OUR MISSION
TO HELP CANCER PATIENTS REMAIN HOPEFUL AND STRONG WITH THE SUPPORT THEY NEED THROUGH A FREE, COMMUNITY BASED EXERCISE PROGRAM.
“Thunder Monster”
Written by Jan R. Carrington
We are excited to bring you this wonderful children’s book by Jan R. Carrington with 100% of the proceeds going to Strength for Life. Get your autographed copy today while you can.
$25 each / picked-up (or $5 shipping)
Benefits of Exercise for persons with cancer
- Improved survival of up to 50% in common cancers
- Reduced fatigue
- Mitigation of chemotherapy side effects
- Improved sensitivity of the cancer tumor to chemotherapy
- Less depression with improved self-esteem
- Improved brain function
- Improved bone and muscle mass
- Reduced morbidity and mortality from coexisting diseases
- Enhances the patient's immune system in the same pathways as targeting therapy
The vision of Strength for Life is to change cancer’s outcome through fitness training and give individuals the resources they need to experience hope and good health for the rest of their lives.
Who can participate
Any adult who has gone through any type of treatment for a cancer diagnosis. All they need to get started is a physician referral. Strength for Life referral forms are at both the Hendrick Cancer Center and Texas Oncology in Abilene. There are also referral forms at our gym located at 408-S US 83 Abilene and at several other doctor’s offices around town.
All patients are eligible regardless of the year of diagnosis, cancer type, or stage.
This program is provided free of charge for the lifetime of the patient.
Meet Our Trainers
Cameo Bloxham
Cameo is originally from Idaho but moved to Texas recently with her husband, Tylor, to train horses. Cameo started her journey with strength training many years ago to help her stay strong with the team roping and horse riding/training that she loves to do. Working out became a passion for her and she decided to get certified through N.A.S.M. Cameo particularly enjoys training people with special needs or chronic medical conditions. She loves to help them achieve goals they never thought they could! She also loves to help people get stronger so that they can do the hobbies they enjoy doing. When Cameo is not at the gym, you’ll find her announcing rodeo events or at an arena working with horses!
Belinda Shepherd
This is Belinda Shepherd. Belinda grew up in Abilene and is a graduate of ACU. She is married to Nick and together they have two precious daughters. Belinda is a NASM certified personal trainer. In her free time she loves to run, bake and spend time with friends and family. She loves training cancer patients and survivors because the participants are so positive and determined. She says she is learning just as much from them (if not more) than they are from her! Belinda has always had a passion for health and wellness. Strength for Life is blessed to have Belinda helping train our awesome patients. Her knowledge of fitness, creativity and positive energy brings "a lot to the table" at our gym! Thank you Belinda for believing in the mission of free cancer rehabilitation.
Robert Johnson
I am an Abilene-based personal trainer with 7 years of diverse experience working with a wide range of clients, from post-injury rehabilitation to elite athletes. Armed with a Master's degree in Kinesiology from HSU and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Kinesiology at CUC, my academic background complements my certifications as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Bio-Mechanics Specialist, and Personal Trainer. My mission is to craft individualized, science-based fitness programs that prioritize your unique goals and safety. With a client-focused approach and a commitment to your success, I'm ready to guide you on your transformative fitness journey. Relationship with Cancer: Both my mum and grandfather have had their long battles with various cancers. Thankfully, they have been surrounded by a supportive and loving community of friends and family, helping them win their battles. I want to bring as much support as I can to our Strength for life family! I understand the physical and emotional toll cancer can take, and my mission is to provide tailored fitness programs that promote healing, strength, and resilience. My commitment to your well-being goes beyond exercise; it's about fostering a supportive and empowering environment as we journey together toward improved health and positivity. If you or a loved one is facing cancer and seeking guidance on your fitness and wellness path, please reach out. Together, we can take steps toward a brighter and healthier future.
Stephanie Phelps
Our Executive Director and Co-Founder, Stephanie Phelps, is an Abilene native. After completing a long career as an Elementary school teacher, Stephanie was excited to start a new career (and God given mission) in the nonprofit world. Stephanie can relate to cancer patients because she has been one. She beat stage 3 non-hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2016. She also lost her mom to a lengthy battle with cancer in 2017. Stephanie is a certified cancer exercise specialist. She is married to Eric, who is the Project Manager for Tutt and Daggs Homes. They have two children, Harrison and Haylee.
Our Board Members
JOSH RADER
board member & co-founder
PATRIZIA ROSE
board member
DR. SARA TRAMMELL
board member
DR. RACHEL ANDERSON
board member
ANDI RADER
board member & co-founder
BOB NUTT
board member
BARBARA KOTRLIK
board member & SFL participant
