Statements
Mission
Survivor Fitness Foundation empowers cancer survivors with the tools and training needed to recover health and wellness.
Background
Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer, with survival rates continuing to increase. But even after treatment is done, the side effects from treatment often continue. Cancer has many negative effects on one's health and quality of life, both mentally and physically. According to the American Cancer Society, the management of symptoms and impairments as related to cancer and its treatments is an essential part of cancer care. In fact, these symptoms and impairments can adversely impact a survivor's ability to return to regular activities (including work) and overall financial security. In order to address and overcome the immediate, long-term and lasting side-effects of cancer, survivors need to receive proper rehabilitation customized to their needs.
Exercise and nutrition are proven to be a safe and cost-effective form of rehabilitation and an essential part of cancer care. Despite the undisputable need for therapy that supports the needs for cancer survivors, there is a lack of services that fully address the individual in a manner that is easily accessible, effective and attractive for the individual. Survivor Fitness Foundation was created to fill this post-treatment gap and help cancer survivors regain their health and wellness.
After surviving an aggressive form of cancer, Founder Aaron Grunke realized this gap in support firsthand. He faced many side effects of his illness and treatments including weight gain, lost strength, depression and anxiety. And while he was offered much support during treatment, the care post-treatment was lacking. It wasn't until he had the opportunity to work with a personal trainer years later that he realized how much exercise impacted his physical and psychological state. This led Grunke to create Survivor Fitness Foundation, aiming to change the way people face life after cancer through health and wellness.
Survivor Fitness meets cancer survivors at their point of need to help them regain their health and wellness, and overcome the physical, emotional and mental effects of cancer and its treatments. Currently, the organization accomplishes this by offering nutrition and exercise programs for those living with and beyond cancer in a one-on-one setting, providing adult survivors with the opportunity to maximize their outcomes and specifically address their symptoms and impairments, regardless of age, diagnosis or prognosis.
Impact
More than 400 cancer survivors have participated in Survivor Fitness's programs. Survivor Fitness has strategic relationships with Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville Breast Center, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Tri-Start Medical Center and additional referring hospitals and oncology groups in order to serve a wide array of patients. We have also expanded its network of contract trainers and registered dietitians in order to provide programs and services to more participants. In an effort to reach a growing number of cancer survivors, including those in more rural areas, Survivor Fitness has also offers virtual training for participants for those who live farther away from the affiliate locations.
Nearly 44,000 people in Tennessee are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Survivor Fitness has the opportunity to change the way people face life after treatment for cancer. The top goals for the organization include creating strategic relationships with all major cancer treatment facilities in the service area, increasing participants in 2023 by 50%. In addition, we are creating an increased focus on reaching and serving communities which face health disparities, and also working on a mental health component.
Needs
In order to have a wide-spread impact and reach cancer survivors throughout Middle Tennessee, Survivor Fitness needs to build and maintain relationships with all major treatment centers, oncology groups and physicians. While we have made great strides in this area, it is an ongoing need and multi-layer process, working with various teams and departments. Having these meaningful and strategic relationships ensures cancer survivors are aware of the resources available, while creating best practices for referrals and subsequent reporting.
Program funding is an ongoing need as program awareness and applicants grow. Survivor Fitness receives in-kind donations of nearly 60 percent from contracted trainers and dietitians, allowing Survivor Fitness to provide its programs to a larger number of cancer survivors. But as the recognition for this type of cancer care grows, so does the need for funding.
CEO Statement
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Survivor Fitness Foundation, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that proper exercise and nutrition have on cancer survivors. Despite age, fitness level or diagnosis, we continue to see cancer survivors become stronger, healthier and more hopeful about their future. As an organization, we believe that every adult living with or beyond cancer should have the opportunity to regain their health and wellness. Location and cost should not be a road block to taking back control of your life and shedding the many negative side effects of cancer. Survivor Fitness Foundation offers unique programs, unlike any other nonprofit in Tennessee. We are excited to see the organization grow and build relationships throughout the community in order to better serve those impacted by cancer.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Recreation & Sports - Physical Fitness/Community Recreational Facilities |
| Secondary Category: | Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines - Cancer |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Giles |
| TN - Cannon |
