It Takes Grit
This October, GritCycle is honored to partner for the Third year in a row with Training Through Treatment, a nonprofit founded by longtime GritCycle rider, Kristy Griggs. Training Through Treatment empowers women with metastatic breast cancer through the power of vigorous physical activity—offering spin classes, HIIT sessions, and a supportive community to help women build strength, resilience, and hope in the midst of their fight.
At GritCycle, we believe in the life-changing impact of movement, and that’s why our October fundraiser is so important. Every donation, every hat purchase, and every ride booked during our fundraiser weekend directly supports Training Through Treatment—giving more women access to fitness classes and community connection that can truly make a difference.
This year, we’re proud to share the stories of three incredible “Thrivers” in the Training Through Treatment program. Their voices highlight how access to fitness and community has supported them physically, emotionally, and spiritually in their fight. We invite you to read their stories and see firsthand who your donations will positively impact.
Kristy
“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2021 at 37 years old, after being misdiagnosed with a cyst in 2020.
Upon my diagnosis, I was originally told I had as little as six months; that even with chemo and all the medical interventions available, my cancer was incurable. I would be extremely lucky to live a handful of years.
What surprised me even more was that my medical team discouraged me from exercising. They told me to remember that I was sick and to give my body lots of rest. Even though this went against everything I believed, I listened to my team and took it easy. But when the cancer came back less than a year later, even while on medication, I knew I needed to change the game plan.
I told my team that I would do all the chemo and continue to follow their medical guidance, but I was also going back to daily vigorous physical activity. The issue, of course, was that I didn’t have the means for the daily spin classes I had loved for so many years. Enter Lisa Mikelson of GritCycle. Lisa told me that if I could get myself to GritCycle every day, she would take care of the rest. So I did—and so did she.
As I type this, I am over 18 months into complete remission. I have not had a dose of chemo since January 2024. I know that I am not only alive now, but that I will continue to live to watch my son grow up—because of exercise. It is now my life’s mission to help as many others as possible train their way through treatment.
Cancer takes our power. But I am here to tell you that you can take your power back. And Training Through Treatment is here to help.”
Katie
“Hi, my name is Katie, and I was 28 years old when I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. A few months later, it had spread to my brain, and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer.
I’ve had chemotherapy, immunotherapy, chest wall radiation, a double mastectomy, whole brain radiation—you name it, I’ve probably done it. Most recently, I had brain radiation in February, and unfortunately, because of where my tumors were and the effects of the treatment, I slowly lost the ability to walk. So now I’ve been training just to be able to walk again. I have three small children, and not walking is not ideal. I love them so much, and I want to be able to do everything with them. Since June, I’ve been getting around with a walker.
At the end of July, I started physical therapy for my legs. Training Through Treatment sent me an air bike—the kind you pump with both your arms and legs. Let me tell you, this bike has been a miracle! I look a little different, and sometimes going to the gym isn’t the most comfortable. People stare, or they’re waiting for the machine I’m on, and it’s not great for my self-esteem. But with the air bike in my garage, I can move my body while my kids play nearby. I can use my arms and legs, and end the day knowing I worked out. I’m learning how to use my legs again and strengthening parts of my body I didn’t know I could—my thighs and calves especially. That strength is so important as I learn how to re-walk.
I can’t believe how gracious Training Through Treatment was to send me this bike. It has made the difference between losing my ability to walk and regaining it. If I had just sat down and called it quits, I probably would be in a wheelchair right now. But because of this air bike, I’m walking again—sometimes even without my walker (though I scare my husband when I do).
Don’t worry, I have my life alert!”
Maresa
“My name is Maresa, and I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 32. After going into remission, I found out in 2024—at the age of 37—that my cancer had metastasized to my lungs.
The first time I went through treatment, I was so sick and undergoing so many procedures that working out just wasn’t an option. This time around, I’ve been blessed with the ability to stay active—and what a difference it has made! I feel stronger, and my symptoms seem less intense. While I still struggle with muscle stiffness and joint pain from treatment, exercise has helped tremendously. Staying active has reduced my stiffness, helped me maintain mobility, and, most importantly, allowed me to keep up with my two kids.
Training Through Treatment has given me the opportunity to focus on staying healthy, active, and continuing to show up as the best version of myself—without the added stress of affording it. Without this support, I likely wouldn’t have access to quality workouts designed with my safety in mind, or the supportive community that surrounds them.”
The Power of Fitness
These three women are just a glimpse into the incredible community Kristy and Training Through Treatment have built. Every ride you book and every dollar you contribute helps ensure that more women living with metastatic breast cancer can experience the strength, energy, and hope that come from movement.
Research continues to show the powerful connection between physical activity and cancer survival. Exercise not only supports the body during treatment but also improves quality of life, reduces side effects, and helps women feel strong in the face of their toughest battles.
This October, learn how you can make a difference by giving the gift of movement to women battling metastatic cancer.
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