LisaMarie V LisaMarie's Pink Crusader Patient Story

Stay strong and fight the fear!

With a history of breast cancer in her family, LisaMarie Vitolo had her first mammogram at the age of 25. A wife and mother of three, she was the picture of health, a life-long athlete and fitness instructor. She discovered a lump during a breast-self exam. Although the testing was inconclusive, her surgeon recommended a lumpectomy. During the procedure, a second small lump was identified and removed from her other breast. Both lumps were cancerous, but each was a different type. Lisa’s cancer had also spread to her lungs. She required a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Lisa was always conscious of her diet and exercised daily. At the time of her diagnosis the youngest of her three daughters was in second grade. She was determined to stay strong for her family. After each chemotherapy treatment, she would go to her gym, Eclipse Fitness, to run. She would then teach one of the many classes she taught each week. While she exercised, she envisioned an army of chemotherapy soldiers circulating through her body fighting the cancer, boosted by the extra energy of her exercising. Lisa felt that this routine enabled her to successfully battle her disease. It has been ten years since her diagnosis. She continues to teach fitness classes, manage the gym, raise money to help others dealing with cancer and encourage other gym members who are going through treatment. Stay Strong and Fight the Fear!!