Category: Board Member Spotlights

At Survivor Fitness, we’re proud to have a board filled with talented professionals who bring their hearts to our mission. Each person around the table shares a deep commitment to helping cancer survivors rebuild their strength physically, mentally, and emotionally after treatment.

One of those dedicated leaders is Kelsey Brown, marketing strategy manager for Covenant Health in Knoxville. Kelsey brings a unique perspective shaped by her career in healthcare and her own personal connection to the survivor community. 

The Personal Connection: From Marketing to Mission

Kelsey first learned about Survivor Fitness through her friend and fellow board member, Whitney Biggs. The connection was an immediate fit, aligning Kelsey’s professional work in healthcare with a cause close to her heart.

“In my role at Covenant Health, I work closely with our oncology service line and have a front-row seat to so many inspiring patient stories. When I learned about Survivor Fitness, I immediately saw an opportunity to help people beyond the clinical setting.”

For Kelsey, the motivation goes deeper than her job description. It’s rooted in a life-changing experience from her early twenties: watching her mother, who was the picture of health, face an invasive breast cancer diagnosis.

“That news absolutely rocked our world,” she recalls. “Watching her battle through chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery with such strength and hope changed my perspective on life.”

Through her mom’s journey, Kelsey saw firsthand how much support survivors need once treatment ends. “Survivor Fitness’s mission resonates with me so deeply because it extends care to survivors after their medical treatment ends,” she said. “It truly feels like a continuation of care, and I know from my mom’s journey just how important that support is.”

Her personal story combined with her professional background in oncology marketing made joining the Survivor Fitness board a natural fit.

When Worlds Collide: Clinical Care Meets Wellness

Kelsey’s role at Covenant Health allows her to see where the patient journey often ends and when recovery after treatment truly begins. Her work experience makes the mission of Survivor Fitness especially clear and impactful to her. 

One moment that stands out to Kelsey is meeting a former Covenant Health patient who later joined Survivor Fitness after treatment. “They received excellent care clinically and then continued their journey with Survivor Fitness to rebuild their strength,” she said. “Seeing those two worlds—clinical care and survivor wellness—come together is incredibly rewarding. It really highlights that we’re making a difference at every step of someone’s recovery.”

This connection reinforces why the mission is so crucial. While cancer survival rates are improving, there is still a significant gap in support once the active treatment phase is over. 

The Future is Strong

As Survivor Fitness continues to grow, Kelsey is excited about what’s ahead for the organization and the survivors it serves. “There is so much opportunity in the future of Survivor Fitness,” she said. “The organization recognized a critical gap in support for survivors and stepped up to fill it. Every new survivor we can help inspires us to push further.”

When asked what advice she’d share with participants in the program, Kelsey didn’t hesitate. “Take advantage of all of the services—personal training, nutrition, and mental health counseling,” she said. “You’ve fought a tough battle, and you deserve all the support available. By embracing every resource in the program, you’ll set yourself up to become even stronger and healthier in this next chapter.”

A Champion for Survivors

Whether she’s helping tell survivor stories through her work at Covenant Health or serving as a voice for the Survivor Fitness mission, Kelsey Brown is passionate about helping people heal, grow, and thrive.

Her blend of professional insight and personal compassion makes her an invaluable part of the Survivor Fitness community and a shining example of how hope and healing go hand in hand.

At Survivor Fitness, we’ve seen firsthand how survivors rebuild their strength and create a ripple effect that inspires others. Over the years, participants have stayed engaged through advocacy, fundraising, and sharing their stories. 

Brad Jones is one of those participants. What began as his personal journey with cancer has grown into a powerful commitment to helping other survivors heal.

Brad’s Survivor Fitness Journey

Brad was first introduced to Survivor Fitness at the 2023 Nashville Survivor Soirée. At the time, he was a recently diagnosed cancer patient navigating the uncertainty of his future. 

“I was invited by fellow Survivor Fitness board member Michelle Hunter,” Brad shared. “Hearing the heartfelt stories of other survivors and how the program helped them reclaim their strength was so inspiring. I immediately knew I wanted to participate in the Survivor Fitness training program after my surgery.”

Like many survivors, Brad found that finishing treatment was only the beginning. The question of how to regain strength, both physically and mentally, still lingered. Survivor Fitness provided the structure and support he needed. Through his sessions with trainer David Rogers at A|Train Fitness, Brad began to rebuild his strength and confidence. 

The connection extended beyond fitness. “We have a shared interest in gardening and enjoy exchanging recipes,” Brad said. “He and his family have also been the beneficiaries of some really spicy ghost peppers that we’ve grown in the garden.”

This blend of physical recovery and personal connection made Brad’s Survivor Fitness journey deeply meaningful. He continues to train with David today, incorporating what he learned into his ongoing health and wellness routine.

From Participant to Advocate

For Brad, Survivor Fitness didn’t stop when the program ended. He and his family decided to make the mission their “varsity philanthropy.” Together, they found creative ways to support the organization and spread awareness. 

“We participated in Rock the Row with our 18-year-old son Ben. Our 13-year-old son Jett sold lemonade, and our 21-year-old son Parker helped promote our participation broadly via social media,” Brad explained.

Their passion was even recognized publicly when the family was featured in an article by the Middle Tennessee Community Foundation. The accompanying photo showed Brad proudly wearing his Survivor Fitness t-shirt.

“What resonates most with me,” Brad said, “is that thanks to advances in medicine and the physicians, nurses, and researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, more people are surviving cancer. Yet it is not enough to survive—we want to thrive. Survivor Fitness is uniquely qualified to help cancer survivors thrive.”

Looking Ahead as a Board Member

Brad’s personal journey and advocacy naturally led him to join the Survivor Fitness board. As both a participant and a leader, he brings a unique perspective that blends lived experience with a vision for the future.

“I am so excited to see the group continue to grow, replicate the program, and provide services beyond Tennessee,” he shared. “Survivor Fitness has a very clear mission, and I relish the opportunity to work with my friends and fellow board members to achieve these goals. I would love to break the $1 million fundraising goal during my tenure.”

When asked what advice he’d give to others, Brad’s response reflects both his survivor’s mindset and his passion for the mission: “Surviving cancer is just the beginning. Survivor Fitness can help you thrive.”

Contributing to the Team Effort

Brad knows his journey has not been one he’s walked alone. “Participating in Survivor Fitness is a team sport,” he said. “I could not have been successful without the support of my wife, kids, family, friends, and the board. I am particularly grateful for Meg and Aaron Grunke and for their vision to launch this unique organization.”

As Survivor Fitness continues to grow, leaders like Brad Jones remind us that the impact of the program extends far beyond individual participants. His story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the power of choosing to pursue a thriving life.

At Survivor Fitness, we’re proud to have a board made up of leaders who bring both professional expertise and a personal commitment to supporting cancer survivors. Brian Marger is one of those leaders. 

When it comes to understanding cancer survivors, few people know the importance of comprehensive care better than Brian. As CEO of TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Brian has spent nearly two decades in healthcare leadership, including time as the regional vice president for cancer services with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. 

But his commitment to helping others goes beyond his professional experience. Brian is both a cancer survivor and a Survivor Fitness participant. His perspective as a healthcare leader and survivor makes his voice on the Survivor Fitness board invaluable.

A Personal Connection to the Mission

Brian first learned about Survivor Fitness in 2024 through a friend and fellow board member who recognized how closely aligned our mission was with his own personal story. 

“I felt very connected to an organization that focused on encouraging survivors to thrive despite their challenging condition,” Brian shared. “Being a cancer survivor whose fitness deteriorated significantly post-treatment, I know how hard it can be to rebuild strength and confidence after cancer.”

Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Brian went through rigorous treatment and completed his care two years ago. But the journey after treatment created new challenges that many cancer survivors know all too well. 

“From a cancer care perspective, I feel survivorship continues to be underserved,” he said. “There is little guidance on how to move forward after treatment. Survivor Fitness stresses emotional and physical health both during and after cancer care. That really resonates with me and my experience.”

Leading It By Living It

One of the things that makes Brian’s involvement with Survivor Fitness so unique is his direct experience as a participant in the program. He knows firsthand what it means to take those first difficult steps back into fitness and how much of a difference the right support can make.

“Starting is the hardest part,” Brian said. “It took me a while to believe that I could be strong again and feel good. But you will be amazed at how much better you feel as you progress through the programs.”

His personal experience fuels Brian’s passion for the work Survivor Fitness is doing and strengthens his belief in the organization’s future.

“I have experienced how Survivor Fitness can motivate and support participants long after the rigorous cancer treatments are completed,” he said. “And I’m excited to see the growing reach of our programs each year.”

A Future Full of Possibility

As a board member, Brian brings a depth of healthcare knowledge and a personal investment in helping Survivor Fitness grow.

“I truly enjoy working with fellow board members from different backgrounds but with common goals and motivations,” he shared. “I hope the breadth and depth of our programs continue to expand during my tenure.”

For Brian, the mission is clear: help cancer survivors regain strength, rebuild confidence, and thrive. 

We are incredibly grateful to have Brian as part of the Survivor Fitness board. His personal journey, professional leadership, and passion for helping others make a lasting impact on the lives of the survivors we serve.

One of the most inspiring parts of Survivor Fitness is witnessing the transformation of participants. That transformation is what drives our team, fitness partners, nutrition coaches, and therapists to keep showing up and offering support for survivors on the road to recovery. For Anita Slaughter, a Nashville-based fitness professional and owner of A|Train Fitness, helping survivors rebuild their strength has become a personal mission.

Anita first connected with Survivor Fitness in 2019 when she became a certified cancer exercise specialist. With that certification, she and her team at A|Train Fitness began working directly with Survivor Fitness participants.

“Being able to see firsthand how Survivor Fitness truly changed the trajectory for cancer survivors is the thing that made me want to become more involved,” Anita shared.

That first-hand experience was powerful. She saw people walk into the gym burdened with fatigue, fear, and weakness and leave weeks later with renewed confidence, strength, and optimism. Those transformations made a lasting impression, leading her to join the Survivor Fitness board in 2025.

From Partner to Advocate: A Personal Mission

As a trainer, Anita has a front-row seat to the impact of Survivor Fitness, but her involvement in our organization is also deeply personal.

“Cancer has become so prevalent over the last several years. Everyone has either faced cancer themselves or had someone close to them go through it,” Anita shared. “Seeing both of my parents and several of my friends face cancer diagnoses really hit home, and I knew I needed to become more involved.”

Serving on the board has given her the opportunity to offer even more than her professional expertise. As the chair of fundraising, she’s now helping lead the charge in fundraising, outreach, and growth. Anita’s goal is clear: expand the reach of Survivor Fitness so even more people can access the support they need after treatment ends.

“Every year, we’ve doubled the number of participants going through Survivor Fitness. But that’s still only a fraction of the number of cancer survivors in Tennessee,” she said. “I’m excited to work with an incredible team to continue Survivor Fitness’ vision and growth by increasing funding and awareness.”

Community, Connection, and Continued Strength

For Anita, one of the most meaningful parts of the Survivor Fitness program is what happens after a participant “graduates.” A|Train hosts regular group fitness classes specifically for Survivor Fitness alumni, and those sessions have become a powerful community for ongoing support.

“The support system our participants build throughout their Survivor Fitness experience and beyond is incredible,” Anita said. “The bonds they share, the relationships they develop—it’s truly wonderful to witness.”

That sense of community and continuity is key. Survivor Fitness isn’t just about checking a box or completing a program—it’s about long-term health, strength, and connection. It’s why Anita is so passionate about what the organization does, and why she’s committed to helping it grow.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Trends, and Empowerment

As Survivor Fitness expands, Anita is excited to see the organization’s mission spread even further across Tennessee and beyond.

“Increasing certified cancer exercise gym partnerships, growing the number of participants, and expanding community awareness—it’s all so exciting to see.”

She’s also watching broader wellness trends closely, always looking for ways to incorporate new research and best practices that can benefit cancer survivors. Her current focus? Reducing carcinogens and improving insulin sensitivity—both of which are strongly linked to long-term health outcomes.

“The best way to improve insulin sensitivity is by incorporating strength training and increasing muscle mass,” she explained. “That reduces overall inflammation throughout the body, which is especially important for cancer survivors.”

While cold plunges and saunas may be trendy, Anita remains focused on what works for everyone: strength training and reducing exposure to harmful ingredients in foods and products.

Words of Encouragement for Survivors and Advocates

Having coached dozens of Survivor Fitness participants, Anita knows how overwhelming recovery can feel. But she also knows what’s possible when people take that first step.

“It can be extremely overwhelming to recognize the work needed to get back to feeling themselves again. I always encourage participants to take just one step at a time, one day at a time.”

Her advice is simple: celebrate the small wins. Each workout, each meal, each moment of movement is a building block toward something bigger.

“Before they know it, they’re stronger, more hopeful, and excited about their future,” Anita shared. 

We’re incredibly grateful for Anita’s continued support, advocacy, and leadership over the years. By working directly with participants and championing our mission as a board member, her passion for helping survivors regain their strength and confidence is felt throughout our entire community.

If you’re inspired by Anita’s story and want to get involved—or if you’re a cancer survivor ready to take the next step in your recovery—learn more about our programs or apply today.

At Survivor Fitness, our mission has always been to help cancer survivors reclaim their health and thrive after treatment. In recent years, our reach has expanded, our impact has deepened, and our community has grown. Much of our growth is thanks to the passion of our participants and advocates and the expertise of partners who believe cancer survivors deserve to find hope and healing after treatment.

A research scientist and host of the Rewire Your Brain: The Peace & Positivity Podcast, Liz brings a rare blend of clinical insight, strategic leadership, and heartfelt compassion to everything she does. Before her current endeavors, Liz spent over a decade as a healthcare executive, dedicating her career to supporting oncology patients. As she describes it, helping patients and survivors is “woven into every strand of her being.”

Her introduction to Survivor Fitness came through a cherished connection with Laura Crawford, a former program participant and board member. Inspired by Laura’s story and the organization’s mission, Liz joined the board in 2022 and immediately took on a leadership role. Since then, Liz has used her expertise to help shape our vision and expand our services.

Why the Survivorship Journey Matters

As someone who spent years working alongside oncology patients, Liz was no stranger to the milestones and challenges of treatment. But it was a conversation with a former colleague—a two-time breast cancer survivor—that changed her perspective on what survivorship truly means. This colleague shared a poignant truth: “I was never as scared during treatment as I was when I entered survivorship. You have so many appointments and scans, so many people are always checking on you. When you hit survivorship, you feel like you are all alone and there are limited resources to support you.”

That moment left a lasting impression on Liz.

“I remember crying when she shared that and feeling conviction to help in whatever way I could to improve a patient’s journey during survivorship.”

Creating a Space for Healing and Mental Health 

Liz’s dedication to supporting individuals facing life’s challenges extends beyond her work with Survivor Fitness. Her passion for empowering women feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burdened by daily pressures led her to launch her own initiative, Rhythm Restoration Collective. Through this venture, she helps clients establish daily rhythms grounded in scientifically backed protocols and practices. Her holistic approach and expertise proved to be a tremendous asset for Survivor Fitness as we launched our mental health programs in 2024.

“It is my firm belief that every single cancer patient should have access to mental health services free of charge. The ups and downs of a cancer diagnosis, nervous system dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, fear, and depression can be nearly as debilitating as navigating a cancer diagnosis and survivorship,” Liz shared.

As a board member, Liz played a crucial role in guiding Survivor Fitness through the multifaceted process of rolling out our mental health program. Her insights and leadership were instrumental in navigating the complexities and alleviating barriers to ensure survivors have access to the vital tools and support they deserve to thrive.

Spreading Hope and Healing

With the mental health program now in place, Liz is focused on what comes next: reaching even more survivors and expanding the ripple effect of healing.

“The impact Survivor Fitness has sends ripples of hope and healing for generations,” she said. “The more survivors we can reach, the more healing and hope we can bring to survivors and their families.”

After years of service, Liz remains inspired by the strength and perseverance of the Survivor Fitness community. If she could offer a message directly to those navigating life after cancer, it would be this:

“I am so proud of each and every single one of you. The courage and strength it takes to go through treatment and keep moving forward to thrive is more inspirational than words could ever describe.”

A Ripple Effect of Healing

Survivor Fitness exists because of people like Liz—people who show up, lead with heart, and believe in the life-changing impact of community and care. Her dedication has helped shape programs that meet survivors where they are and provide the tools and support they need to thrive. We are grateful every day for Liz’s leadership, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in the power of healing. If you or someone you know is navigating life after cancer treatment, learn more about our programs or apply today to join a community that believes in creating a ripple effect of healing for survivors.

Survivor Fitness began as a grassroots movement born from our own personal experiences navigating life after cancer. Over the years, our mission and programs have spread across Tennessee and beyond, thanks to the passion and dedication of the participants, partners, doctors, and friends who believe in what we do. One of the most exciting aspects of our journey is seeing supporters join our mission and help shape our future. 

Jamie Ernst is a perfect example of this spirit in action.

Jamie first learned about Survivor Fitness when her best friend, Laura Crawford, participated in the program back in 2016. She witnessed the transformative power of the program firsthand, observing Laura regain her strength and confidence post-treatment. Shortly after, the two began attending Survivor Fitness events together in Nashville, where Jamie was deeply moved by the positive impact these gatherings had on survivors.

“As someone who is passionate about health, fitness, and a holistic approach to well-being, Survivor Fitness’s mission deeply resonated with me. After hearing Aaron’s story and learning that insurance typically doesn’t cover aftercare for survivors, I felt a strong desire to help and be part of something impactful,” Jamie shared.

This experience ignited a spark in Jamie to become more involved. She joined the planning committee for the annual Nashville Survivor Soirée, contributing her energy and expertise to the event. 

Recognizing her unwavering passion and commitment, we invited Jamie to join our board of directors in 2024 so she could further her commitment to impacting the lives of cancer survivors.

Making Survivor Fitness a Household Name

As an artist Manager and director of marketing, Jamie understands the power of grassroots marketing and effective outreach. 

“Although Survivor Fitness has been around for some time, it still feels like we’re in the early stages of its growth, which is incredibly exciting,” she said. “I appreciate having the opportunity to be involved from the ground up.”

Jamie’s goal is to amplify Survivor Fitness’s reach and impact, ensuring that more cancer survivors know they’re not alone on the recovery journey and have access to our programs after treatment.

“My hope is for Survivor Fitness to become a household name for patients as they navigate their cancer journey, providing them with the support they need to thrive after treatment,” she expressed.

Looking Ahead with Vision and Determination

As a board member, Jamie continues to channel her passion into actionable change. She plays a crucial role in growing the Survivor Soirée event in Nashville, contributing invaluable insights on rebranding and marketing strategies for the organization. Her forward-thinking approach ensures that Survivor Fitness remains responsive to the evolving needs of the cancer survivor community.

“I’m excited about the growth of Survivor Fitness and the impactful initiatives underway, especially the expansion into mental health support.”

Jamie’s journey—from being inspired by a friend’s recovery to becoming a vital member of our board—illustrates the transformative power of community and shared purpose. Her work reminds us that helping survivors navigate life after cancer treatment includes rebuilding hope and offering a sense of belonging.

Join the Survivor Fitness Movement

If you or someone you know is navigating life after cancer treatment, we’d love for you to explore our programs. Whether you’re interested in personalized fitness training, nutritional coaching, or mental health counseling, we’re here to help you build a fulfilling and resilient future.

Want to support a friend or loved one? Discover how you can get involved in helping cancer survivors find hope and long-term healing after treatment. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of those navigating the challenges of survivorship.

At Survivor Fitness, our mission is to transform the way people navigate life after cancer. We’ve been fortunate to celebrate countless success stories thanks to the dedication of our team, partners, donors, and volunteers, as well as the passion of our alumni and friends in the medical community. But with more than 43,000 Tennesseans expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year alone, the need for support is incredibly great. We remain focused on expanding our reach, working as hard as we can to help as many survivors as possible.

One person who shares this passion for growth and innovation is Survivor Fitness board member Hollie Adams. An experienced healthcare executive, Hollie has a wealth of experience leading strategic growth and marketing initiatives for hospitals and networks such as Ascension Health, Community Health Networks, and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis. 

Turning a Personal Battle Into a Mission for Change

Prioritizing fitness was always an important part of Hollie’s lifestyle. But in 2021, her life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her double mastectomy, Hollie experienced significant weakness and a limited range of motion. Although she was eager to regain her strength, getting back into a fitness routine proved more challenging than anticipated.

Once cleared by her doctor, Hollie attempted to return to her home gym, hoping to get back into a normal workout routine. However, the demands of exercise after surgery took a toll on her body. During one workout, she fainted from pushing herself too hard.

“I was trying to do too much too soon. That’s when I realized that cancer survivors require experts who know how to properly heal the body from the kind of trauma that comes from cancer surgery,” Hollie said.

Recognizing she needed professional guidance, Hollie turned to Google in search of a program that could help her safely rebuild her strength. That search led her to Survivor Fitness. After completing the online application, Hollie received a response within the same week. She soon began working with a personal trainer and nutritionist to regain her strength and stamina in a safe and effective way.

From Survivor to Advocate: A Vision for Thriving After Cancer

A year after completing the Survivor Fitness programs, a colleague reconnected Hollie with the leadership team at Survivor Fitness. This opportunity allowed her to get to know the organization from a different perspective—one that extended beyond her personal journey as a participant. Through this connection, Hollie discovered how deeply the mission of Survivor Fitness resonated with her experience.

“When people with cancer go through treatment, the medical community refers to those patients as survivors. While going through treatment, being called a survivor didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to just survive cancer – I wanted to grow and thrive from it. Survivor Fitness’s mission is to empower survivors to reclaim their health and thrive after cancer treatment. That really resonated with me,” Hollie explained.

Hollie’s personal journey and her passion for helping others aligned seamlessly with her professional expertise in healthcare and strategy. She is committed to cultivating connections and conversations within the adult oncology space. 

The need for collaboration is clear. With tens of thousands of Tennesseans facing a cancer diagnosis each year, there is an urgent call to create a holistic system of care—one where Survivor Fitness is seamlessly integrated into the oncology space, offering cancer survivors the tools and support they need to reclaim their health after treatment.

“Survivor Fitness has realized incredible growth in the past few years, and it is exciting for me to envision an organization that could help every cancer patient truly thrive after treatment and live their best life possible,” Hollie said.

A Brighter Future for Survivors

We’re incredibly grateful for Hollie’s passion, vision, and dedication to expanding our mission. Her experience as both a cancer survivor and a professional in the healthcare field brings invaluable insight to our board. With her leadership, we are confident that Survivor Fitness will continue to grow and help more survivors regain their strength and truly thrive after treatment.

If you, or someone you know, is a cancer survivor looking for support, we invite you to learn more about our programs. Together with dedicated advocates like Hollie, we are committed to helping more survivors become “thrivers.”