|  Coach
John Spencer Ellis with the real "Survivor" Shay
Cooper
Cancer Survivor to a Real Survivor
A Brave Soldier's Journey
Shay Cooper of Rancho Santa Margarita is
a fighter. Twice she was told that she would not live. Today,
she is full of life. It started thirty-three years ago, when
the now fifty-eight year old Cooper was first diagnosed with
breast cancer. Shay wouldn't have any of the doctor's dismal
perspectives or bleak outlooks. She quickly had a lumpectomy
and followed it with a brief course of radiation. It was a
success. Things were looking great for the next fifteen years.
Then, during a medical exam, Shay found out her cancer had
returned. This time it was in the form of bone cancer. Her
doctors told her she would be in a wheelchair in six months
and likely not see her next birthday. Once again, the defiant
Shay would have none of it. She found a doctor that would
treat her by her terms. She went through hormone therapy and
a short course of chemo. Within six months, she was in remission.
Once again Shay had beaten cancer.
Just four years ago, at the urging of her doctor, Shay
decided to compete in the Race For The Cure, which raises
money for cancer research and cancer patients. At this time,
she was weighing 219 pounds. During the three-mile run she
had the urge to quit, but when she was just about to throw
in the towel, she had a major inspiration. Two ladies passed
on her left side that where obviously undergoing some type
of cancer therapy. She said to herself, "If they can do
it, so can I!" She finally finished in a time of one and
a half hours. From that day forward, she has been inspired
and inspiring others. After two marathons in the years to
follow, she decided to get "serious" about fitness and life.
Shay was recently watching the new reality TV show, Survivor.
One of the participants was an older lady who was also a
cancer survivor. Again, Shay was inspired to make another
bold move. She created the interview videotape and completed
the questionnaire that is required to be considered to be
one of the castaways on the show.
At this point Shay is down to 150 pounds, yet now wants
to be conditioned both mentally and physically to actually
"survive" on the series. She turned to John Spencer Ellis
and the EndurancePlus.com Fitness Boot Camp in Rancho Santa
Margarita. Shay said she enjoyed the challenge and surprises
of her first camp. She was disappointed when work obligations
kept her from camp on the day the group went hiking in O'Neill
Regional Park, which for most is the highlight of the boot
camp. Shay made up for her missed day with increased drive
and determination for the remainder of the four-week camp.
She says her life's journey that now includes two bouts
of cancer and graduating from fitness boot camp, has made
her more than prepared to do battle against other Survivor
potentials. She now lives the camp's philosophy of "Be A
Brave Soldier". We will keep you updated on Shay's journey
towards the show Survivor. We all wish her well and have
complete faith in her.
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