In 2006, I heard the words “You have cancer.” I had no idea what lay ahead except that I knew the “C” word was not good. I underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for nine months. I was unprepared and suffered through the many side effects of treatment.
Few roadmaps exist to help cancer patients. Even fewer resources are available to help patients find a new normal after treatment. I was told to go and “live my life” after being pumped full of chemotherapy agents and targeted with radiation. In addition, I was instructed to lose the 60 pounds of weight I had gained from treatment, not to lift too much weight at the risk of lymphedema in my arm, and change my diet. I felt like I was on my own, and many other cancer patients do, too.
What if instead of confusion and isolation, survivors felt supported, guided, and encouraged, knowing that this is not the end but the beginning of a new life full of health and vitality? That’s what I wanted during and after treatment, and it’s the reason I started Pacific Cancer Fitness – to provide community, fitness, and wellness education to cancer patients and survivors.
In 2010, I became certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and began helping patients through exercise classes and support groups. Before long, physicians started referring their patients to me and a vibrant community of survivors took shape. Some, who were once clients, are now training others to embrace fitness and adopt a healthy lifestyle as a way to fight cancer.
Pacific Cancer Fitness is here to help survivors navigate cancer treatment and life in remission. Our group fitness classes, integrative education, and comprehensive wellness programs give them the knowledge and skills to make a wise decision about their health and the support they need to reach their fitness goals.
Cancer treatment is harsh and results in numerous health challenges. Exercise, however, improves and even resolves many of the complications of treatment such as weight gain, limited range of motion, fatigue, and loss of balance.
Pacific Cancer Fitness offers exercise, education and support classes each week that provide an integrated approach to fitness and cancer survivorship. Our Success in Survivorship class uses group exercise, gentle yoga and dance classes to help improve the physical energy and strength of our clients.
Cancer Connection is our support group where the emotional challenges that accompany cancer treatment are addressed. This community of cancer survivors encourages each other through their various stages of recovery.
Our desire is to provide a safe place for cancer patients and survivors to get healthy with people who have been through cancer and understand their special needs. Please join us or support our work of fighting cancer with fitness.
Share
