In the winter of 2022, Audrey was surprised when her doctor announced she had pancreatic cancer. The tumor was caught by accident, so no one expected her diagnosis. She and her husband had been “gym rats” their whole lives and they relished in eating healthy, even before healthy eating was trendy. Audrey realized she had a tough battle ahead of her – chemotherapy, radiation, surgery. Even after doing everything she could to beat cancer, it came back in the lower wall of her stomach. She was devastated. And if that wasn’t enough, in the middle of her fight, her youngest sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
But Audrey, being the incredible Cancer Warrior she is, was determined to fight hard, beat cancer, and regain the strength she had before her original diagnosis. That’s where AKTIV Against Cancer came in. The AKTIV Center at Summit Health, powered by Summit Health Cares and inspired by the Norwegian AKTIV Against Cancer model, is built on the belief that movement is medicine. “AKTIV works alongside traditional treatment, helping support the body and mind through the process,” explained Lauren McGarry, Exercise Oncology Instructor, Summit Health. “I’ve seen really meaningful improvements across the board. People build strength and endurance, feel less fatigued, and often experience fewer side effects. Many even find they have more day-to-day energy and are better able to tolerate treatment.”
Located in Summit Health’s Berkeley Heights location, the AKTIV Center offers free, professionally guided exercise programs to cancer patients undergoing treatment. The goal is not only to improve outcomes before, during and after oncology treatments, but also to build lifelong fitness habits. “After a month of being in the program, my energy increased and I started feeling like myself again!” Audrey said. “I was running up and down the stairs – all while still undergoing chemotherapy.”
AKTIV participants can take part in activities to build strength, reduce stress and foster recovery, such as: Pilates, yoga, and walking programs. But there’s so much more to AKTIV than just exercising. “AKTIV really creates a sense of community and connection among participants,” said McGarry. “There’s something powerful about being around people who truly get it—because they’re going through it too. It becomes a space where people can openly share about treatment, side effects, or even practical things like where to find a wig. It’s a supportive – ‘we’re in this together’ kind of environment.” Audrey appreciated that sense of connection as well. “I love the camaraderie with the people I’ve met participating in the AKTIV program,” she expressed.
In addition to the supportive environment, AKTIV participants are grateful for the keen awareness trainers have for every patient’s ability. “The trainers are so cognizant in knowing just how far they should push us,” explained Audrey. “They want you to do what you feel you’re able to do and they understand that may change from week to week. It’s remarkable. There’s no shame in not being able to do something one week.” McGarry echoed that sentiment. She said the goal of the trainers is to meet people where they are. “Whether they’re just starting treatment or further along in their journey, everything is tailored to how patients are feeling that day,” McGarry said. “It’s about supporting patients in a way that feels manageable, encouraging, and realistic.”
Audrey continues to work hard and enjoys participating in AKTIV each week. Her positive demeanor is infectious. The support she shares with fellow patients is genuine. She is the true definition of a Cancer Warrior.
For more information on AKTIV Against Cancer, click here.