In 2024, there were over 2 million new cancer cases in the United States. And while 1 in 3 people could develop cancer in their lifetime, there are over 18 million cancer survivors currently in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer treatment and recovery can take a significant toll on the body and mind. Having a wellness routine that can help improve flexibility and maintain the body’s mobility, such as an assisted stretching routine, can have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health. Cancer survivors, such as Shari G, know this firsthand and have made it a priority to protect their health and wellness. Keep reading to learn more about Shari’s story as a cancer survivor and how her experience has helped her to help others in her community.
Shari is a StretchLab studio owner in New Jersey. A confessed workaholic, she loves working hard and acting as a resource to help people solve problems. For over 30 years she had a successful career on Wall Street before opening her first StretchLab studio. It was during her Wall Street career when she received her first cancer diagnosis.
Shari had just started a new job on a trading desk when she received the call from her doctor of her breast cancer diagnosis. Her doctor said, "we rate mammograms on a scale of 1-5, 1 being the best, and 5 being the worst. You're a 5."
Shari recalls, “I remember thinking ‘how can this happen?’ I was 34 and it didn’t run in my family. My kids were 2 and 3 years old at the time. My Dad was in hospice care, and I invested a lot of energy pretending I wasn't scared for the benefit of those around me.”
Since that call, Shari has battled, and survived, breast cancer 3 times.
Shari shares that after her first cancer diagnosis, she began to prioritize her physical health because she wanted to feel strong and fit. She began incorporating yoga 9 years ago and discovered how better flexibility helped her maintain some control of her body along with relief from inflammation and tense muscles.
Knowing the benefits of flexibility firsthand has given Shari the ability to speak confidently to her community about the benefits of assisted stretching. She often speaks with her studio members who suffer from similar aches and pains in the hips and spine. During her time with StretchLab, she’s met many women who are also breast cancer survivors and often encourages them to reduce stress through stretching. She says, “we don’t need to needlessly suffer in silence… Our studio is a safe place to discuss our health and heal from sharing our stories.”
As a breast cancer survivor, Shari makes it a priority to focus on her health even when times are busy or chaotic. She shares, “you can't take care of anyone else unless you care for yourself first. There's nothing wrong with being your own advocate. Sometimes we do get second chances. As a 3x breast cancer survivor, I've had 3 chances. I need to make smart decisions for myself and my family, because my gut tells me I'm not going to get a 4th chance. Live your truth. Try to live with no regrets. We all make mistakes. When I screw up and fall down, I like to put on my big girl pants and fight to stand up again. As long as I have a body that works, I'm going to challenge myself and put my body to work every day.”
What Shari said is true - you don’t need to suffer in silence. Cancer patients and survivors can greatly benefit from assisted stretching as it can help increase range of motion, reduce stiffness and pain, and improve sleep and energy. Additionally, it’s a chance to connect with someone who can help you care for your body.
At StretchLab, all of the work is left to the experts. StretchLab is the only assisted stretching service with a nationally accredited stretching program for stretch practitioners. In addition to completing this program, our expert stretch practitioners use the latest science and methodology to provide every member with a carefully curated experience so that they feel safe and well taken care of.
When it comes to Shari’s StretchLab studios, she says, “You have no idea what awaits you, here. Our Flexologists will take such great care to create a customized stretch regimen just for you. You'll focus on breathing, strengthening, and becoming more flexible, while we do most of the work! You'll probably even sleep better at night. Let us help you feel lighter.”
Interested in learning more about how our assisted stretching services can help support those impacted by cancer? Find a StretchLab near you here!
Testimonial shared by Shari G, studio owner at StretchLab Marlboro and StretchLab Princeton