Renee, 38, is almost certain that a Latin-based exercise class saved her life. In May 2010, Renee left her Zumba class early due to severe abdominal pain. “I just chalked it up to the flu or maybe just shaking something I shouldn’t have,” says Renee, with her mega-watt smile.
A week later, when the pain didn’t subside, Renee ended up in the ER where a CAT scan revealed what they thought was a hemorogic cyst the size of a grapefruit on her right ovary. A routine hysterectomy followed, since Renee and her husband, Shawn, had completed their family with Brittney and Jake, both in their teens. “A caring husband, two beyond-amazing kids, two super-hero sisters, and supportive parents never gave cancer a thought but I knew my body and I knew something was wrong,” adds Renee.
“Pathology was sent to Johns Hopkins and after three grueling weeks of waiting, they determined I had high grade cerous epithelial ovarian cancer.” Because of Renee’s rock-solid support system, her attitude was “bring it on, so we can get this over with and I can move on with my life.” She never once felt like cancer was going to ‘win’ and she believes without question that “dying is not an option.” The following months were intense, filled with doctors appointments and many important decisions, including a clinical trial through UMC North in Tucson.
Knowing that Renee was facing some hard times, her sister, Stacy, found out about The Wellness Community – Arizona online. After calling TWC-AZ and gathering a lot of information, she put a Post-it Note on Renee’s fridge that said, “When you’re ready, this place is for you.”
“TWC-AZ is my home away from home,” says Renee. “It’s my getaway; my comfort zone; a place where I am welcomed and accepted unconditionally. The fact that such a well-kept and welcoming home offers such a variety of programs at no cost is incredible. Some of my favorite programs are Cooking for Life, Yoga, Tai Chi and Friday Fitness.”
Renee’s current health status shows no signs of cancer. TWC-AZ has taught Renee that anything is possible and she’s living each day to the fullest. “I’m not taking anything for granted,” beams Renee. |  |