Since I was young, I have always had a passion to help others. I started my career as a dialysis social worker, then became a victim advocate. In 1994, after my second transplant, I realized that exercise played a major role in my recovery. If I could recover to such a high level of fitness with exercise as my mainstay; then why shouldn't this be part of the recovery process for all people with chronic illness?
I knew that I needed to share this knowledge. It had worked for me, so why not for others?
In 1994, physicians did not hold exercise in high regard. I was on my own and it was then I began my life of fitness. I began traveling around the country telling my story. This was the beginning of all that I do today.
I
had my second kidney transplant in 1989, survived anal cancer in
2005, and had my third kidney transplant in Sept. of 2011. It's
crazy isn't it?
And, I'm still here to talk about it! :) Exercise has been the key to my recovery, to my health, and to my life.
It is this philosophy that
has compelled me to educate and train others to reach
their wellness potential, regardless of the obstacles
they are facing.
As a
certified cancer exercise
specialist and survivor, I know I can help
you! I have studied many stages of cancer, from
diagnosis to treatment, contraindications of medications
and disease, side effects, recovery issues, prevention
of lymphedema, and reconstructive procedures.
Read Vanessa's Personal Message
Following cancer surgery and
treatment, there are numerous physically debilitating
side effects that you may have become accustomed to
living with. As a cancer
survivor you may be living with such issues
as, limited range of motion, poor posture, neck and back
pain, lymphedema, chronic fatigue, difficulty standing
erect, and weak muscles. Whether you prefer a group
setting in Boot Camp 2 Boot
Cancerprogram or a more personal setting
in the S.T.E.P.P.S.
program, we will customize your training. Together we
will work to improve your quality of life and help you
to reach your personal fitness goals, effectively and
safely.
