I’ve been an active member of Bionic CrossFit for over two years. I joined at a time where I had been physically inactive for a year due to a yearlong bout with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I knew I needed something to get moving and build my strength. My daughter had recently become a member, and highly recommended Bionic, so I decided to join.
I started with lots of excuses: I’m 62 years old…I’m recovering from cancer treatments….I have back issues. These excuses did not sway the coaching staff, and after a while, these excuses melted away for me, too.
With proper scaling, I gradually learned the movements and saw a general improvement in how I functioned in life. My strength was getting better than ever, I was moving and feeling better, and no more back issues. The time I spent going to the physical therapist for my back was now spent at Bionic.
After two years, I felt fantastic. 64 years old was never better. I felt unstoppable. And then I received the diagnosis that my lymphoma had returned. It was initially devastating. I was told I would be undergoing a stem cell transplant, which would be life changing. With the encouragement of the Bionic coaches and the Bionic family, I continued to work to my best capacity right up until my transplant. I was surrounded and encouraged by my fellow members and coaches.
My doctors were amazed that I was still able to do CrossFit, even though I was undergoing chemo before the transplant was to take place.
I went into Memorial Sloan Kettering mid-September. While there, I continued to do as much of a CrossFit workout as I was allowed to do, much to the amusement of my doctors. A usual stay is 4 to 5 weeks. I was released 2 days short of 3 weeks, and after just a month, was allowed to return to Bionic to workout in the box.
Coming back was not easy at first, but, each day, each WOD gets better and better, and I continue to surprise myself at what I am accomplishing.
Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without Bionic, the coaches and the family.
Bionic CrossFit is my drug. My doctors confirm it. The reason I did so well with the transplant is because I came into it healthy, and I continue to pursue that level of fitness.
This is why I continue to CrossFit at Bionic. #fightforit #wearebionic