Lori’s Story

My gift to you is not the contents of this packet. My gift to you is HOPE. Never give up on yourself, your faith, or the power of a positive attitude. My story might be similar to yours or totally different, but we share the same journey with cancer.

I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on April 30, 2009. The news hit like a rock that beautiful spring day. “Pack your bags and plan on being in the hospital for at least a month,” the doctor said. My first thought was, “how do you plan for something like that?” Although I hadn’t been feeling well, as a bit of a fitness nut for the past 10 years, I just knew “IT” could never happen to me. That’s when my journey began.

I spent 25 days in UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill and had four subsequent stays for further treatment. I had my last chemotherapy in September 2009 and am currently in remission. As we all know, cancer treatments can be very draining on the body and soul.

My experience as a wellness director and personal trainer inspired me to remain as active as possible. I decided to wear my pedometer and track my steps to keep my focus on the things that I still had some control of during treatment. Some days I only made it 200 steps and some days 10,000. Each day was a new challenge and every step one more step on the road to wellness. Although there were good days and bad days, my recover between treatments went very well and I was able to lead an active life. My friends and family were a tremendous support for me, but my faith in God and my walking were my saving graces. Find the “Power to Recover” within yourself and share it with those around you.

Change your future today!

According to ACSM Guidelines for Exercise and Cancer Survivors, “Cancer survivors, including those currently undergoing treatment, can experience a multitude of benefits from exercise.”

Use this packet, with your doctor’s consent, to aid in your recovery. The pedometer serves as a great tool to see just how active you are. Put it on in the morning and wear it all day. The exercise band is an easy way to strengthen muscles and get you ready for life after cancer.

I pray you good health and a positive outlook on whatever the day brings.

God Bless,
Lori Campbell