” Ashley said. “As you might imagine, the body image stuff coupled with tamoxifen can be difficult. This program helped me to get back into that good head space, and it has honestly been the best gift.”

While Ashley continues the fight to keep cancer from returning, she has embraced the same level of consistency and commitment that she originally leaned on after diagnosis. When asked what advice she would give to someone on a similar journey, Ashley shared so much wisdom from her experience.

“It doesn’t happen overnight, but you will get stronger every day. The confidence that you will feel is the absolute best gift that you can give yourself. You will see what your body is capable of and be so proud of yourself.”

Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Ashley took a courageous “fight like a girl” approach. Needless to say, she’s embraced the same perspective as she continues her journey as a cancer survivor. Ashley’s personality and resolve remind us while we can’t predict the future, we can control how we respond to it.

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.

Participant Spotlight: Roberta Justice

After more than three decades as a cardiac and cath lab nurse, Roberta Justice decided it was time for a change of scenery and switched to oncology in 2018 – a career move she credits with saving her life.

Just four months after she began working at a chemotherapy infusion clinic in Chattanooga, Roberta was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an especially aggressive form of the disease that accounts for roughly 15-20% of all breast cancer cases.

“My patients taught me how important it is to take early action,” explained Roberta. “As soon as I felt like something was wrong, I called the doctor…even though I had just gotten a clean mammogram result.”

Just two weeks after a follow-up mammogram confirmed her diagnosis, Roberta began an intensive course of treatment that included two lumpectomies, 36 radiation treatments, and nine months of chemotherapy that ended in July 2019.

She chose to continue working full-time, which meant she was receiving infusions while helping provide the same treatment for her patients.

“It was interesting being a cancer patient while working with other cancer patients,” she said. “I was always open about it and let my patients know why I was there hooked up to an IV bag. They really became my biggest support group.”

On her first day of chemotherapy treatment, Roberta arrived to see her coworkers all wearing customized t-shirts that read “Justice League,” a play on her surname.

“Their support made such a difference,” Roberta said. “They wore them on treatment days, and patients would wear superhero shirts on those days, too.”

Few others have experienced cancer like Roberta, who has cared for and lost a spouse to cancer, treated cancer patients as a healthcare provider, and both fought and survived the disease herself.

“I’ve experienced cancer from nearly every perspective,” explained Roberta, who now serves as a patient educator in addition to her nursing duties.

“Being a patient educator is the best job I’ve ever had,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to be able to share my story with our patients so they know what to expect and how to deal with it.”

The advice she offers most often is to fight the identity that cancer carries with it.

“You have to keep being you instead of letting the cancer become who you are,” said Roberta. “If you let it, it can consume you and become your identity. And that makes it harder to focus on moving forward.”

For Roberta, moving forward has meant joining Survivor Fitness in Chattanooga as its very first participant. In June, she began a 12-week program that combines one-on-one personalized fitness training and nutritional counseling to help her regain her strength and stamina.

Her ultimate goal is to resume her regular five-mile walks at a local greenway with her son Joseph, who regularly visits from his home in Atlanta.

“Telling him I had cancer was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Roberta. “But he became my greatest champion. We’ve become closer than ever. And he inspires me to press on.”

To become a Survivor Fitness participant in the Chattanooga area, click here to apply online. 

Participant Spotlight: Meghan Miller

Our participants know how powerful self-care after cancer treatment can be. We enjoy hearing stories of survivors who have used exercise and nutrition to build themselves up, and Meghan Miller is a great example of that. In this Q&A feature, you can learn more about how Survivor Fitness helped Meghan take back control of her body, mind, and self-care.

A Q & A WITH MEGHAN MILLER

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your diagnosis and why you began the Survivor Fitness programs.

Lekisha Paige: In March 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After months of going through surgery, chemo, and radiation, I was exhausted. I learned about Survivor Fitness through another wonderful, local organization, Breast Connect, Inc. Knowing that I wanted to regain energy and strength as soon as possible, I applied for the Survivor Fitness program while still in active treatment. I was contacted shortly after and started the program in January of 2021 after finishing treatment and getting the ok from my doctor! I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate, and regain control over my health.

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

LP: Working out with an incredible trainer allowed me to slowly and safely regain strength. I’ve learned so much about proper strength training techniques that I never knew before. Seeing a trainer twice a week held me accountable and also motivated me to work out routinely at home. I had such a great experience with my trainer that I’ve continued working with her after the program ended.

I have more energy and strength now than I did prior to cancer treatments. Self-care had been lacking with little ones, but now I make it a priority.

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

LP: It feels great to be connected with a group that really understands what cancer survivors need to meet their fitness goals. Seeing others who went through the program helped make the recovery process not so daunting.

Learning how to get effective workouts completed in a reasonable time really helps me keep going. With small children, it’s easy to make excuses and tell yourself that you don’t have the time to work out. Also, Survivor Fitness offers useful events throughout the year that help keep you connected.

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

LP: Exercise offers so many benefits in general, but especially after cancer. It helps give you energy and improves your mood. The program really helps you take back some control over your body and mind after not having it for a while. It can also alleviate symptoms from ongoing treatments and lasting side effects. I highly recommend this program to every survivor I meet in the area.

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: Lekisha Paige

lekisha-paige-survivor-fitness

Survivor Fitness loves helping cancer survivors trust their bodies’ strength again. We’re thrilled that Lekisha Paige had this experience as part of our community. In this Q&A feature, you can learn more about how Survivor Fitness changed her relationship with her body post-treatment.

A Q & A WITH LEKISHA PAIGE

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your diagnosis and why you began the Survivor Fitness programs.

Lekisha Paige: I am in year 10 of remission for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Survivor Fitness has helped change my life as a participant in their program.

I learned about the Survivor Fitness program through the REACH for Cancer Survivorship Clinic appointment. I was discussing with my Nurse Practitioner an interest in forming a healthier exercise routine, but that it is a challenge for me to figure out one that won’t hurt my joints. She suggested the Survivor Fitness program due to the tailored medical considerations that the trainers put in.

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

LP: I completed my 12-week program with Chadwick’s in Franklin, Tennessee, on May 18, 2021, and the Survivor Fitness program helped me regain trust in my body. After an extensive amount of medical trauma, I lost confidence in my bones’ ability to support me while being active. I have two hip replacements from osteonecrosis, which weakens the rest of my joints as well. Before Survivor Fitness, I wouldn’t even try to get off the floor without the support of a chair or table. Now, I believe in my body and regularly get up and down from the floor. I’m also doing squats and lifting weights in a way that feels safe for me.

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

LP: Fitness classes and online videos out there are generalized for people who have not had serious medical problems. Survivor Fitness pinpoints the challenge areas for individuals like myself who need help figuring out how to exercise without further injuring themselves. I will be forever grateful to Survivor Fitness for this opportunity. I feel stronger than I’ve ever been in my post-cancer years.

I would say the biggest empowerment is awareness. I went into this program with no expectations since I was unaware of how much growth potential there would be for my body. My trainer, Jared, provided me with the knowledge and tools that I needed to gain muscle while working out at Chadwick’s and continue my training at home after the 12 weeks. My nutritionist, Jill, helped me realize that I needed to work on portions and eating more frequently with a morning and afternoon snack. This has actually decreased the daily nausea that I had as a side effect of one of my prescriptions.

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

LP: I would tell my fellow survivor that they have already (or are currently) been a warrior against their own body. This takes a toll on one’s physical strength. They should take a chance on building up their abilities in a program that is specifically designed for them. It’s safer than trying to jump-start exercising on your own with a body that remembers its experience with a serious illness.

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: Sarah Stallings

sarah-stallings-survivor-fitness

It’s incredible to hear stories of participants who used our program to take control of their journey. With the help of personal trainers and nutritionists, Survivor Fitness gives cancer survivors the tools to change the course of their health and their life. Sarah Stallings experienced this firsthand. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on her in this Q & A feature.

A Q & A WITH SARAH STALLINGS

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

Sarah Stallings: My nurse navigator at my cancer center told me about Survivor Fitness when we were talking about me wanting to get back into the gym!

SF: When did your journey with Survivor Fitness begin?

SS: I began my journey around September of 2020.

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

SS: Survivor Fitness connected me with Performance Fitness Training and trainer Dustin Price. I have consistently trained with him since September! Without Survivor Fitness, I doubt I would be where I am. I probably would have just accepted the muscle loss and weight gain and given up. Everyone has been so encouraging through every step, and the gyms you partner with truly take your cancer story into consideration when making a workout plan that makes sense for you.

I also loved the communication and down-to-earth feel! I had exchanged emails and phone calls with several people, but during Survivor Fitness’ Gainsgiving Thanksgiving workout in 2020, I worked out alongside Meg and Aaron. They were so sweet and encouraging. Their Instagram is also always active, and seeing their encouragement keeps me going! The check-in emails and calls make me feel cared for, and it makes me want to keep pushing to become a success!

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

SS: Do it! Don’t be scared! The trainers and gyms they place you with are amazing and will help you on your journey. I have never been so excited to work out and see progress as I was when I started with Survivor Fitness. It takes “personalized” to a whole new level, and it was just right for me! Cancer causes so many long-term issues, so the best way to help is to nip it in the bud and go for it. Survivor Fitness has helped me become who I am today.

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.