October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and each year we highlight amazing members and staff who have been affected by cancer. This October, help us honor our Edge warriors.🎀 Below is Claudine's amazing story, she is a 10-year breast cancer survivor and is in remission.
"I remember the evening I came home, sitting in the kitchen in disbelief with my husband after hearing the news from my doctor, “You have Breast Cancer”. Me? But I’m healthy and I have no history of cancer in my family.
But yes, me. I asked the question in my mind for the first and last time, “Why me?”. The answer came immediately; I had something to learn.
From that moment on, my perspective changed, my focus changed, priorities changed.
My lessons during this time were endless (in no certain order):
1. I discovered how strong I was.
2. Family is the most important thing; not work.
3. A positive outlook can beat anything.
4. Shield yourself from negativity.
5. Cherish this life. It is a gift.
6. Everything happens for a reason. The good and the bad.
7. It is ok to ask for help.
8. The power of community.
9. Be in the moment.
10. Step out of your comfort zone.
11. Listen to your heart. Let your intuition be your guide.
12. Love big.
13. Smile. On the inside and out.
14. Always tell your family you love them. Do not take them for granted.
15. Anything is possible. It’s never too late to make that dream come true.
16. Tomorrow is promised to no one. Do not watch your life pass you by.
And so much more, I could go on and on. I am grateful for the lessons cancer taught me.
We’re here to learn, grow, and make a difference. To make an impact on people’s lives for the better. Money doesn’t matter. How high you climb up the corporate ladder, doesn’t matter. This is where we get caught. We take none of the things with us in the end. Only our love and our memories.
I used to talk about all of these things I’ve learned, facing my fears, stepping out of your comfort zone…and then I decided I needed to walk the talk. Becoming an Edge Group X Instructor was one of my biggest fears. I used to give myself all the excuses why I couldn’t do it; all based on fears. But if I could positively impact someone’s life, the way my instructors had done for me, it was worth it. I could not have gotten through cancer without their inspiration and support they instilled in every class they taught. They were my therapy; the members in the room taking class with me were my therapy. No matter how horrible I felt on any given day during my treatment, I needed to be in that room surrounded by the energy.
I wanted to give back. I wanted to teach people what I had learned in, anyway, I possibly could. Inspire them to find their inner strength to overcome the difficulties. I am so happy I did. I tell people, fear stops us from finding things that we truly love. The saying is true, “One Family, One Team, One Tribe.” We are all one in that Group Fitness Room and it is a powerful force! I am so blessed to share that room with the amazing members of our community!
My biggest lesson…no matter how horrible the situation, no matter how bad the cards are you have been dealt, there is always a Silver Lining; you just have to look for it."
-Claudine Mauri
Les Mills BodyCombat Instructor in Derby, Fairfield, Hamden, and Orange, CT
