OAKS

Trainer triumphs over cancer, inspires others

Darla Carter
@PrimeDarla
Fitness trainer Annie Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer.

When Louisville runner and fitness trainer Annie Yoho was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, she decided to face it head-on.

Instead of waiting for her hair to fall out, she threw a big party, attended by about 50 relatives and friends, who watched as she got her head shaved.

The atmosphere, three weeks after Yoho had begun chemotherapy, was festive, with nipple cupcakes accented with gum drops; a photo booth with kitschy props; and prayer.

“It was the best day of my life,” said Yoho, 49, who hired a professional to shear her strawberry locks at the celebration. “It was just full of joy, and I had all my friends around me. It was a great, great day.”

Trainer Georgianna Dotson, left,  passes a weight ball to fellow fitness trainer Annie Yoho during an exercise class at the Northeast YMCA. Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer. Georgianna Dotson

Yoho, now cancer-free, is among 142 people set to walk in the eighth annual Survivors Parade, which takes place before the Kentucky Oaks race at Churchill Downs.

The parade honors breast and ovarian cancer survivors and helps to raise money for charities, such as Kentucky’s Horses and Hope program and the national nonprofit Bright Pink.

“We’re always excited to see all the people who are there and vibrant and able to walk,” said Connie Sorrell, director of the Kentucky Cancer Program, which helps participants at the track. “It sends such a message to the newly diagnosed of ‘Gosh, look, I can get through my disease.'”

Yoho, a marathon and half-marathon runner, was nominated by her husband, David. He was impressed with the way his wife handled her diagnosis and treatment, from befriending fellow patients to continuing to exercise.

Fitness trainer Annie Yoho leads during an exercise class at the Northeast YMCA. Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer. Georgianna Dotson

“She’s a courageous person,” he said. “She was coming home from doing radiation and running three miles. Who does that?”

Yoho was diagnosed with cancer of the right breast on Feb. 7, 2014, following a routine mammogram and follow-up testing.

“It was a total shock; it does not run in my family,” she said.

In addition to a lumpectomy, she went through 20 weeks of chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments.

Fitness trainer Annie Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer.

"When I went through my radiation, which was 40 days, I challenged others to exercise every single day of my radiation and I promised to exercise every day of my radiation, too. It was so cool because people who had never exercised told me they were exercising every day...My 86-year-old father-in-law was exercising every day."

During treatment, Yoho was accompanied by her husband and others, but she noticed that some other cancer patients didn't have that kind of support, so she took them under her wing. Her rationale: “If you focus on cheering up other people, then you forget about your own circumstances.”

She also became a volunteer for the LIVESTRONG program, which is offered at several branches of the YMCA of Greater Louisville. The program, free for 12 weeks, helps cancer survivors improve their fitness.

Fitness trainer Annie Yoho leads during an exercise class at the Northeast YMCA. Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer. Georgianna Dotson

“Some people come and they want to run a marathon. Other people just want to walk to the mailbox or carry their grocery bag and laundry basket,” said LIVESTRONG Director Barb Millhollan. “Our goal is to be functional and safe.”

The program was a perfect fit for Yoho because of her cancer experience and background as a fitness trainer. She works with participants at the Northeast Family YMCA.

“I just felt like God placed me in this place,” she said. "...I had found my calling."

Breast cancer survivor Brenda Guido said Yoho is one of the reasons she keeps coming back to the program.

Yoho is sensitive to participants’ insecurities and physical limitations, Guido said. “She makes you feel comfortable.”

She’s also motivational, Guido said. "She pushes you enough to keep you going, and she’s very encouraging."

Yoho felt an instant connection with participants. From the beginning, “It was so great to be able to empathize with these people who had gone through cancer too and to be able to share our stories,” she said. “I think that was the best part about it.”

Fitness trainer Annie Yoho is a breast cancer survivor who volunteers at the Northeast YMCA LIVESTRONG program, a fitness offering for people affected by cancer.

She plans to stick with the program to show people that they go on with life - despite cancer - and be active, she said.

“You don’t have to sit around and be sick just because somebody gives you a cancer diagnosis,” she said. "...If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. Do whatever you can on that day.”

Reporter Darla Carter can be reached at 502-582-7068 or dcarter@courier-journal.com.