Participant Spotlight: Ashley Hensley

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

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

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

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

Finding the Mental Strength for the Fight

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regaining Strength, Control, & Confidence 

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

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

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

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

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

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Board Member Spotlight: Nick Galbraith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participant Spotlight: Hillorie McLarty

Every cancer survivor knows that the fight to stay healthy doesn’t end after treatment. In many ways, life after treatment comes with a new set of obstacles and challenges that can affect health, wellness, and emotional well-being. Survivor Hillorie McLarty wanted to face all of those challenges head-on. 

Addressing New Health Challenges as a Cancer Survivor

Hillorie recently reached her 10th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor. Like many survivors, she’s also faced other health challenges over the past decade. In the wake of cancer, Hillorie has had to navigate bursitis, thyroid issues, pre-diabetes, and a hiatal hernia.

Taking the First Step with Survivor Fitness

The good news for Hillorie was that many of her issues could be alleviated or managed through activity and fitness. That’s what led her to become a Survivor Fitness participant.

Hillorie first heard about Survivor Fitness from her oncologist. After learning more about the program, she decided to take the first step by picking up the phone.

“Making the call was probably the hardest part,” Hillorie explained.

Hillorie connected with David Rodgers, a personal trainer at A|Train Fitness, one of Survivor’s affiliate locations. Together, they worked to develop a plan to help Hillorie with her specific health challenges.

“David took time to truly understand my physical challenges and showed me how to regain some strength,” said Hillorie. “Although I’m still suffering from bursitis, I have been given the tools to attain a more active lifestyle.”

Several months into the program, Hillorie has experienced a notable difference. She’s feeling stronger and more confident. She’s also feeling more hopeful about her ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Building Physical and Emotional Strength

Hillorie is an inspiration to our Survivor Fitness community. Her willingness to take the first step to address other health-related challenges has encouraged others to navigate life after cancer. Survivor Fitness has been influential in helping Hillorie regain her strength.

“Survivor Fitness is a program created for those of us lucky enough to survive cancer,” Hillorie expressed. “Participating in the program is a gift not to be treated lightly.”

Through Survivor Fitness, Hillorie has developed a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no matter how difficult. And to those going through a similar journey, she adds, “Never forget you are a survivor.”

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain health and wellness after cancer, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Participant Spotlight: Quincy Hancock

Participant Spotlight Quincy Hancock

One of the most challenging aspects of a cancer diagnosis is how fast your life changes. After you receive a diagnosis, the next few days and weeks can feel like a whirlwind as you work with doctors to develop a plan and begin treatment. The initial speed and urgency are often physically and emotionally overwhelming. That was exactly how Quincy Hancock described his cancer experience over the span of 6 months. 

“My journey went so fast…”

“… that it was hard for me to process all that was happening,” Quincy explained.

After his doctor detected high PSA levels in December of 2020, Quincy received a biopsy in January and was diagnosed with stage 2A prostate cancer in early February. Two months later, he underwent surgery to remove the cancer. Thankfully, he received a non-detected PSA result in June of 2021. All of this happened while he was still rehabbing his Achilles tendon which he tore just a few months earlier. 

Meaningful Change Takes Time

After receiving his cancer-free designation, Quincy talked with his doctor about his health and recovery goals. This conversation led Quincy to join our Survivor Fitness network in Nashville to help him improve his diet and establish new exercise habits. In addition to working with a Survivor Dietitian/Nutritionist who provided meal suggestions, Quincy was also assigned a personal trainer who assessed his capabilities and designed workouts to help him get back into the habit of exercising.

“The biggest win for me was getting to the point where I actually wanted to work out 3 days a week,” Quincy said. “It was also valuable to realize that working out doesn’t have to be intense, it just has to meet the level of energy I have that day.” 

As every cancer survivor knows, one of the biggest questions after treatment is, “Will I still be able to do the things I loved most before my diagnosis?” For Quincy, this meant cruise vacations. By collaborating with his trainer, Quincy was able to learn exercises he can do at the gym, at home, and even in the middle of the ocean while enjoying his favorite way to travel.

“Be Patient With Yourself”

After 12 weeks with his personal trainer, Quincy developed a personal plan that allowed him to work out 2 to 3 days a week by walking and using resistance bands. He is excited about getting to the point where he can eventually work out at the gym 2 or 3 days a week.

“If there’s one thing I would say to someone else on the journey based on my experience it would be to take care of your mental health too. The emotional recovery is just as important as the physical one. Sometimes this means being patient with yourself. You are stronger than you think, but there are days where you can only do what you can,” he said.  

We are extremely grateful for Quincy Hancock and his 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: Courtney Snodgrass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Board Member Spotlight: Erik Morrison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participant Spotlight: Roberta Justice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Board Member Spotlight: Christie Ekern

As a mother of five, marketing consultant, and business school lecturer, Christie Ekern has always kept a quick pace to meet a demanding schedule.

So when she returned from a trip abroad with an upset stomach, it didn’t slow her down.

“As someone with celiac disease, I knew I had to be careful,” said Christie. “I had been in Europe, eating a lot of things I probably shouldn’t have. I figured that I just needed a quick detox.”

Mild discomfort quickly turned into a medical crisis. Despite multiple doctors telling her not to even consider cancer as a possibility, Christie persisted as her pain and fatigue grew.

In 2019, she was diagnosed with advanced stage 3 colorectal cancer with a near-complete blockage of her lower GI tract.

A life-long athlete and busy professional, a sense of inertia kept Christie active even during treatment for her life-threatening illness.

“I would come in to teach wearing a fanny pack with a cord that went up to my port,” she recalled. “I let my students know what was happening and that I might be tired from the treatment, but that I planned to keep teaching as much as possible.”

Students who were freshmen at the time are now seniors. Many have shared their own cancer stories with Christie, inspired by her candor about her illness as well as her drive to stay active despite it.

When the chemotherapy ended, Christie found herself with a challenge that every survivor encounters – how to become well again.

“My grandfather was one of the original proponents of the connection between physical and mental health,” said Christie. “That concept runs deep in my life, but to experience it as a survivor was profound. Both physically and psychologically, I needed to regain a sense of agency over my life.”

“Before the diagnosis, I was running four miles a day, practicing yoga, going to spin classes, and training with weights,” she continued. “After treatment ended, I couldn’t even walk to the end of my driveway.”

With a clean bill of health, Christie remains as active today as ever, to which she credits her experience as a Survivor Fitness participant.

For 12 weeks, Christie met with a personal trainer who had the experience and expertise to work safely with cancer survivors.

After a thorough assessment of her baseline fitness, she began a customized workout regimen with the goal of regaining strength and rebuilding endurance.

After completing the program, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Survivor Fitness, Meg Grunke, invited Christie to join its board of directors.

“After cancer, every small action is worth the effort,” explained Christie. “Survivor Fitness helps people get healthy again by teaching us that each and every step forward, any movement of any kind, is critical.”

Today, Christie’s favorite form of exercise is a brisk walk with her dog along a quarter-mile walking trail just outside her front door.

“My partner, Juan, spent his downtime during the pandemic carving the trail through the woods on our property,” said Christie. “He did that for me out of love, because that’s what brings me joy.”

It’s a quiet, secluded path where Christie reconnects with nature, resets to a more mindful state, and keeps herself in motion toward complete wellness.

Christie Ekern is a management and entrepreneurship lecturer at the Haslam College of Business in Knoxville, TN.