How’d you hear about Pack Health and what made you want to sign up?

When I was getting an infusion treatment, I was approached by a few people at UAB who asked if I wanted to participate in the program. I was hoping my experience would at least help someone else if it didn’t help me. Maybe any additional information would help. I didn’t fully understand what it was at the time.

We’re so happy to have you! How has your experience been so far? How’s it been with Evan?

It has been really helpful because — first of all, I was asked to set goals for each week. It caused me to increase my current activity (exercise, healthy eating, and other things like that). We would set a new goal each week. We called these Tiny Steps. I knew I was going to get a phone call the next week to follow up. Evan was really great about sending me texts or researching things like exercises for strengthening my back so I didn’t have to remember to do that. I thought that constant contact was really helpful. Evan has been really good, he wasn’t pushy, he was very supportive.

Did you two set any specific Tiny Steps you’d like to share?

I was starting to exercise more and work on my balance. Evan would send me exercises to help with this. I wasn’t eating very well at all and Evan encouraged me to begin adding one serving of fruit into my diet each day, as a starting point. Some of your Tiny Steps become habits.

How has Pack Health helped you change your lifestyle?

I’m much more conscious of the Tiny Steps (goals) that I set for myself. I don’t reach them all every day, but I’m reminded of them throughout the week. Sometimes I’ll substitute other things for activity. I alter depending on my schedule, but Pack Health really helps me keep my focus. I have a good bit of energy and I am now able to stay up past 4 pm. I plan my time better and I am able to accomplish the things I need to do for my health. I have joined an exercise class called Get Fit, and I can do most of the things in the class. I also joined Pilates that I participate in once a week. Playing cards once a week helps my brain get out of this chemo fog. I attend a ladies Bible study to help my mental health, too. I am trying to focus on the physical, mental, and emotional. Pack Health has made me want to help other people. It changed my focus on my life.

What advice would you give to someone looking to sign up for one of our programs?

I would absolutely encourage them to do it. It’s one more support system outside of your family and friends. They’re looking at it from the outside and more objectively than a family member might be. I am so glad I joined Pack Health.

It helped me realize that I needed to help myself, you can’t just depend on your doctors and medical team to make the healing process happen. You have to work hard yourself.