Story of FU-Cancer
In the summer of 2015, just six months after completing the New York City Marathon, Chris was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a very aggressive and sudden onset form of leukemia. Over the next six months, he endured aggressive rounds of chemotherapy before his eventual stem cell transplant in the fall of 2015. The very long periods of time (the first being 51 consecutive days) in the hospital while undergoing treatments, Chris managed to keep an incredibly positive attitude, forming a mantra of “I Got This!” and “FU-Cancer.” He also made it a priority of working out as often as possible.
While in the hospital however, his workouts no longer consisted of heavy strength days or 60-70 mile weeks. At times, it was the only energy he could muster to walk one lap around the nurses’ station (a 31st of a mile). However, as his strength improved, he developed a daily workout routine he could complete in his hospital room: some squats at the side of the bed and some upper body exercises with bands. It was an incredibly humbling experience for a personal trainer and athlete to modify an exercise program so severely.
Now completely healthy and appreciative of life and the value health holds, Chris and Alicia attempt to give back to the leukemia and cancer community through education, speaking engagements and within in their own community via EnduraFit. FU-Cancer still has a similar sentiment, but has also taken on new meaning: “A Fitter U through Cancer.” After opening EnduraFit’s doors in November 2018, it became a priority for Chris to incorporate his same training philosophy when working with clients fighting or recovering from cancer, even inspiring him to obtain a new certification and become only one of two Certified Cancer Exercise Trainers in the state of NH. More and more research reveals exercise as an important role in overall recovery from cancer, however, many personal trainers shy away from working with this amazing and specialized population. Who better than a survivor to pursue working with these Cancer Warriors?
Each year since his recovery from transplant, Chris has sponsored and organized an independent fundraiser such as a 2 day “Border to Border” bike ride from the border of Canada/New Hampshire to the southern border of New Hampshire/Massachusetts (235 miles), Ultra-marathons (45-100 miles) and sales of FU-Cancer goods such as hats, t-shirts and tech shirts. All of the funds raised go to the FU-Cancer scholarship which offsets the cost of services for Cancer Warriors in the community going through treatment and into survivorship.
FU-Cancer is EnduraFit’s non-profit component, working with Cancer Warriors and their caregivers, providing a scholarship to our local community members currently fighting or recovering from cancer treatments.
What FU-Cancer does for Cancer Warriors
Let’s face it, Cancer SUCKS! Not only for the Warrior, but also for their caregiver(s) and family. FU-Cancer is our way of showing these Warriors that there can very well be a positive outcome to their diagnosis. The Warriors’ programs are custom tailored to their type of diagnosis, where they are in their treatments and what type of treatments they are receiving. The training sessions can range anywhere from stretching and mobility work to a traditional strength training session. But it may also be nothing more than a sit down chat about what they are going through that week with someone who has been in their shoes. Because we have! And sometimes those chat sessions can be just as good for the mind and body, if not better, than a workout.
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