“This program and community at the minnesota exercise oncology project for cancer survivors has been a life-changing experience for me! Not only have the coaches helped me to grow stronger after surviving cancer, but they have fostered an incredible sense of belonging, ultimately creating an incredibly supportive community for me and so many others! I cannot say enough positive things about this program, from the personalized coaching to the meaningful conversations, and the truly extraordinary coaching - the entire process has been wonderful. The people I have met through this fitness community have changed my life, and I have found so much joy and purpose while training. This program is amazing! ”

—Megan Stuart

My journey with MNEOP began on a day when I was searching for something I wasn't even sure existed; a program designed to help people recovering from cancer feel strong again, both physically and mentally. I had been through so much during my recovery, and I was struggling to find my footing, wondering if there was a place out there that could truly understand what people like me go through. Then one day I turned on the TV and there they were, the MNEOP family, sharing their mission in an interview, talking about exactly the kind of support I had been hoping to find. I didn't think twice. I signed up, and from that very first class, I knew I had found something special. Over the course of six months, the program transformed not just my body but my entire outlook on life. The trainers were extraordinary, they didn't just run us through generic routines, they took the time to understand each of us as individuals, recognizing the unique struggles that come with cancer and cancer recovery and tailoring exercises to meet us exactly where we were. They checked in on every single one of us, making sure we were performing each movement correctly, progressing safely, and completing our rounds with proper form and purpose. Every session was built with intention, and I could feel myself getting stronger week after week in ways I honestly didn't think were possible anymore. But what surprised me the most was how deeply the program impacted me beyond the physical. The program was incredibly motivational and mentally healing in ways I never expected. The conversations we shared during and between sessions were truly inspirational, trainers and participants alike opening up, encouraging one another, and lifting each other up. I had the privilege of hearing incredible stories from my peers, people who were fighting their own battles with courage and grace, and those stories reminded me that strength comes in many forms. MNEOP gave me back something cancer had quietly taken from me, the belief that I could feel whole again, that I could push forward, and that I didn't have to do it alone. I am deeply and sincerely grateful for every class, every check-in, every word of encouragement, and every drop of sweat I left in that room. My hope is that MNEOP continues to grow and fulfill its mission of reaching more people who need this kind of support, because the work they are doing is not just helpful; it is necessary. And if you are reading this and you are going through cancer or recovering from it, please know from the bottom of my heart that you are not alone, that there are people and programs like MNEOP ready to walk beside you, and that your strongest days may still be ahead of you.

- Jorge M