Bodybuilder 2.0: You Only Live Twice

My career as a licensed massage therapist was cut short after multiple back surgeries, including a spinal fusion. Instead of giving up, I turned to fitness not just as a hobby, but as a path to heal. I discovered that functional movement exercises were key—they reduced my pain, improved my mobility, and rebuilt strength in a safe way. Working out quickly became my therapy, both physically and mentally.

As a mother to a 14-year-old son, I've always aimed to show him what it looks like to face adversity with strength and perseverance. In 2024, as I was preparing for my first all-natural fitness competition, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This led to a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Not all tumor cells were removed, meaning I had to start cancer treatment while still recovering from major surgery.

Then, in February 2025, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At that critical moment, I chose to pursue natural alternative treatments instead of the radiation and chemotherapy my oncologist recommended. I've been working with the Riordan Integrative Cancer Clinic since April to balance nutrients and support my body's fight. This choice made me feel like I was taking back control of my body and my life, for myself and my family.

While still undergoing treatments, I have successfully gained muscle, improved my mobility and flexibility, and regained the energy and motivation to fully embrace fitness once again. As the owner of On The Brink Fitness, a personal training and athletic performance studio, I now use my journey to inspire and help others overcome their own challenges. Strength isn't just physical—it's mental and emotional too.