Turning Cancer Survivors Into Cancer Conquerors

Val Strang: Turning Cancer Survivors into Cancer Conquerors

Val Strang isn’t your typical personal trainer. Not only is she providing a certifiable butt-kicking to her clients at her studio, , she is also changing lives. Val has dedicated much of her business to helping sufferers of cancer live healthy lives through her individually-catered workouts and consultations. Pedal the Cause had the opportunity to meet this Master Trainer and Cancer Exerciser Specialist to find out more about her special work with cancer patients.

Val began her work with cancer patients at the Cancer Support Community, formerly known as The Wellness Community, when they asked if she would come in for a few days to work with cancer patients. She enjoyed her experience so much with those at the Cancer Support Community that she became a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. “I realized this was what all my years of studying was for—to help people feel better and stronger at the most vulnerable time of a patient’s life!”

Since then, her clientele has grown and she now works regularly with the Cancer Support Community, providing free classes to cancer clients and individualized personal training. She empowers her clients with both physical and mental strength as they battle their illness, first by preaching her motto to her new clients that they are “Cancer Conquerors” rather than simply survivors. “To be a survivor, you need to be breathing. To be a Conqueror, you regain living and so much more. I want people to feel ALIVE AGAIN—not just existing, going through the motions of life.”

Val’s passion to help those living with cancer is undoubtedly making an impact in the St. Louis cancer community. And in return, her clients continue to make an impact on her. “I am astounded by their inner strength, compassion for others, and determination. They give so much more to me that I could ever teach them. No matter how tired I am before working with a group, I leave feeling unbelievably energized!”

Val will be helping us in our mission to fund research for cancer this year and we are grateful to have her support! To learn more about Val and her studio, Rock. Workout, click here.

Green Smoothie - Recipe for Health

I finally perfected my Green Smoothie. It doesn't look good but I promise that it is really yummy and about as healthy as you can get.

I'm not a big veggie girl so this really has made a difference in my overall health. I also add some things for energy.

Just try it once...I know you will love it!!

Recipe:

2 C. of torn organic greens packed (I use Kale, Collard Greend and Spinach and sometimes Bok Choy, but you can use whatever greens are in season...just rip them up and pack them down some to make two cups....I use my blender to measure so I don't have a bunch of dirty dishes)

4 large frozen organic Strawberries

1 large frozen organic banana (peel the banana, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it whole...you can break it up before you put it in the blender)

1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries

1 TBS organic amber honey (I like Wholesome Sweetners brand...could be biased it is made in Sugarland, TX)

1 TBS organic Bee Pollen

1TBS Flax Seed Oil

2 C. organic Green Tea (I nuke an organic tea bag in 1 C. of water and add ice to chill it quickly and make up the difference in volume)

Blend and enjoy!