Starting a small business is often driven by a deep passion, a personal connection, or an inspiring story. For me, it was a combination of all three. My journey into the world of cancer exercise was shaped by the experiences of my own family, igniting a fire within me to make a difference. Today, I want to share the story of how my family inspired me to embark on this path and how it continues to fuel my passion to empower others on their cancer recovery journeys.
A Family's Journey
Growing up, I was aware of the significant impact that cancer has had on my adopted family. Although I do not have a genetic link to my mom's side, I witnessed the challenges and hardships that my adopted mom's family faced due to a long history of cancer. Many of her siblings have battled this disease, and three members of my immediate family, my mom included, tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene mutation, leading them to make the brave decision to undergo preventive surgeries such as double mastectomies and hysterectomies.
Read more about BRCA gene mutations and the significance of early detection through genetic testing in my next blog post.
Discovering the Power of Exercise
From a young age, I had a deep passion for fitness and its ability to transform lives. I myself experienced the positive mental and physical benefits of exercise firsthand. As I continued to delve deeper into the field of fitness, I became aware of the specific challenges that cancer patients and survivors face when it comes to exercise. This realization sparked a desire within me to gain specialized knowledge and skills as a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES).
The Journey Towards Expertise
Currently, I am in the process of pursuing my certification as a Cancer Exercise Specialist from the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI) https://www.thecancerspecialist.com/. The training and education I am undertaking will equip me with a deep understanding of the unique needs of individuals touched by cancer and the best practices for guiding them on their fitness journeys.
For more information on the role of a Cancer Exercise Specialist, stay tuned for a future blog post.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
As I embark on this path, I am filled with a sense of purpose and a deep commitment to making a difference. Inspired by my family's journey and my own experiences, I formed Live Long & Lift – a platform dedicated to providing specialized support, guidance, and empowerment to those impacted by cancer, through exercise. My goal is to build a community of individuals who can benefit from the expertise and compassionate approach I will bring to their cancer recovery process.
The Vision for Live Long & Lift
Once I have completed my certifications, Live Long & Lift will offer personalized wellness plans and workout programs, one-on-one personal training, guidance on safe exercise modifications, and ongoing support to those impacted by cancer at any stage. By collaborating with my clients’ team of medical professionals and leveraging my expertise as a Certified Personal Trainer and Cancer Exercise Specialist, I aim to ensure that each client receives the highest standard of care. My ultimate vision is to empower cancer patients and survivors to regain strength, improve mobility, manage fatigue, boost confidence, and enhance their overall quality of life.
While I am finishing up my studies, I am offering a special opportunity for those impacted by cancer to be part of my initial program. If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and would like to embark on a transformative fitness journey, I invite you to join me.
What You Can Do
As part of my commitment to learning and growing in this field, I am providing a limited number of complimentary training sessions. By participating in these sessions, you will not only receive expert guidance and support but also contribute to the advancement of my skills in assisting cancer survivors through exercise.
To express your interest or learn more about this unique opportunity, please contact me at happy@livelongandlift.com. I look forward to partnering with you and your loved ones on this empowering journey of strength, resilience, and renewed vitality! Let’s elevate your health – one lift at a time!
