Partner Spotlight: Sarah Denger

Sarah Denger on a Yoga Mat stretching in second position

Survivor Fitness partners with remarkable individuals who share our commitment to empowering cancer survivors on their post-treatment journey. Many of our partners have watched a family member or close friend navigate treatment and recovery. One such inspiring individual is Sarah Denger, whose personal journey with cancer has informed her role as a passionate fitness instructor and a valued partner at Survivor Fitness.

From Patient to Fitness Instructor: Sarah’s Personal Journey with Cancer

Before her cancer diagnosis, fitness was merely a leisure pursuit for Sarah. In her mid-twenties, seemingly at the peak of her physical prime, cancer upended her life. Three years of grueling chemotherapy, including a stem cell transplant, stripped her of her strength and vitality. It was during this arduous battle that Sarah grappled with her body’s limitations.

“I felt so helpless when I couldn’t keep up with my parents on a neighborhood walk,” she said. “I was 25, they were in their late 50s, and yet I was the one lagging behind.”

Through this experience, Sarah discovered her passion for fitness and found her calling as a fitness instructor. Reconnecting with her body after the disassociation caused by cancer treatment, she now dedicates herself to helping others achieve the same transformative results.

“It didn’t take me long to realize that if I really wanted my energy, stamina, strength, body, and even life back…I had to work and earn it,” she shared. ”Fitness gave me that channel, and I wanted to work with those who had walked a similar path.”

Driven by this newfound purpose, Sarah actively sought avenues to support young cancer survivors. At Vanderbilt, she joined the board for their Young Adult Cancer Clinic. There, her paths crossed with Aaron and Meg Grunke, the co-founders of Survivor Fitness. Captivated by Sarah’s story and unwavering spirit, they knew she belonged on their dedicated team.

Since December 2023, Sarah has been integral to Survivor Fitness, guiding individual training sessions and leading virtual group exercises for participants and alums. Witnessing their progress brings her immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I am already inspired by my clients,” Sarah said. “One participant is doing more impact work than when we first started. Another is getting way more range of motion in her right arm, which had been her more limited side.  There is so much to say, and I could go on and on about their accomplishments.”

Her favorite aspect of the program is the profound connection she feels with participants as they share the challenges of their fitness journey. It reminds her of her own journey as she helps instill confidence that they can reach their fitness goals.

Offering Empathy Through Experience: Navigating Life After Cancer

Sarah’s personal insights and empathy, rooted in her own experience with cancer and recovery, create a mutually beneficial relationship with the participants. Knowing firsthand the mental and emotional hurdles, she empowers participants to focus on progress, not limitations.

“Attitude is everything,” she said. “Cancer takes a toll on the body, and discouragement can be crippling. But cancer survivors are warriors, and I remind them to celebrate what they can do instead of dwelling on what they can’t.”

Working closely with each participant, Sarah encourages them to take the next step on their recovery journey. By reminding them to be patient and adapt their routines to their current needs, she strives to make the workout experience enjoyable.

“I want to make it fun and encouraging because I know how strong these individuals already are. I see myself in clients that feel shy about the experience because that’s how I was when I first started going to the gym.”

Living the Dream: Empowering Others Through Survivor Fitness

As a cancer survivor and fitness trainer, Sarah’s passion, encouragement, and expertise enrich every session at Survivor Fitness. In her own words, Survivor Fitness is a “dream come true organization” that seamlessly blends her two life passions: cancer patient advocacy and fitness.

We’re incredibly grateful for Sarah and the life-changing experience she offers Survivor Fitness participants. If you’re a personal trainer or fitness center interested in supporting individuals after treatment, connect with our team to learn how you can join the Survivor Fitness network. If you’re looking for physical support after cancer treatment, we’d love for you to check out our program or submit an application

Partner Spotlight: D1 Knoxville

Adam Kerr sitting on a weight bench smiling in fitness attire

One of the best things about the Survivor Fitness program is that we partner with fitness trainers who are all specialists in their field.

These trainers also have a deep understanding of the power of movement and the effect fitness can have on mental and emotional well-being. They have a strong desire to help others, and they use their extensive expertise to create personal, customized training programs for cancer survivors after difficult, painful, and exhausting treatments and surgeries.

Andrew Kerr, a fitness coach and personal trainer at D1 Training Hardin Valley in Knoxville, is a perfect example of a trainer who works with Survivor Fitness. He’s been helping individuals reach their fitness goals for years, and he understands the unique challenges that cancer survivors face.

This year, Devin Driscoll, the owner of D1 Training in Knoxville, joined the Survivor Fitness board, and he tapped Andrew to help run the program at their location. Andrew immediately jumped at the opportunity, and he’s now responsible for helping new participants connect with coaches at D1 Knoxville.

“When Devin came to me about running the program—and with the good I knew it would do—there was no way I was turning it down,” Andrew said. “While I love getting the chance to work with athletes, I knew the opportunity that Survivor Fitness created is something that truly makes an immediate impact on those in the community.”

Andrew’s passion for helping cancer survivors is also driven by a personal connection to the disease. Earlier this year, his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, and Andrew saw firsthand the devastating effects that both the illness and its treatment can have on a person’s physical and mental health. That experience made him even more determined to help others affected by cancer.

“We all know someone who has had cancer. It affects every single person who has any attachment at all to the person diagnosed. I and the other trainers want to use what we know to hopefully help others to live longer and healthier lives.” 

From Chemo to Cones: Inspiring Stories from Participants

As a personal trainer, Andrew has seen firsthand the positive impact that physical fitness can have on anyone’s mental and emotional health. He is continually inspired to see this transformation happen in Survivor Fitness participants.

“My favorite part is knowing that after the first few weeks, they are going to start enjoying what we are doing and how they feel,” Andrew said. “It’s like clockwork. They come in after two to three weeks, and the soreness goes away while the motivation kicks in. It’s a joy to watch.”

One particularly memorable Survivor Fitness participant for Andrew was Brenda. Brenda started the program when she was 88 years old and had just finished her chemo. She was also a senior league tennis champion who was determined to continue playing.

“Watching her train and run cones at her age with the motivation and energy she did was inspiring, to say the least,” Andrew said.

Advice for Survivors: Embracing Small Milestones 

D1 Knoxville has already worked with around ten cancer survivors, and they are eager to increase that number in the years to come. 

“Exercise is such an important feature of healing, and we want as many people as possible to have access to that,” Andrew said.

Andrew and his team are passionate about helping cancer survivors recognize and celebrate the small milestones that make a big difference to their overall health and wellness. The team at D1 understands that cancer affects the body in many different ways, so they encourage participants to start slowly and be patient with themselves.

“It’s not about how much you lift—it’s about how you lift it,” Andrew said. “I like to use things that relate to daily life. If you can get up and down easier, if you can take a walk and not be exhausted, if you can do yard work and just enjoy being outside… those are the things that matter after fighting for your life.”

Andrew’s experiences with the program have led him to be an advocate for Survivor Fitness in the Knoxville area. He encourages people who are considering the program to take the plunge and go for it. 

“My grandmother always used to say, ‘Don’t talk about it, be about it,'” Andrew said. “As the son of a cancer survivor, I want him around for as long as possible, so give yourself every tool available to continue the fight.”

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

Andrew’s passion for Survivor Fitness is evident in his dedication to helping participants achieve their goals. He is a valuable partner, and we are grateful for his support.
If you are a personal trainer or fitness center that is interested in helping cancer survivors after treatment, please contact our team to learn how to become a part of the Survivor Fitness network.

If you are a cancer survivor looking to regain your strength after treatment, we invite you to learn more about our program or submit an application today!

Partner Spotlight: C3 Health & Beauty

Stephanie Chunn

Starting a fitness routine after cancer can be incredibly overwhelming. Cancer treatment can change physical capabilities and upend a person’s understanding of their body. The mental and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and treatment is often just as debilitating as the physical aftereffects.

Finding a way forward after cancer treatment requires plenty of personal care, encouragement, and motivation along the way. 

Survivor Fitness Partner Stephanie Chunn of C3 Health & Beauty is a shining example of a trainer offering personal fitness expertise and encouragement to support participants in our program. As a certified cancer exercise specialist, Stephanie understands the unique challenges that participants face. She works with each participant to develop a personal training plan based on their individual needs and goals.

Finding a New Lease on Life 

Stephanie started working with Survivor Fitness participants in 2020, but her connection to the cancer community was established years earlier. As part of her business at C3 Health & Beauty, Stephanie began offering training sessions.

“I love seeing the positive difference that health and fitness can offer survivors,” Stephanie shared. “It’s beyond rewarding when clients share that they see benefits of training with me in their everyday life, such as gardening and playing with their kids or grandkids.” 

Since joining the Survivor Fitness community, Stephanie has worked with more than 20 participants. Her appointment-only fitness studio offers a welcoming environment for our participants in Knoxville. Stephanie has also played a valuable role in expanding Survivor Fitness’ virtual training program — working with participants across the state each week over Zoom. Stephanie has a natural gift for teaching participants how to use non-traditional equipment to incorporate fitness into their everyday routines and lives. 

“There have been times where I’ve worked with participants to use a piece of furniture and their body weight for a specific exercise during a session,” she recalled.” Even if you may not have a particular piece of equipment, we can find creative solutions.” 

Inspired by Their Milestone Moments

Like many Survivor Fitness partners, Stephanie finds her own source of motivation and personal inspiration from working with participants. 

“As a personal trainer, we often show up to make participants feel good when they leave,” she shared. “But our Survivor Fitness participants are equally encouraging to me. Seeing them show up and give 110% every session motivates me. I’m always more fueled from our time together.” 

For Stephanie, the most meaningful aspect of working with Survivor Fitness participants is the moment they recognize their progress. Whether it’s being able to lift a weight that was impossible a few weeks earlier or noticing how their balance has improved, she cherishes the milestone moments that participants reach. 

“Whether it’s halfway through the program or at the end of our time together, these moments let them know that change is possible,” she said.  

Transformation Through Inspiration

Stephanie does a great job of walking alongside each participant during their transformation journey — offering information and inspiration. She helps each participant recognize that every journey is different by reminding them that “this is your own race; go at your own pace.” 

“I love to encourage participants that we’re creating a lifestyle for a lifetime,” she shared. “It’s important to believe that change is possible, but recognize that it may take time.”  

Stephanie does an incredible job of working with each participant to find areas of improvement and make incremental progress over time. Her inspirational words of encouragement often leave a lasting impact. It’s not unusual for Stephanie to get a text from a former participant thanking her. And in her own fashion, Stephanie will often send inspirational and motivational messages to participants — even after they’ve completed the program.  

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

We’re incredibly grateful for Stephanie and the life-changing experience she offers Survivor Fitness participants.

If you’re a personal trainer or fitness center interested in supporting individuals after treatment, connect with our team to learn how you can join the Survivor Fitness network.

If you’re looking for physical support after cancer treatment, we’d love for you to check out our program or submit an application today! 

Partner Spotlight: Jill Merkel

Jill Merkel preparing fruits in a kitchen

After beating cancer, many survivors find themselves facing a new challenge: figuring out what to eat amidst their changing food preferences and a sea of confusing advice. This is one of the biggest reasons that we incorporate nutritional coaching into our program for cancer survivors

Helping cancer survivors cut through the confusion is one of the primary reasons Jill Merkel decided to become a Survivor Fitness partner. 

“There’s so much misinformation and confusion about what to eat or not eat with a cancer diagnosis that people are afraid to eat,” Jill explained. “Helping them to realize that there’s no perfect way of eating and helping them find what is right for them is my main goal.” 

Jill encourages participants to pay close attention to how they feel — what foods give them energy and what foods cause them to feel full and satisfied. Focusing on adding things in rather than trying to cut things out is also essential for the individuals she works with.

Since 2019, Jill has offered nutritional coaching to hundreds of Survivor Fitness participants. During that process, she helps survivors design a meal plan with foods that will nourish them. Helping them both navigate the physical and emotional effects of cancer is one of the things that inspires her work. 

Whether it’s helping participants realize that small changes can make a big impact or discovering an “aha” moment where their mindset changes from changing their body to fueling their health — Jill has celebrated hundreds of meaningful moments with participants. 

“There have been so many positive moments where participants have felt relieved that they could let go of the overwhelm and feeling they need to do nutrition perfectly.” Jill shared. “It is inspirational to see participants finally feel at peace around their body and feel so much better being well-fueled.”

Being able to play a role in helping people feel more empowered after a cancer diagnosis has been incredibly rewarding for Jill. Like other Survivor Fitness partners, she’s grateful for the opportunity to work with participants as they return to health and their lives. 

Meet Our Survivor Fitness Partners 

At Survivor Fitness, we’re grateful to partner with some of the most experienced nutrition specialists, dietitians, and personal trainers. Our growing network allows us to offer our program to cancer survivors no matter their age, location, or fitness level. You can check out more partner spotlights or learn more about becoming a partner.   

Jill is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who specializes in body image, chronic dieting, eating disorders, and sports nutrition. In addition to supporting Survivor Fitness participants, Jill has provided coaching for professional and collegiate athletes along with hundreds of women across the country. Learn more about her coaching and consulting practice here

Partner Spotlight: Brandon Holt & Personal Best Fitness

Survivor Fitness wouldn’t exist without the dozens of trainers, nutrition specialists, and fitness center managers who work with participants every day. Brandon Holt, Trainer at Personal Best Fitness in Brentwood, TN, has been there since the very beginning. 

After surviving an aggressive form of testicular cancer at the age of 23, Survivor Fitness Founder, Aaron Grunke, had the idea for a nonprofit that would empower survivors to truly overcome cancer through health and wellness. He took the idea to Brandon to discuss what the program could look like and how they could raise enough money to get the idea off the ground. 

“This is Going to Change So Many Lives”

As a certified fitness trainer, Brandon helped design a training template that participants could follow while Aaron worked on the organizational details. With the framework in place, it was time to start raising awareness and funds. 

“In early 2013, I had this crazy idea that we should walk 24 straight hours on a treadmill to raise the money,” Brandon recalled. “24 hours (59 miles), $10,000, and too many blisters to count later, we had the money to take our first client.” 

Our very first Survivor Fitness Participant was Cheryl. She had recently finished treatment and was looking to “feel like herself again.” Brandon began training Cheryl through a 12-week program. About halfway through the program, Brandon got a visit he’ll never forget.  

“I’ll never forget the day that Cheryl’s husband and children walked into my office unexpectedly just to tell me ‘thank you,’” Brandon shared. Cheryl’s family had already recognized a difference in her and wanted to express their gratitude for helping her gain back her confidence. 

Brandon immediately called Aaron and said, “This is going to change lives!” 

10 years later, that’s definitely true.

Impacting More Lives With Personal Best Fitness 

In 2018, Brandon joined the team at Personal Best Fitness. Getting Survivor Fitness going at Personal Best was a priority for him, and their team quickly started training participants.

To date, the team at Personal Best has trained more than two dozen participants. Their stories continue to inspire Brandon and the other trainers at Personal Best to tell as many people about the program as they can. Like many trainers and dietitians who partner with Survivor Fitness, Brandon described how he always gets more from the participants than he can ever give to them.

“Survivor Fitness participants are some of the most grateful, hardworking, and motivated clients I have ever worked with in my 20+ years of personal training,” Brandon recalled. “Each participant has such a unique story full of highs and lows but with a victorious ending.”

“Getting Your Life Back is a Marathon, Not a Sprint”

After training more than 20 cancer patients over the years, Brandon has learned some incredibly insightful lessons when it comes to regaining strength after treatment. One of the first things Brandon often encourages participants to remember is that getting your life back is a marathon, not a sprint. 

“The first step is the hardest,” he shared. “Once you walk through that door and meet your trainer, you can have confidence that everyone is working very hard to make sure you have a great, safe experience. The community that surrounds you wants nothing more than for you to be successful.” 

After more than a decade of working with participants, Brandon is still excited every time a new Survivor Fitness participant walks in the door, and he continues to be one of the biggest advocates for post-treatment training.

“Whether you are a trainer or gym thinking about if Survivor Fitness might be a good fit, or if you are a potential participant, just do it,” Brandon said. “You will not regret it.”

We’re incredibly grateful for all the work Brandon and the team at Personal Best have put into making Survivor Fitness what it is today. He has been involved in everything from designing our training template, participating in our very first fundraising event, and continually advocating for our mission.

If you’re a trainer, dietitian, or health professional interested in joining the Survivor Fitness partner network, we’d love to share more information with you. If you’re a cancer survivor in Tennessee, connect with our team today to learn how you can get started with our program!

Partner Spotlight: A|Train Fitness Coaching

One of the gifts we’ve experienced at Survivor Fitness is the opportunity to partner with world-class fitness centers and nutrition partners across Tennessee. And while participants often talk about how life-changing it is to work with a fitness specialist, the experience is just as impactful for our coaches and trainers. 

Every trainer, fitness center, and nutritional specialist we partner with has their own reason for being part of the Survivor Fitness network. For some, it’s an opportunity to help make a tangible difference for someone who’s gone through a difficult season. Others have a more personal connection. That’s the story for Anita Slaughter, owner of A|Train Fitness Coaching in Nashville. 

Anita has been a personal trainer and fitness coach for more than 20 years. While some trainers are drawn to the performance coaching and aesthetic component of fitness, Anita always knew the health component would drive her fitness career. She also had a personal connection with cancer that made her decision to partner with Survivor Fitness a “no-brainer.” 

“My mother had a full hysterectomy and double mastectomy by the age of 34. She had non-Hodgkins lymphoma as a teenager. She’s a fighter through and through,” Anita recalled. “Knowing the impact fitness and proper nutrition has on our overall health and ability to fight off cancer and disease is all the inspiration I need!”

Anita and her team at A|Train have been working with Survivor Fitness participants for years. As a Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification Facility, the team at A|Train does an incredible job of helping participants take a step-by-step approach toward wellness, focusing on one day at a time.

Getting Survivors Back on Their Feet Again 

Every Survivor Fitness participant has their own unique story and journey of recovery. Most are looking for ways to recover at least some of the strength and endurance they experienced before their diagnosis. Everyone’s journey is different as they look to recover strength and return to their routines after a cancer diagnosis. Anita highlighted one particular story in which that goal was quite literal. 

“If I had to single out a particularly inspiring moment, it was a client who was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma and lost a good portion of her quadricep muscle,” Anita shared.  

The participant’s only goal was to be able to get off the ground after playing with her grandchildren. She had been told by a physical therapist that she had too much muscle loss to be able to push up from the ground without assistance. Carrie Loughlin, the participant’s A|Train Fitness coach, suggested they just work with the muscles that were still functioning effectively. 

“I’ll never forget that moment. I was at my desk, and I heard shouting and I thought something horrific happened,” Anita remembered. “I ran downstairs to find her crying tears of joy!  For the first time, she was able to stand up from the floor on her own!”  

It was a moment that no one in that room will ever forget. Anita described how they were all in tears and their outlook on life was forever changed. 

Experiencing a Future of Hope 

It can be overwhelming for cancer survivors to even know where to begin after a life-altering experience. The team of coaches at A|Train do an incredible job of guiding and directing participants to undertake safe and effective fitness programs. 

Every cancer survivor they train receives a personalized approach. Anita and her team tailor each program based on the participant’s age, diagnosis, fitness level, and what treatments they received.

The recovery journey is full of difficult and challenging moments. But it’s a different kind of journey than the one cancer survivors experience during treatment. 

“My favorite part of working with participants is the first time they see HOPE in their future,” Anita described. “For us to be able to provide direction and guidance toward a healthy future makes my heart full. It is an emotional journey and lots of tears of joy are shed throughout the process.”

Join the Survivor Fitness Community

We’re incredibly grateful for the team at A|Train and the life-changing expertise they offer Survivor Fitness participants.

If you’re a personal trainer or fitness center who is interested in supporting cancer survivors after treatment, connect with our team to learn how you can join the Survivor Fitness network.

If you’re a cancer survivor looking to “get back on your feet” after treatment, we’d love for you to check out our program or submit an application today! 

Partner Spotlight: Performance Training, Inc.

performance training team

When Survivor Fitness launched our program in Nashville in 2013, we quickly realized how many cancer survivors across our state needed support when it came to building strength, losing weight, or regaining a sense of normalcy after a cancer diagnosis. Initially, we began partnering with trainers and fitness centers in Brentwood and Murfreesboro. In 2018, we had the opportunity to expand into our next major city: Knoxville. As we were looking for a way to expand the reach of our program, our friends at Performance Training enthusiastically offered their support. The owner of Performance Training, Jackie Ansley, and her team were passionate about learning everything they could to support cancer survivors during recovery. 

Jared Lawrence, Director of Development & Marketing at Performance Training, worked with our very first Survivor Fitness participant in Knoxville. Today, he is the first point of contact for our Knoxville participants who train at PTI. Like many of the trainers and dietitians who work with participants, Jared’s life has been impacted by the program just as much as the people he trains.

A New Perspective About What’s Possible 

“Before I started with Survivor Fitness, cancer was just a word to me because I hadn’t been personally impacted by it,” Jared explained. “Now that I’ve seen the difference that health and fitness make for people after treatment, I want to help in every single way that I can.” 

Jared understands that signing up for a fitness program after treatment might be intimidating. That’s why the team at PTI has done an incredible job of creating a positive and encouraging environment for people of every age, fitness level, or diagnosis. 

“If you come in just once, you’ll quickly realize that you’re not alone,” Jared said. “We’re going to welcome you and accept you where you are. You might meet three or four other cancer survivors along the way.”

Countless Stories of Inspiration and Transformation

Jared is inspired by the transformation that participants experience from their first visit to the gym to the conclusion of their program. As he recalled his experience with Survivor Fitness, Jared reflected on numerous stories of the many participants that have benefited. 

One such participant was named Deb. Deb was the first Survivor Fitness participant in Knoxville. (And she just recently celebrated her 5-year cancer-free anniversary!) Although she was initially hesitant to start training, today she participates in the SF group fitness program at PTI multiple days per week. 

Jared also recalled working with a 30-year-old participant who was looking to gain strength after cancer treatment. He wanted to regain strength in his legs so he could get back to the lifting he enjoyed before cancer. When he first started the program, he could only squat around 100 pounds. When he left, he was squatting 315!

“Honestly, it’s hard for me to pick a single inspiring moment or story because they all are special,” Jared said. “There are countless moments of encouragement, hope, and positivity that I’ve seen over the years.” 

Helping Survivors “Get Their Glow Back” 

Jared and the team at Performance Training are intentional about giving participants the peace of mind that they can achieve things that seem impossible when they first start. 

“It might be easy for people to think there’s so much they CAN’T do because they had cancer,” he recalled. “Yet, they’ve survived surgery, cancer, chemo, and/or radiation. We want to help them realize they actually CAN do it.”

That’s what Jared likes to see. Getting people back to the point that they could do things that they thought they could never do again.

“Many of the participants get their glow back,” he expressed. “I love getting to tell people that they are going to be able to regain some of the stuff they lost during cancer, like picking up their grandkids, running around with their kids, or running a half marathon.” 

To date, the team at Performance Training has served more than 80 participants. Their team has worked with over a dozen cancer survivors this year alone. We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to more stories of transformation for our Knoxville Survivor Fitness participants for years to come. 

If you’re a cancer survivor in Tennessee, connect with our team today to learn how you can get started with our program!

Partner Spotlight: Chadwick’s Fitness

Survivor Fitness was founded with a vision to aid cancer survivors in their transition after treatment by helping them regain their health and wellness through personal training and nutrition coaching. Today, we’ve been able to partner with hundreds of courageous cancer survivors across Tennessee. This possibility became a reality because of the incredible partnerships we’ve developed with fitness centers and personal trainers across the state. Chadwick’s Fitness in Cool Springs was one of our first partners to offer its facility and services in service of our mission. 

For the past six years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Abby Johnson. As General Manager, Abby is often the first contact point for participants. She works with participants to help connect them with one of Chadwick’s personal trainers and get them started with their 12-week training program. 

A Team of Specialists Who Care

As a world-class training facility, Chadwick’s provides each participant with a personal training program built with specific exercises for regaining health and strength after cancer treatment. As part of the initial onboarding process, their trainers work with each participant to conduct an initial mobility and stability assessment. This provides a foundation and framework that will help the participant focus on their greatest needs and regain their strength. 

“Cancer treatment and recovery take such a toll on a person’s body,” Abby explained. “One of the first things we want to do is help participants ensure their spine is stabilized, activate muscles that haven’t been used in a while, and regain core strength by focusing on certain muscle patterns. These are really important foundations that they can use to build upon in the future.” 

Each Chadwick’s trainer works with participants by meeting them where they are and building a custom plan to help them move forward. Because several trainers are certified in providing fitness training for cancer survivors, they often share insights and best practices amongst their team to create the best plan for each participant. It’s obvious that the expertise and intentionality they put into their work make a difference. 

“It’s so inspiring when a participant starts the program, and they’re not sure if they can do it… only to see them with tears of gratitude in their eyes two to three weeks later,” Abby said. “That transition from being so afraid and physically weak to confident and committed is a beautiful thing to see.” 

The (Inspirational) Feeling is Mutual

This experience—seeing transformation happen for people who are so committed to regaining their wellness—is one of the most mutually beneficial aspects of the program. While Survivor Fitness participants often describe it as a “life-changing” experience, Chadwick’s trainers are also deeply affected by the relationship.  

“One of my favorite parts about partnering with Survivor Fitness is when one of our staff members comes and tells the story from their point of view,” Abby described. “It can be very emotional and inspiring for our trainers to work with participants. Often our lives are just as impacted by their stories as their lives are impacted by our training.” 

A Shared Commitment To Impacting More Lives

One of the most meaningful aspects of our partnership with Chadwick’s is that supporting cancer survivors is a value for their entire team. Each trainer at Chadwick’s has personally worked with at least one Survivor Fitness participant. To date, the team at Chadwick’s has helped more than 75 participants in the Nashville area regain their strength and vitality through one-on-one personal training. 

Their entire team encourages and cares for each Survivor Fitness participant on their recovery journey. 

If there’s one thing I would say to someone who is considering becoming a participant, I would say do not hesitate to make a phone call,” Abby noted. “Even if you think, ‘I didn’t have that hard of a cancer battle,’ you should look into it. If you’re someone who battled cancer, this is specifically for you.” 

Abby’s commitment to supporting cancer patients extends beyond her work as General Manager at Chadwick’s. She also serves on the advisory board for the Survivor Fitness Foundation. In this role, Abby creates connections with other fitness centers across Tennessee. As Survivor Fitness looks for strategic and scalable ways to support even more cancer survivors, Abby’s experience provides valuable insights to help build relationships with fitness centers and trainers.  

“Survivor Fitness has an amazing mission,” said Abby. “I love that we’re able to bring personal training to people who would not otherwise consider it.” 

Partner Spotlight: Nourished Routes

Anyone connected to Survivor Fitness quickly realizes that much of the magic of the experience stems from two factors: the incredible passion of our participants and the power of our community. Since launching Survivor Fitness, we’ve had the benefit of working with board members and health partners (trainers and dietitians) who share a deep devotion to supporting cancer survivors on their recovery journey.  

Allison Tallman is one of those partners whose passion, care, and expertise have had a life-altering effect on Survivor Fitness participants. Allison is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the founder of Nourished Routes. After connecting with Executive Director Meg Grunke in 2019, Allison signed on to become a nutrition partner for Survivor Fitness. To date, she’s served more than 100 Survivor Fitness participants. 

Allison’s connection to Survivor Fitness began before she became a partner. As an RDN, Allison saw just how important nutrition is as she walked alongside patients during their battle with cancer—personally and professionally.

“My grandfather was diagnosed with leukemia, and my uncle had sinus cancer,” Allison explained. “In both situations, I saw how much the treatment impacted their life—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” 

As a practitioner, Allison uses her knowledge and experience to help participants with nutritional changes. Before moving to Nashville, Allison was employed at a medical clinic in Chicago where she worked primarily with cancer patients going through chemo and radiation therapy. Her role provided her with direct insight into the connection between treatment, nutrition, and her patients’ overall well-being. 

These experiences sparked a passion that led her to partner with Survivor Fitness to help an entire community of cancer survivors. 

“There are so many challenges that a person experiences going through chemo or radiation,” Allison expressed. “Seeing so many of my family members experience those changes inspired me to use my professional training  to help people who are navigating the cancer journey and equip them with resources to regain health in all areas of life.”

As a Survivor Fitness nutrition partner, Allison provides the same level of commitment and personal care to participants that she would give to a family member. In every introductory session, Allison takes time to listen to the individual, learn about their journey with cancer, discuss the unique nutritional challenges they’ve experienced, and collaborate on the health goals they want to achieve. 

“Every cancer journey, and how it’s impacted a person’s diet, is different. I really want to understand what a person has been through so I can put myself in their shoes and help them move forward. Because each person’s cancer journey is so unique, it’s important to tailor their recovery plan, too.”

After learning more about them, Allison works with participants to design a personalized nutrition plan that can easily be incorporated into their current lifestyle. 

For example, one of the first things Allison does is make sure participants eat enough food and get enough protein in their diet. Adding in the right amount of protein can help counteract the muscle loss that can be a result of cancer treatment.  

After the initial meeting, Allison continued to provide guidance and accountability as participants continued through the program. Every participant receives a recipe book along with advice to maximize their nutrition plan after cancer. 

When it comes to nutritional best practices, Allison typically encourages participants to set one or two goals. She also recommends a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. 

“It’s better to make small changes one at a time rather than a lot of big changes all at once. This helps the changes you make actually stick. For example, rather than setting a goal to make a meal plan seven days a week, start with just one day. Hopefully, that one day spills over into two days and then more.” 

Allison’s personal approach and encouraging demeanor are two characteristics that participants appreciate most. These are attributes that she would ascribe to the entire Survivor Fitness community.

We’re grateful for the role Allison plays in the Survivor Fitness community to provide advice and support for participants during their life-changing experiences.  

Allison is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from Rush University. Her seamless adaptability has allowed her to work with a range of clients—from patients in medical clinics to professional athletes.  Learn more about her work at Nourished Routes.