A Wellness Success Story: Tavara Gerfen

What was your personal “why” for committing to changes in your lifestyle?

It was literally a situation of life and death. I had to learn to live again. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.

What has been your biggest challenge(s) along the way?

I’d say my own physical limitations have been the biggest hurdle. I guess that be expected from a cancer survivor.

What do you consider your biggest personal victory?

I love working out now! And it may not sound like a big victory to some, but I’m also able to do 2.5 pull-ups—I’ll be handing out autographs later.

In what ways have you been transformed, since joining the Center?

I am definitely seeing physical changes, but for me it is the emotional and mental changes that have been the best transformation!

How has the center helped you to be successful?

Thanks to everyone at the center, I am able to work towards goals now. I am 100% more motivated and I am definitely happier.

What are your personal keys to your success?

I follow a simple daily mantra: if I wake up breathing, it’s a good day to work at improving myself! We are all in this thing called life together, and we need to make the best of it!

Tips others might learn from you?

Trust the center and the trainers. That’s your key to know what you need! Going through cancer can create a sense of wanting to give up. But if you just fight for your health as much as they do, your outlook will change within months.

What is your motivation to continue on this new path you’ve started?

I feel so much better in every aspect of my life! I didn’t how out of shape I had become, and my experience with cancer was a real eye opener. I love the relationships I formed at Anschutz, and I truly feel like they care about me. If the people at my gym care this much about me, maybe I should start caring as much about myself too!