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.

Participant Spotlight: Charlene Fetzer

Cancer treatment takes a toll, regardless of your age or physical abilities. While we are grateful for the ways radiation and chemotherapy treatment actively fight cancer, we also recognize the debilitating effect they can have on the body. Survivor Fitness participant Charlene Fetzer is a powerful example of someone who knows the difficult cost of chemotherapy but found a greater strength through her decision to rebuild one day, one step at a time. 

At age 33, Charlene was diagnosed with triple-positive IDC breast cancer. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment was extremely difficult on her body. 

“My body suffered tremendously from chemo. I experienced everything from extreme tightness and fatigue in my muscles to bone pain, deterioration, and anemia,” Charlene explained. “At one point I could barely reach my knees when I stretched forward. I tried to stay active during chemo, but each session seemed to build on itself, and the symptoms got progressively worse.”

Charlene finished her final infusion on January 25th, 2022, fifteen months after being diagnosed. That’s when she officially joined the Survivor Fitness community and began taking steps toward rebuilding her strength. 

“The first part of my cancer journey was getting through all the treatments and procedures and beating cancer. The second part came when I was able to create a new lifestyle designed exactly how I wanted to live,” she said. 

Rebuilding with Self-Compassion, One Step at a Time

Charlene found Survivor Fitness before starting her treatment. After speaking with Co-Founder and Executive Director Meg Grunke about the program, Charlene knew it could give her the ability to rebuild after treatment. As soon as she had the opportunity, Charlene began participating in weekly workouts under professional supervision. For her, it was the perfect way to focus on her health without being overwhelmed with how to exercise during her recovery. 

“When I found out about Survivor Fitness, I was so excited…I felt lucky that Tennessee had something to offer to help survivors rebuild their lives. Knowing that Meg and Aaron really understood the complexities of cancer treatments put me at ease. I felt like I would be well taken care of and in good hands with trained professionals.”

Charlene worked with her trainers to develop a program that allowed her to safely rebuild and avoid injury as she recovered. She looks forward to her session each week. It motivates her to continue to take her recovery one step at a time. 

Building Strength & Confidence with Every Session

Since joining the Survivor Fitness community, Charlene has begun rebuilding with more strength training and adopting healthier all-around habits.

“Survivor Fitness has not only given me my strength back but also my confidence. I’ve been able to take things as slowly as I need to with certain parts of my body that have been affected.”

Her workout routine at Survivor Fitness is something Charlene looks forward to. Like many participants, she sees it as her designated “me” time amid all the other responsibilities of life.

Perspective & Advice for the Journey to Rebuild

Charlene’s journey of beating cancer might have been difficult, but it’s given her an incredible empathy that she uses to encourage others who have experienced a life-changing diagnosis. 

“I would tell someone on a cancer journey to be gentle with yourself. Give yourself grace. Take your time. Just take it day by day, hour by hour, or even breath by breath if you have to. Know that there are people out there who care and want to support you. Know you are never alone.” 

We are extremely grateful for Charlene Fetzer and her participation at Survivor Fitness. 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.

Board Member Spotlight: Jon Shearer

A data leader is a well-informed, dependable manager with a penchant for answers to the most fundamental questions. How many? How much? How often?

As a data leader himself, Survivor Fitness board member Jon Shearer helps other leaders grow their businesses while they grow themselves. As a business consultant and founder of CADENCE CO., he’s helped scale startups towards sustainable growth and successful exit strategies.

“Early on in my career, I ran from leadership,” said Jon. “I didn’t want anything to do with it, mostly because of the examples I had around me. But somehow it caught up to me.”

Despite a 25-year-long career, Jon Shearer can easily breeze through the number of clients he’s served, their revenue growth, their funding history, and other highly specific stats—both big and small—that he’s locked away in his brain over the years.

He’s also quick to turn to data when he shares his cancer story.

“I was 21 years old when I was diagnosed with a 30 percent chance to survive,” said Jon. “That was 23 years ago. I was 6’3” and weighed the same as I did in sixth grade. It wasn’t pretty.”

Like too many cancer survivors, Jon was left to his own devices when the treatment was over with no real direction on where to go or what to do next.

“There’s so much that’s out of your control when you’re going through cancer,” said Jon. “Control seems like an illusion, but there are things you want to take back when the treatment is over, including your mental and physical health.”

Survivor Fitness was founded in 2013 with a mission to empower cancer survivors and a hope to help people heal, physically and mentally, through personal fitness training and nutritional advice. 

Jon was first introduced to Survivor Fitness by his friend and former co-worker, Meg Grunke, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Survivor Fitness. After assisting her with a grant application, he became a board member in 2018 and currently serves as its operations chair.

“Survivor Fitness is really something I wished that I had when I was going through my own journey,” said Jon.

He points to the sense of community that Survivor Fitness provides as an essential part of the recovery program.

“When you’re first diagnosed, there are a lot of people there for you at the beginning,” Jon explained. “There’s a smaller group there during your treatment. And after you’re clear and free and healed, that support goes away. But the journey isn’t over just because you’ve been declared cancer-free.”

“Survivor Fitness gives you the community, the plan, and the built-in support system you need to continue your journey back to wellness,” he said.

Survivor Fitness has served more than 250 cancer survivors to date with programs in Nashville and Knoxville and plans to grow. Like all his fellow board members, Jon has a vision for the program to spread nationwide.

“At the end of the day, Survivor Fitness is great for the patient and for their families,” said Jon. “It’s great for hospitals because of lower readmittance rates. And it’s great for insurers because there’s less recurrence of disease. We have a really great story to share.”

And with the right data, Jon Shearer’s going to help share those stories of wellness, wholeness, and hope beyond cancer.

Jon Shearer is the founder of CADENCE CO., an executive coaching and business consulting firm based in Nashville. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members and other members of the leadership team.

Participant Spotlight: Kit B’Smith

Everyone who battles cancer is a fighter. Then, there are warriors like Kit B’Smith. 

After receiving treatment for his second bout with cancer in 2021, Kit’s medical team deemed the cancer incurable. As they were discussing steps he could take to help his body naturally fight the spread of cancer, Kit found Survivor Fitness.   

“As a Christian, mortality is not an issue for me,” Kit reflected. “My quality of life, however, is very important to me. Cancer has a way of affecting a person’s quality of life. I wanted to do everything I could to improve my quality of life despite cancer’s effect on me.” 

A Personal & Purposeful Partner for the Journey

Working alongside his Survivor Fitness coaches, Kit developed a plan based on his unique situation and needs. This included specific routines that would help him maintain strength and stamina as well as finding creative ways he could work out from home. 

“The team at Survivor is not only knowledgeable and professional, but they are also personal in their service. They helped create a plan that was based on my specific needs. We were able to monitor progress and make tweaks and improvements over time.”  

When Fitness Becomes Family for the Fight

“Survivor Fitness was a Godsend!” Kit has shared. “Working out with my team was something I looked forward to each week. Aubrey and Blake supported me physically and emotionally!  They made me feel like family, pumped me up, made me feel better each time I worked out with them.”

As a proud grandfather himself, Kit always provides a paternal presence for everyone in the Survivor Fitness family. His hard work, dedication to the fight, and genuine care for others have contributed to the feeling that nearly every Survivor Fitness participant has after a workout, the feeling of leaving better than you arrived. 

Kit is not only an inspiration to everyone in our community, he’s part of our family. 

Interested in Being Part of the Survivor Fitness Community?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain 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: Brenda Sherman

Every cancer survivor remembers the moment they first received their diagnosis. The days and months that follow can be a grueling journey. But what happens when treatment ends can often be just as challenging. Finding a community to help you navigate the new challenges of your journey towards thriving again can make all the difference.

That was Brenda Sherman’s story.

After Treatment, A New Chapter Begins

“What is it like after you are finished with treatment? There is no preparation. It is completely a physical, mental, and emotional journey. But I had no plans of checking out because of my diagnosis.” 

Brenda became part of our Survivor Fitness family after receiving treatment for a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. As a controlled type 2 diabetic with metabolic syndrome, she wanted to focus on her health after treatment. 

Like other cancer survivors, Brenda wasn’t able to exercise during radiation, but she tried to stay disciplined by eating what she could. She started Survivor Fitness hoping to get back into exercise.

Finding a Greater Strength in Community

As a Survivor Fitness regular, Brenda has helped cultivate the type of connection and community that helps many of our participants thrive in ways beyond their physical strength and health. 

“Part two of my journey, the aftermath I call it, began when the treatment ended. As a diabetic and cancer patient, it has not been easy. I may always have health struggles with arthritis and diabetes, but the mental and emotional well-being I gain from being part of the Survivor Fitness community is bar none better than just going to a gym.”

Brenda has benefitted from the power of community, and her passion for “being with” people in their fight against cancer has impacted our community in numerous ways. 

Brenda might describe Survivor Fitness as the “missing link” that has helped her recovery. But for others, Brenda has become an invaluable link in that chain that helps others climb their way back to a healthy and thriving life.

“I plan to stick with Survivor Fitness to keep me going on the right path for as long as they will have me.”

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.

Board Member Spotlight: Sam Owens Pyle

Samantha-pyle

For board member Sam Owens Pyle, the Survivor Fitness Foundation’s mission to provide empowerment and hope for cancer survivors deeply resonates with her family’s decades-long cancer journey.

Sam has proudly served as a Survivor Fitness board member since 2020, and she just recently became the board president after serving as the marketing chair for her first two years. She credits a conversation with a friend and former board member and program participant, Ronn Hollis, for getting her involved.

“When Ronn told me about Survivor Fitness, I immediately asked how I could support their cause, and he asked me to join him on the board,” Sam explained. “I have always strived to keep a connection to cancer-focused non-profits in all philanthropic work that I do, and I love helping others feel better. Survivor Fitness answered both calls for me.”

For the past 23 years, Sam has faithfully stood by her own mother as she’s battled multiple cancer diagnoses and endured years of aggressive treatment.

She’s all too familiar with the physical and mental toll that a life-changing fight against cancer can have on survivors.

“When you’re sick and can’t make your body better, it emotionally drains you,” said Sam. 

“I’ve seen what cancer can do to someone and how much sicker they can get because of the treatment they need to survive,” she explained. “And as someone with an autoimmune disorder, I also know what healthy eating and exercise can do to help a person feel better, look better, and regain a positive outlook on life.”

As a board member, Sam proudly stands by hundreds of participants whose lives were changed by Survivor Fitness.

“I truly believe Survivor Fitness gives survivors the best chance they could possibly have to feel like their best self after beating such a dreadful disease that truly takes a toll on the mind and body,” said Sam.

“Giving survivors a way to get back in shape and regain their energy does something that medicine can’t,” she said. “There’s so much that cancer takes away from you. But so much of that loss is reversible through proper diet and exercise, and that’s something every survivor deserves a chance to discover.”

Today, Survivor Fitness has programs in Nashville and Knoxville with plans to grow.

But as board president, Sam has an even bolder vision for the foundation’s future.

“With the right partnerships, Survivor Fitness can truly become an organization that helps cancer patients nationwide,” she said. “I’m confident that we can find a scalable path forward to help every survivor, no matter who they are or where they live, to look better, feel better, and get better.”

Sam Owens Pyle is the Founder and CEO of Green Apple Strategy, a full-service marketing agency based in Nashville. Click here for a complete list of Survivor Fitness board members, advisory board members, and leadership team.

15 Fun Workouts to Do with Your Spouse

For some people, exercising is a chore that they need to talk themselves into, while others are constantly looking for the next challenge. Whether you need more motivation for moving your body or you’re looking for new activities to try with your significant other, learning workouts to do with your spouse can inspire you both to try something new. Plus, these workouts can help you gain major physical and cognitive health benefits! You’re also more likely to commit to your wellness journey with some accountability.

Having a consistent workout partner encourages you to get your body moving more often than just doing it alone. Here are 15 suggested workouts to try with your partner ASAP. Ready, set, and work out with your spouse!

Beginner Level

Even though the first few exercises we’ll suggest are more rudimentary, they’re still fundamental to building a solid fitness habit. As long as you’re moving your body, you’re making meaningful progress. With time, you can work your way up to greater challenges—you are never stuck, you can always keep growing. 

Take A Stroll

Walking tends to be overlooked, but it is a great resource and an excellent starting place for working out with your spouse. New research suggests that simple, low-impact walking has a major impact on cardiovascular health, and more and more data supports this assertion. 

Try Out a Dance Class

Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, bachata—the list goes on! Find a genre that you and your spouse are interested in and give a dancing class a chance! If you want more practice or feel like staying in, find some videos online to follow along to help build your confidence levels!

Get In Some Abdominal Workouts

Sit-ups, crunches, and heel touches are some nice starter ab routines you and your partner can try together. 

Discover a New Hiking Trail

Going on a hike doesn’t necessarily mean trudging up mountains. Search online for hiking spots near you and check out the intensity levels and reviews. Alltrails is a fantastic resource for selecting a hike that matches your goals. Choose the one that best fits you and your spouse’s comfort level. 

Stretch Together

Surprisingly, you can break a sweat from stretching alone! One stretch you could try is to face each other, legs apart, and feet together. Hold each other’s hands and lightly pull back and forth. 

Grab Some Clubs and Golf

While the game itself can move slowly, walking the course and learning the techniques can train your body in incredible ways, like loosening your shoulders and increasing your cardiovascular health. 

Intermediate Level

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, here are some ideas to throw into your next active day.

Go for a Jog or a Run

If you and your partner enjoy an activity that increases your heart rate, take some laps around the block. Make it a friendly competition and compare your splits and mile times.

Increase the Intensity of Your Ab Workouts

Take your ab training up a level and attempt more challenging moves, including:

  • Plank High-Fives
    • Position yourselves in a plank position. Alternate your arms by giving each other high-fives.
  • Lying Leg Lifts and Throwdowns
    • Lay on the ground with your legs straight up. From there, your partner stands over you, facing your legs, and holds your ankles. Your partner “throws” your feet toward the ground and you lift them back up. Repeat as many times as you can!
  • Medicine Ball Sit-ups
    • Start with basic sit-ups, but add throwing a medicine ball back and forth each time you come up.

Get Flexible with Yoga

Yoga is substantial for flexibility and overall movement. Challenge each other to new positions and always acknowledge each other’s improvement. 

Give Tennis a Chance

Tennis is an intense aerobic recreation. If you’re feeling up to it, hit the court as a pair. However, if you’re looking for a way to ease into the sport, consider recruiting an additional couple to play in teams!

Take a Spin in Some Skates

It may be seen as a vintage hobby, but if you’re looking to burn calories and work your glutes, rollerblading may be the perfect option for you and your significant other!

Expert Level

Don’t forget to stay fueled through all of your workouts, especially on higher-intensity days!

Challenge Yourself with Crossfit

If you and your partner are interested in improving physical strength, think about integrating some Crossfit workouts into your rotation. Besides gaining balance and endurance, you’ll also obtain a new bonding level with your spouse.

Blow off Some Steam by Kickboxing

If you’re looking for an acceptable way to let out some tension, contemplate joining a boxing class! You and your significant other can tone muscle together while reducing your stress levels. 

Reach New Levels by Rock Climbing

Climbing is a perfect option for indoor or outdoor recreation. It’s a full-body workout that can involve heavy communication and support (literally) of each other!

Make a Splash 

Put on your goggles and dive in! Swimming is an incredible choice for any workout level because it’s low impact, and you can go at your own pace. Grab a stopwatch if you want to challenge your significant other and increase the pressure of competition. 

Remember that trying new workout activities with your spouse should be fun, not discouraging! Don’t get too caught up by the numbers on the scale— listen to your body and pay attention to the way you feel before, after, and during to measure progress. At the end of the day, you’re spending more quality time with your partner while improving each other’s physical lifestyles. 

Are You a Cancer Survivor Looking for Guidance With Fitness and Nutrition?

Survivor Fitness is here to provide an extra level of support to help you regain control of your life. If you’re interested in gaining more exercise ideas or achieving fitness goals, contact us today.

A Conversation with Aaron Grunke, Founder of Survivor Fitness

By age 23, Aaron Grunke knew what it took to survive cancer. And as co-founder of the Survivor Fitness Foundation, he knows what it takes to thrive again.

In 2004, Grunke was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer most commonly found among men in their early 20s. 

His illness meant having to withdraw from Auburn University just one semester short of his original graduation date. 

Two years, three surgeries, seven rounds of chemotherapy, and a diploma later, he was finally declared cancer-free. 

Before his diagnosis, Grunke was a standout high school basketball player who stayed active to keep in shape. When the treatments ended, he was left searching for the strength and endurance he had admittedly taken for granted.

“I didn’t truly know what cancer had taken away from me until I tried to exercise again on my own,” Grunke explained. “When you have cancer, all your energy goes into fighting cancer.”

When the dust settled, he was 30 pounds overweight and had lost significant muscle mass—a result of sitting in chemotherapy sessions for up six hours a day. 

His traumatic experience fighting cancer also lingered in less tangible ways.

“Mentally, I was beyond excited to be done with treatment,” said Grunke. “But I was shell-shocked. I felt alone and isolated with significant anxiety and depression, and no one had given me a constructive way to get rid of it.”

Several years later, Grunke met a personal trainer who took him back to the very basics of physical fitness to finally get back in shape.

“I started doing it his way and saw serious results,” said Grunke. “I got back to my pre-cancer weight. I got my energy back. And I found the mental clarity that really gave me my life back.”

That mental clarity came with an important lesson: that after treatment, cancer survivors need support that can’t be found within hospital walls.

Grunke didn’t have a medical background. What he did have was a compelling experience to share with those experiencing similar obstacles to their physical and emotional wellness.

“I decided that I could tell my story and let other cancer survivors know how they’ll feel after treatment and what they can do about it,” Grunke said.

In 2013, he created the Survivor Fitness Foundation with his wife, Meg, who also serves as executive director.

The program operates with a mission to empower cancer survivors and a hope to help people heal, physically and mentally, through personal fitness training and nutritional advice. 

For twelve weeks, participants meet one-on-one with a dedicated personal trainer in a private setting to build sustainable, long-term exercise habits. 

“There’s no better place to leave your emotions and your fears than a gym,” Grunke explained. “It’s an opportunity to encounter your limitations and find the strength to overcome them.”

Regular consultations with a registered dietitian also help participants recalibrate their diets.

Today, more than 250 people have graduated from the Survivor Fitness program to help recover what was lost, both physically and emotionally.

“We’re here to meet survivors where they are and help guide them through the survivorship journey,” Grunke said. “Facing cancer is tough enough. We don’t want people to feel alone, isolated, and confused about how to feel better after treatment ends.”

Like finally receiving an all-clear diagnosis, he says, the results awaiting their efforts are life-altering.

“It’s like seeing them get their lives back,” said Grunke. “They can handle their daily activities again. They’re not scared of checkups because of how good they feel.”

Above all, Survivor Fitness gives participants the support they need to rediscover lost hope.

“You’ll find a version of yourself that you thought was gone forever,” he remarked. “You’ll have the confidence to become a new you.”

Learn more about supporting our mission or becoming a participant at survivorfitness.org.