History: The Cancer Foundation for Life® (CFFL) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Tyler, Texas in 2001. The foundation is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for cancer survivors. Dr. Gary Kimmel, a retired oncologist, started the foundation to better the lives of cancer survivors through exercise. Our goal is to rehabilitate cancer survivors to their maximum level of strength and independence so they may achieve a better quality of life.

FitSTEPS for Life® is the name of our program that includes aerobic exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching techniques specifically designed for debilitated participants. To our knowledge, CFFL provides the only free structured, individualized program of unlimited duration.

Purpose: Cancer survivors often are weak and debilitated, emotionally, mentally and financially stressed, physically disfigured or impaired by surgery or radiation and perhaps bald from chemotherapy. There are no long-term medical rehabilitation programs for cancer patients paid for by private insurance or Medicare. Commercial gyms are not only expensive, but many cancer survivors find commercial gyms embarrassing and intimidating. The shared experience among survivors and families creates a camaraderie not seen in a commercial gym or hospital rehab program. Research confirms that exercise can improve the survival rate for colon and breast cancer survivors up to 50 percent. In addition, physically fit patients can remain much more independent during disease treatment and beyond.

Statistics also confirm that exercise reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and fatigue. Physical conditioning also greatly diminishes the effect of most chronic doseases, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, lung disease, obesity and arthritis.