Kim Krause is a member of Burn Boot Camp Rochester. Her story begins with a family history of breast cancer.

Kim decided to take preventative measures after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After weighing all of the options, she had the surgery.

In June of 2015, she was planning to have a double mastectomy. She had to postpone her surgery for two weeks due to coming down with strep throat.

Finally, she went into surgery in late June where they found a cancerous tumor. she had no lymph nodes removed despite finding the cancers.

Fortunately, the doctors were able to remove all of the cancer cells, which meant that Kim wouldn’t need radiation or chemotherapy.

After her surgery, Kim faced several challenges. While she was in severe pain and on various medications, Kim knew she couldn’t rely on anyone but herself to feel better.

Kim’s reconstruction surgery took place in October 2015. The surgery was successful, but right after she faced the same challenges.

She says that even on her worst days, she thought about all of the women who had to go through chemotherapy and radiation. The key is staying thankful and positive.

In August of 2016, Kim joined Burn Boot Camp. She was beginning to struggle with energy and strength. She and Leyton sat down to talk about her goals to keep her going.

Kim says that the community that Burn Boot Camp provides is motivating her to stay healthy and rebuild her strength.

Her advice to everyone who has been diagnosed is that you are not alone. She wants you to stay strong and know that she is there for you, too.

Sharing The Story

Stephanie Heil is a member of Burn Boot Camp Huntersville. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2015.

Stephanie’s story begins when she was an Oncology nurse, who doubted self-checking. One day in the shower, she felt her own breasts and found the lump.

After finding the lump, she went in for a mammogram. Additionally, she went in for a biopsy and several other appointments before receiving her diagnosis.

She began her six rounds of chemotherapy at the end of July after several meetings with doctors and surgeons. Every three weeks, Stephanie went in for a round of chemo. Rather than having an IV stick, Stephanie had a port place.

Stephanie says the most difficult part of cancer was having to share the news with everyone. Finally, after spreading the unfortunate news, she had her lumpectomy.

After her surgery, she was extremely exhausted. She took time off of work while she began radiation. Now, Stephanie takes a pill that she will continue to take for ten years.

Throughout her diagnosis, she felt fatigued and pained in her daily life because of the treatments. The first infusions were the worst. She had an allergic reaction and experienced a lot of pain.

Finally, Stephanie made the decision to join Burn Boot Camp recommended to her from one of her nurses. She says that Burn has definitely improved her mental and physical strength.

Emily’s Story

Emily Riera has been a member of Burn Boot Camp Huntersville for over a year. Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 31 years old. Her story begins with her mom, who is also a survivor of breast cancer.

After her mom’s diagnosis, she became a volunteer with the American Cancer Society where she heard about genetic testing. Finding out that knowledge led Emily and her twin sister to get tested. Their results came back positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation.

Throughout Emily’s adult life, she had been having regular mammograms. Finally, she decided to have an MRI. Within a week of having the MRI, she found out that she had breast cancer.

Throughout The Fight

Emily found out that she had breast cancer through the phone. She went into immediate panic mode and left work. Emily and her mother shared moments of despair throughout the diagnosis.

Emily goes on to say that while her mother felt guilty because she had the gene, Emily could not be any more grateful for her mom.

During Emily’s battle with breast cancer, she was surrounded by an incredible support group. In addition, she did research about breast cancer and her husband took notes at all of her doctor’s visits to stay organized.

One of Emily’s biggest regrets is not starting Burn Boot Camp sooner. She was hesitant that the workout would be too intense, but everything can be modified and getting stronger can help keep your body healthy. Exercise can be a preventive measure for cancer!

Her advice for someone who is newly diagnosed is to ask questions. Be diligent about your health. She also advises that you maintain good health through nutrition and exercise.

If you have any family history of breast cancer, research more information about possible links to cancer. By educating yourself, you can take proactive measures.

Finally, to all other survivors, she says to be the village to your friends and your community. It’s important to listen and give advice. Knowing that someone has a person to love, to pray and to help them can mean the world.

Ginnie’s Story

Ginnie is a member of Burn Boot Camp Naples. She found the lump herself which she describes as tender and hard. She refused to believe that it was breast cancer.

When Ginnie went in for a mammogram, she waited for several hours where she got up and left. After speaking to her husband, Ginnie realized she needed to get the mammogram for her family.

Ginnie was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47. She accepted death early, and balanced all of the options that most breast cancer patients experience. Additionally, the doctor told Ginnie that she had a 30% chance of having it on both sides of her breast.

After finding out the news, Ginnie decided to have a double mastectomy. Soon after the procedure, Ginnie found out that she had the cancer in both breasts. Next, Ginnie had to go through several surgeries and radiation.

Ginnie’s coping mechanism was through exercise. She began walking to running and then two years ago in October she ran a half-marathon. Finally, she decided to join Burn Boot Camp as a coping strategy.

Being from New Jersey, she was nervous for her first 6:30 am class, but has made a network of friends, has increased strength and muscle mass and has lost body fat. She is incredibly thankful for Burn Boot Camp.

Her Advice To You

Ginnie’s advice is to know that it’s ok to be upset, but you need a support system of family and friends. It’s important to reach out to people and understand that it’s ok.

In the beginning, she struggled with the idea that people brought food to her or money, but she knows that it was all to help her. She had her moments, but became tougher through it.

She says that through it all, finding a positive coping mechanism can help in a multitude of ways. Living out a healthy lifestyle is her final piece of advice for anyone watching.

Julie Is A 3-Year Breast Cancer Survivor

Julie Underwood has been attending Burn Boot Camp Pineville since the beginning. Julie’s breast cancer story began when she was 40.

Julie became pregnant at the time when she was to first get a mammogram. At 41, and after her son was 6 months old, she went in for a mammogram thinking it was just protocol.

They called her back for more mammograms and a few biopsies before finding out that she had two types of breast cancer. Fortunately enough, she was able to catch the cancer early on, but it was widespread.

Julie chose to have a double mastectomy because of how widespread the cancer was. A month after her diagnosis, she had her first surgery and under-went several others in the course of 9 months.

After her surgeries, she was very weak to the point where she couldn’t hold her son. Finally, after a year off, she decided to take her health to the next step and join Burn Boot Camp.

She began with small steps and is grateful for the encouraging environment that motivated her to come daily to get stronger. Burn Boot Camp helped her regain her strength and take control of her health since her battle with breast cancer.

Her advice is to get the mammogram as soon as possible. Be proactive! We are pink.

Lorrie’s Has Beat Breast Cancer

As Lorrie began to experience menopause, she noticed changes in her breasts. She describes them as “lumpy” and “painful,” which are often times symptoms of breast cancer tissues. Even though her doctor was aware of what she was experiencing, Lorrie still worried because her grandmother had died of breast cancer.

In November of 2014, Lorrie went in for a normal mammogram, in which she was called back after that. She was asked to have a needle biopsy done, where she soon found out that she had cancer.

Within 2 days, Lorrie met with a surgeon where she learned she would have rounds of tests to go through. On January of 2015, she had her first surgery. She had a one-sided mastectomy.

After Lorrie’s surgery, she went through chemotherapy and was taking several drugs at the time. Throughout the year, she still dealt with frequent testing.

Through The Fight

Lorrie felt as if she didn’t have much of a choice when she decided to get a single mastectomy. The tumor was large enough to that a mastectomy would fully remove it.

Although the media can often times glorify double mastectomies, there are definitely tests that can help make the decision. Lorrie’s advice is to work with your doctor and family.

In her journey, she realized just how essential her family and friends are. They will be there for you through anything and are your ideal support group. Along with family, she understands the importance of good health.

After experiencing breast cancer, she feels that it’s important to talk about breast cancer. People are afraid to ask about illnesses, but it’s important to learn about diseases.

She spoke to many other women who had breast cancer and did plenty of research while she experienced breast cancer. She learned a lot about what others had gone through and what she had gone through as well.

Lorrie says her biggest fear was losing her hair. As a hair dresser, she was hysterical over the fact that she was going to lose her hair. She understood how gut-wrenching it could be to lose your hair as a women. Thankfully, she didn’t lose much hair, but still wore a wig.

Lorrie figured out that wig’s were expensive. Both her and Morgan advise to find a wig shop in your location that help women with cancer, like The Woman In Pink Boutique.

Her Advice

Lorrie doesn’t obsess over the fact that the cancer might come back, but understands the risk. One of her best friends fought the battle and never gave up, but eventually lost her life to this disease.

She advises that you live a healthy lifestyle of exercise and a healthy diet. Surround yourself with positive people and things.

Lorrie is still seeing her doctor every three months. She advises that everyone get a mammogram if you notice differences in your breasts. It can save your life!

Julie’s Story

Julie Keilen is a member of Burn Boot Camp La Crosse, who is sharing her story to inspire other women around her! In November of 2009, Julie’s life changed. She went in for a mammogram and found out that she had a lump in her breast a few days later.

Julie walked into the mammogram area not expecting that she would soon be diagnosed with breast cancer. After finding the lump, the doctors told her that there was a 98% chance that it wasn’t cancer.

The news soon turned scary when she learned it was cancerous. Julie took immediate action and went in for a Full Mastectomy.

Julie endured weeks of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Throughout her entire time of having breast cancer, she worked hard to make light of her story. Breast cancer changed her life to the point where it took months even after she was declared cancer-free to feel like herself again.

The Next Step

Julie had the support of family and friends during her battle with breast cancer. She says that it’s changed her life for the better in the sense that she is more determined.

Additionally, Burn Boot Camp has helped Julie live a healthy life even during her most difficult times. Julie goes through occasional check-ups, which can be scary, but she hopes to inspire people with her story.

Julie shares valuable advice to be checked yearly and to find a support group, which was Burn Boot Camp for Julie. It’s important to be strong for yourself and to enjoy life as you enjoy it.

Crystal’s Story

Crystal’s story begins with her diagnosis over 8 years ago. “1 in 8 women will hear the words, ‘you have Breast Cancer.'” says Crystal Perry, an survivor of Breast Cancer herself. Crystal is a member of Burn Boot Camp Millbrook and has been cancer-free for 8 years.

Crystal was able to self-diagnose herself early by practicing self-checks. Crystal’s hope is that by sharing her story, she can influence other women to perform regular checks on themselves.

After finding the lump, she has a Lumpectomy and went through 4 months of Chemotherapy with 36 rounds of radiation. Crystal advises to be aware of your risks for Breast Cancer and tells us how to take preventive measures.

Health Is Key

Diet is a main factor with lowering the risk for Breast Cancer. By avoiding “bad” fats and sugars, it can keep your diet clean to lower the risk of cancer. Crystal goes on to say that Burn Boot Camp holds her accountable to live her healthiest life. She attends camp regularly at 51 years old and eats a healthy diet!

Her advice is to find a community and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We’re supporting our clients all month long by thinking pink! Keep following the blog for more Pink Abtober Story Spotlights.

In The Spotlight

For the entire month of October, Burn Boot Camp is shining the spotlight on the stories of those affected by breast cancer. Tammy Propst, a member of Burn Boot Camp Wake Forest, helps breast cancer patients every day through the organization 1 in 9.

The organization 1 in 9 began in 2010 with the purpose to support uninsured women with breast cancer. Many of the women are moms who have put others before themselves.

1 in 9 helps their patients find help so that treatment can continue problem-free. Tammy works one-on-one with many patients through referrals.

A Community

1 in 9 supports these women in more ways than just financially. According to Tammy, they also help these women with transportation and nutrition. A healthy diet is important when enduring the harsh treatments and effects of cancer.

There will always be groceries on the table and means of travel for these women through 1 in 9. Overall, these women appreciate the emotional and social support most.

Tammy accompanies many patients in appointments to provide much needed support. Attending these appointments have changed Tammy’s life. Tammy understands that she has a calling in life to do this and to help these women.

There are various ways that you can contribute to this organization to help raise awareness and help patients. Click here to find out more on how you can serve.

Think Pink

For the entire month of October, Burn Boot Camp is thinking pink. We are honoring survivors and fighting for a cure by posting positive messages and sharing stories.

Melissa Howard, a member at Burn Boot Camp Harrisburg, is sharing her Breast Cancer story. Her mission is to empower and inspire women like her!

Melissa’s Story

Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27. The diagnosis came as a shock because Breast Cancer did not run in her family.

In 2007, Melissa had a Lumpectomy which helped her ability to have children. Finally, after five years of treatment and hormone therapy, she and her husband  were able to have a little girl.

Additionally, Melissa decided to join Burn Boot Camp last May after her fight with Breast Cancer. Not to mention, Melissa feels excitement to go to the gym now!

Melissa finishes her segment with these words: “I’m praying for you. Don’t be afraid to give up the fight. In addition, find a way to join the community like Burn.”

Positive women empower other women! Stay tuned in to Burn TV for more amazing stories this month.