You may feel powerless, but with StrongerThruCancer, we believe you’re more powerful than you know.
And you are not alone.
HEAR FROM OTHERS WHO ARE
Over the past few years, my husband and I have been learning to live with his diagnosed Parkinson’s and dementia. We were doing okay and then, in October of 2021, I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer that was also in the lymph glands. As you can imagine, this changed our lives quite a bit. Testing, biopsies, chemo, surgery, radiation, more chemo and anti-hormone medications slowed me down and I was frustrated with what I could not do for myself and for my husband. Friends and family were wonderfully helpful and supportive, but they couldn’t fully understand what we were living daily.
I had been a “gym rat” my whole life and was shocked by my muscle atrophy, poor stamina, extreme fatigue, joint pain and neuropathy in my hands and feet. I tried to stay active, but any exercise I did on my own just made me feel worse and more fatigued. At my lowest point mentally, I was introduced to Unite For Her and Stronger Through Cancer. Life changers! Finally, I could move and exercise safely and in a way that helped me so much. With Priscilla’s incredible knowledge, experience, compassion and laughter I started to feel more like myself. I look forward to the classes and love that, If I can’t attend a live class, I can do a recorded class at my convenience. Since joining the classes, I am more flexible, have less joint pain, sleep better and have less fatigue. Priscilla has also given me great tips to help with neuropathy and she has modified some of the moves to accommodate my issues. She really cares about every class member.
In addition to feeling better physically, my mental health has improved dramatically thanks to Priscilla and all the wonderful women in the classes. Everyone is so supportive, helpful, positive, filled with hope and joy, and real concern. I rely on these fabulous women because they truly “get it”. There are days I don’t feel like exercising, but I log on to a class to see the members of my new “sisterhood” and they motivate me to keep moving. I hope that someday I will get to meet these new friends and celebrate our journey in person.
Thank you to everyone involved with Unite for Her and Stronger Through Cancer. You will never completely know how you have impacted my life and the lives of many others. You are all a blessing.
Kathleen, Breast Cancer
Stronger thru Cancer is so good for mind and body–building strength, flexibility, and balance. Priscilla is the perfect encouraging, user friendly instructor.The recordings are helpful and convenient, but the best boost comes from sharing virtual classes with warm, wise, and inspiring Stronger members–an amazing group of kindred women–young and older, near and far.
Cynthia, 79, Breast Cancer
I started Stronger thru Cancer in May 2022. I was still feeling very overwhelmed by my MBC diagnosis after 17 years of being in remission and living life as a “survivor.” I had very dark days. I stumbled upon the program and Priscilla after participating in a ZOOM educational program through Unite for Her. Priscilla led the group in a 15-minute exercise class and I found it to be fun and I was immediately drawn to Priscilla’s positivity and her fun personality. I signed up shortly after that and started participating in the live exercise classes. At first I only did a few due to my work schedule but then I decided to prioritize my health and well-being and adjusted my work schedule to be able to participate in more classes. The program has transformed my mind and body. Classes are easy to follow and there is never any pressure to do more than what you able to do. I am closing in on the end of my 6-month membership and I cannot wait to renew it for another 6 months. This is by far the best thing I have done for myself since finding out I have MBC. I look forward to the classes and most importantly to the friendships and conversations with Priscilla and the other Stronger Thru Cancer members.
Rose, Metastatic Breast Cancer
In July 2019, after 24 years of normal mammograms, I received the devastating diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. I have always been a very active person and proactive about my health. However, after a year and a half of unsuccessful treatments, followed by a difficult but successful clinical trial, I was not the same woman. I had suffered major weight loss, muscle atrophy, and fatigue. Then Unite For Her introduced me to Stronger Through Cancer. I have participated in Yoga, strength classes, empowerment classes, and “coffee talks”. Thanks to the live classes or the option of doing taped classes at my own convenience, I am so much stronger and feeling more like my former self. The unexpected benefit has been the women I have met. Brief chats before and after class, as well as “Thursday morning coffee time”, has provided a wonderful connection to other women with cancer. I have gained valuable information useful in navigating this journey. Priscilla is a gem. She is full of compassion and empathy and includes modifications in class to “meet you where you are”. From the first day I met Priscilla I have felt understood and cared for. Stronger Thru Cancer gives you exactly what its name implies…….STRENGTH, physical and emotional, to fight this fight. I feel so blessed to have Priscilla in my life.
Leslee Taylor- Godshalk, metastatic breast cancer
It taught me how to work and overcome some challenges. I have gotten mental, physical and social strength from the group. The friendships I have gained are priceless. When I first joined my mind was set to not talking to anyone …well that did not work. Priscilla is so giving, the care just spread into the whole group! The program is real !!!! Quality of life is improved, activity has improved and state of mind has improved. The program has made me realize no matter how you feel; weak, sad, tired, in pain, KEEP MOVING. A small or little movement is beneficial. That small or little movement will energize your mind and body. Being in the group will give you needed support. I know because I’m the do it myself type. Participating made me realize togetherness is the best way to keep moving and that equals long healthy life.
Crystal, 52, Breast Cancer
23 years after my initial diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 1992, I was introduced to Unite for Her as part of my reoccurrence in the same breast. One of the wonderful perks of this group was giving me access to the Haverford YMCA. That led me to Livestrong with Priscilla. She can tell you that the first thing I said to her upon starting the program was that I don’t like and have no interest in exercising. She, the program and the friends I made changed my life.
In addition to the camaraderie, I felt better and stronger physically and mentally. Upon completing the program, I took classes at the Y several times a week until COVID hit so to have access to a similar style of exercise through Stronger Thru Cancer is a blessing. I will continue to work on my fitness until I can’t move anymore.
Susan, 72, Breast Cancer
“Dear Unite For HER, I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the Stronger thru Cancer program. Priscilla is just absolutely amazing! I look forward to the strength, yoga and balance classes each day (and I hate exercising)! The weekly mindfulness & journaling sessions are great also. The women who attend the classes are so supportive I feel like I have a new group of friends, and Priscilla makes us all feel so good about what we’re doing. Thank you so much for including this in the passport.”
Cheri V. Unite For Her Ambassador, Breast cancer
Without fail, every time I work out with Priscilla or do mindfulness work, I feel so much better. When I miss a week, I can feel a difference in my body. Everything we do strengthens my mind and body, and putting the workouts on my calendar reminds me to take time out to do something good for myself.
Shameka S. Metastatic Breast Cancer
Priscilla is inspiring & motivating and keeps me wanting to continue exercise. I have taken exercise and mindfulness classes with Priscilla throughout my breast cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments & radiation. Each time I exercise with Priscilla I feel I am taking the time to pay attention to and help improve my mind & body.
Strength training has helped me feel so much stronger and the yoga classes have taught me to focus on every part of my body as well as understanding the importance of my breathing. Priscilla communicates and demonstrates every exercise class she teaches with passion and care.
Nancy P. , Breast Cancer
It taught me how to work and overcome some challenges. I have gotten mental, physical and social strength from the group. The friendships I have gained are priceless. When I first joined my mind was set to not talking to anyone …well that did not work. Priscilla is so giving, the care just spread into the whole group! The program is real !!!! Quality of life is improved, activity has improved and state of mind has improved. The program has made me realize no matter how you feel; weak, sad, tired, in pain, KEEP MOVING. A small or little movement is beneficial. That small or little movement will energize your mind and body. Being in the group will give you needed support. I know because I’m the do it myself type. Participating made me realize togetherness is the best way to keep moving and that equals long healthy life.
Crystal, 52, Breast Cancer
23 years after my initial diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 1992, I was introduced to Unite for Her as part of my reoccurrence in the same breast. One of the wonderful perks of this group was giving me access to the Haverford YMCA. That led me to Livestrong with Priscilla. She can tell you that the first thing I said to her upon starting the program was that I don’t like and have no interest in exercising. She, the program and the friends I made changed my life.
In addition to the camaraderie, I felt better and stronger physically and mentally. Upon completing the program, I took classes at the Y several times a week until COVID hit so to have access to a similar style of exercise through Stronger Thru Cancer is a blessing. I will continue to work on my fitness until I can’t move anymore.
Susan, 72, Breast Cancer
StrongerThuCancer, has been an excellent program for me mentally and physically. I am undergoing radiation and chemo which has been difficult, but with the program, it has been gentle enough for my physical workout and mentally stimulating to give me hope. At first, I truly didn’t think I had the strength to join the class and participate. I was able to do the class and more. Afterwards I was able to do some housework and other things because of the energy I gained from the program. Priscilla is an excellent teacher and can relate to where we stand. I am excited and looking forward to more classes. No pain and a lot of gain!
Doreen, 64, Multiple Myeloma
Priscilla has a warm compassionate personality and understands the difficult journey of cancer patients and exercise. In the beginning, it was a challenge to do the workouts because I wasn’t always feeling well, but Priscilla brought a positive energy to the group which made me want to stay with it. I didn’t always do everything and that was okay.
Continuing to exercise throughout my treatment helped me to feel good emotionally & physically as well.
Continuing to exercise throughout my treatment helped me to feel good emotionally & physically as well.