Photo by Luna Peak Foundation

Photo by Luna Peak Foundation

CANCER EXERCISE TRAINER. PATIENT ADVISOR. PUBLIC SPEAKER. 

MY STORY

In December 2008, at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After 6 months of chemotherapy, I was in remission and decided to train for my first half marathon. One week after the race, I learned the cancer had returned. Treatment the second time around was more rigorous — pre-conditioning chemotherapy, stem cell collection, 2 weeks radiation, high dose chemo and an autologous stem cell transplant. This was in April of 2009 — and gaining my strength back took nearly one year. During that time, I immersed myself into mind/body fitness and never lost sight of my ultimate goal of leading a healthy lifestyle. Taking on that initial challenge of a half marathon turned into what is now a 10+ year sheer passion for fitness. Since then, I have completed 7 half marathons + 2 full marathons while fundraising for various cancer charities. Hear more about my full story in this SurvivorNet video here — and other media.

I am a Patient to Patient volunteer and advisor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).  Each month, I share my experience during MSKCC's Stem Cell Transplant Orientation for current patients + their caregivers.  I offer support and provide insight into what they might be able to expect during treatment.

In Spring 2019, I started teaching fitness classes and private sessions at MSK’s Integrative Medicine Center, located at 74th Street + 1st Avenue. I teach on Monday’s — including a Core Strength for Young Adults class (from 6:30p - 7:30p). More information on these classes here. Read about the path that led me to this energizing, full-circle role in the Integrative Medicine July newsletter.

In the past, I was an Honored Teammate with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) — sharing my story as a source of inspiration.  I spoke to corporations to motivate recruitment for team endurance races + to runners for a "Mission Moment" before a group training session.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Blood Donor Celebration + Relationship Based Care Presentations to Nursing Staff

  • Lolly's Locks: NYC Debut Event

  • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training: Corporate Recruitment + Group Training Sessions

 Check out my Cancer Resources list here!