The power of shared experience

When Debbie Perry was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021, she was in the best shape of her life. With no symptoms, no warning signs, and a doctor retiring from practice, the news came as a shock over the phone. "Those words changed my life," she says.

As she underwent a mastectomy, radiation, and years of medication, Debbie found herself navigating the complexities of treatment alone, especially during COVID-19. It wasn't until a conversation with her oncologist that she learned about the Stay Strong program, a fitness initiative tailored for those with a cancer diagnosis. Soon after, she was introduced to the broader cancer support programs that included nutrition, mindfulness, and peer connections.

"I didn't know how much I needed this community until I found it," Debbie shares. "Cancer can be isolating, but when you’re surrounded by others who ‘get it,’ it changes everything."

Now in her third year of post-treatment medication, Debbie continues to lean on the support network she built through the program. "This isn't just about exercise or eating right—it's about connection, about feeling seen, about knowing you’re not alone."

For those considering joining a support program, Debbie has a simple message: "You need this. We all do. Because no one should have to go through cancer alone."