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Writer's pictureKristin Leung

I'm starting a new project.

I’m not sure if I have the time, but my brain and heart tell me it’s something I need to do​ and that now is the right time.


Many people know I’ve been working with cancer survivors since 2011​; I talk about it often. I mention the work I​ do, the people I work with, the initiatives in the works, and various support programs. It’s hard to come across anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer. Every year, I participate in the One Voice Against Cancer lobby day, ​where, in preparation for meetings with our elected officials, updated statistics on cancer's impact in ​each state and across the U.S. ​are shared. According to the National Institutes of Health, two out of every five Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.


I have been a teacher since I started babysitting at 12. I became a swimming and gymnastics instructor at 16, and a camp counselor at 17. I first dipped my toes into teaching fitness and wellness in 2001, as a water fitness instructor (pun intended). Since then, I’ve taught hundreds of fitness and movement classes. The ones that really fill my cup are those ​t​hat make "a difference" in peoples' lives. Maybe they try something new, maybe they accomplish a goal. Maybe they simply set a goal. I have said for years that I could be completely satisfied in life if I could work solely as a summer camp ​swim instructor and working with the cancer community.


Unfortunately, summer camp only lasts eight weeks a year. Even more unfortunate​ is that over 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States. I’m fortunate to live in an area where advanced cancer care and oncology services are abundant. Friends and family members have received treatment at places like Penn State Cancer Institute, Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. Study after study has demonstrated how physical fitness can improve the outcomes of cancer treatments. However, there is a distinct lack of cancer survivorship programs. Some oncologists refer patients to physical therapy after treatment, but once insurance coverage runs out, what options are left for them?


I was fortunate to be one of the first Livestrong at the YMCA instructors in New Jersey, but the program has fallen off in many places and ​there are no programs within 30 miles of where I currently live, only one within 50 miles. This is where I step in. While I can’t make half my living from working at summer camp, I can do more for cancer survivorship. My good friend and colleague Jo​ Anna Hopkins and I have decided to start our own exercise and wellness program for cancer survivors: ​R​EVIVE: Support for Cancer Recovery.


​Through ​R​EVIVE, we aim to provide support to help cancer survivors regain their ​physical strength, flexibility and endurance. We will offer a blend of ​f​itness ​and mindfulness practices to empower survivors at all stages of recovery. Our goal is to create a supportive community where participants can feel understood ​and connected.


I am​ beyond excited to embark on this journey, and I believe it’s time to address the urgent need for fitness and wellness programs in cancer survivorship. If you or someone you know could benefit from such a program, I’d love to connect and share more about ​R​EVIVE. 


​Additionally, you can help by donating to our GoFundMe campaign and help us get the startup funds needed. Click the link to learn more, and please share with your network. Together, we can make a differenc​e. Because cancer affects us all.

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