Stronger Together: Supporting Survivor Fitness During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to reflect, share, and support, however we can. But it’s also key to recognize the survivors, the caregivers, and the communities that make recovery possible. For many, rebuilding after cancer isn’t just about treatment. It’s about reclaiming control of their bodies, their health, and their lives. Building back physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s where Survivor Fitness comes in – and where NOBULL is proud to support.
What is Survivor Fitness?
Based in Tennessee, Survivor Fitness is a nonprofit that pairs cancer survivors with fitness programs, guidance, and trainers who specialize in post-cancer recovery. But it’s more than access to free classes or gym passes. The organization focuses on building real, one-to-one relationships. Survivors work with trainers who know how to push limits safely, when to offer encouragement, and how to foster an environment of trust and accountability.
“Carrie knew what my body needed and what I could do, but she also knew how to push me. What kept me coming back was her consistency. I wanted to feel better and she made me want to keep going.”
For many survivors, that relationship is transformative, creating a space where small victories compound into confidence and long-term strength.
A Unique Approach to Training
Survivor Fitness stands out by focusing on the human side of training. Recovery isn’t linear, and it’s rarely just physical. Trainers learn how to read their clients, knowing when to push and when to offer gentle guidance. Building trust and discipline is a two-way street – trainers invest in their clients, and clients rise to the expectations that come from belief and confidence.
“I was Stetson’s first Survivor Fitness participant -- he knew just how to push me past my comfort zone, which honestly didn’t take much! I still remember that first session and realizing there were simple things I couldn’t do. But we grew together, and I kept working with him even after the program.”
Patience and personalized coaching lead to progress, but more importantly, confidence and resilience that carry beyond the gym.
The Role of Community
Survivor Fitness emphasizes that no one thrives alone. The gym environment, fellow survivors, and wider support networks all play a role in easing intimidation and fostering belonging. Many participants arrive feeling uncertain or self-conscious, worried that they couldn’t possibly “fit in.”
“People just showed up. Women brought groceries and stocked my house. My beautician took care of me when I couldn’t... I heard about Survivor Fitness at a cancer survivor meeting. One of the ladies introduced me and I both needed it and loved it.”
“The gym community felt like family right away. They didn’t care about what I couldn’t do – just saw what I could do and where we could build on that. That warm welcome and encouragement was everything at that moment.”
But you don’t have to be a survivor or a trainer to make a difference. Every gym-goer can help create an environment where newcomers feel safe and included. A smile, a quick introduction, encouragement during a class – these small gestures can ease intimidation and signal that people are seen and respected.
Fitness Through All Stages of Life
Fitness isn’t just relevant to recovery. It’s a tool that can support health, prevent disease, and improve well-being at every stage of life. Survivor Fitness encourages survivors to see exercise not just as a short-term intervention, but as a lifelong practice that evolves with each person’s abilities, goals, and circumstances.
Dorcas, now 64, participates in water aerobics and a dance class with her daughter, keeping movement fun and social: “Just trying to keep up with these kids is a fun challenge.” Fitness is a way to stay connected, healthy, and engaged – not just to compete or chase results.
Meanwhile, Amanda has used fitness to push personal limits and find new motivation: “After the program, my gym sponsored a DEKA competition, and I was like ‘No way, I'm not ready.’ I did three weeks of prep for it, was absolutely the slowest person there, and loved it. It lit a fire to work on it and just lean in – and for my five-year cancer-free anniversary in 2024, I took on a HYROX event in Chicago. My goal at that point was just to finish with a smile, but when I crossed the line, I knew I wasn’t stopping there.”
Why NOBULL Supports Survivor Fitness
The values of Survivor Fitness align perfectly with NOBULL’s philosophy: fitness is more than movement. It’s about showing up, facing challenges head-on, and embracing a mindset of consistency and resilience. Dorcas and Amanda’s stories show how the right guidance, community, and personal commitment can create lasting transformation.
Partnering with Survivor Fitness allows NOBULL to support and highlight survivors not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but year-round. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply fostering more welcoming gym communities, you too can play a role in helping survivors everywhere regain strength, confidence, and control.
Beyond Survivor Fitness, these lessons are universal. Whether you’re a trainer, a seasoned athlete, or someone who just shows up to class each week, you can embody respect and authenticity in your own space. By welcoming others, encouraging small steps, and recognizing that everyone has a story, we create communities where people can grow, heal, and thrive – stronger together.
