How a Lifestyle Coach Helped With Quality of Life in End Stage Cancer

Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Jessica Lewis, Master Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritional Counselor and Accredited Tai Chi Instructor

We are speaking with Jessica Lewis, CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), CNC (Certified Nutritional Counselor) who has a unique perspective on the nature of health and wellness.  She has an outstanding track record for coaching clients through complete life-transformations.

Tell Us a Story About  a Client with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and How You Helped in Her Quality of Life Journey

Carol from Arvada, Colorado contacted me a few years ago after following up on a word-of-mouth recommendation. We agreed to work together virtually since she was too sick to travel. Carol had followed all recommended cancer treatment protocols. She even participated in a clinical trial for about two years. But after the trial drug caused a serious stroke, Carol made the decision to work with me in lieu of continuing any more standard western treatment options.

I was truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to work with Carol who was clearly in the end stages of her cancer. She willingly and completely placed herself in my hands agreeing to be 100% compliant and as we began our work I was fully confident that together we could keep her quality of life much higher for much longer than her doctors predicted.

The Virtual Quality of Life Enhancing Protocol

• The first challenge was  bolstering up Carol’s nutrition. Cancer patients frequently lose their appetites…every bite absolutely must count!
• Next we focused on her fitness, discussing ways she might actually be undermining her goals to feel good and stay active. I made specific recommendations on the types of exercises she should be doing and for additional support,  I referred her to a facility and a Personal Trainer in her neighborhood. 
• Last, but certainly not least, we discussed relaxation techniques. I felt it was vital that Carol learn T’ai Chi Chih: this powerful moving meditation also qualifies as low-level exercise so I knew that when her energy for exercising eventually failed she’d have a terrific fallback option. I trained Carol virtually in T’ai Chi Chih for a number of sessions and then referred her to a local Accredited Instructor.

Quality of Life to the Very End

I was happy to meet Carol in person when I traveled to Colorado to present at the annual International T’ai Chi Chih Teacher’s Conference. At that time she seemed just as healthy as everyone else in the room! About a month later she wrote me a thank-you note. I was particularly touched by the following excerpt:

“The results of the most recent scans show that the cancer is still growing but the doctor said I’m in much better health than others with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. Because of your suggestions and encouragement I’m still eating well, exercising and hiking, taking T’ai Chi Chih, and I’m really feeling quite good. Your suggestions have been a blessing and you’ve made a real difference in the quality of my life. Thank you, dear Jessica, for your most helpful and generous support and knowledge!”

Two weeks after I received the note, Carol’s husband Bob let me know that the pressure of the growing cancer was becoming uncomfortable for Carol and recently she’d become too tired to do much. Then just a few days later I learned that Carol had passed away quite peacefully in her sleep.

I will always be utterly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a brave and trusting client who had the courage to keep working to improve the the quality of her life to the very end.

Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?

I’m a Master Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritional Counselor, and Accredited T’ai Chi Chih Instructor who’s had the privilege to coach many of my clients through complete life-transformations. Unlike most fitness, health & wellness professionals, however, I’ve had an up-close and personal relationship with the same obstacles facing most Americans.

For the first 30-something years of my life, I struggled with compulsive overeating and the roller-coaster of losing and gaining weight. Then 24 years ago, after being diagnosed with severe hypoglycemia and IBS, I began exercising, eating healthfully, and practicing relaxation/meditation techniques. I shed close to 100 pounds so when I say “I’ve been there” I actually mean it! High quality exercise and nutrition along with regular practice of various meditation styles have not just restored my health but have collaborated to provide me with an entirely different sense of wellbeing…it’s been my personal experience that wellbeing is a skill which can be learned!

And my ever evolving commitment to my own holistic health has also spawned my deep personal commitment to helping others. My ultimate professional goal is to cause a shift in the way we all define the words health & wellbeing. But conveying my message to the world one client at a time if necessary- that wellbeing can be learned and trained – is my daily mission.

What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?

What Would You Like Your Clients to Know About Your Services that They May Not be Aware of?

Over time I’ve become a completely judgement-free instructor and any of my clients would attest that Lifestyle Coaching with me is easier, yummier, and more fun than they ever imagined!

Being overweight, underfit, or stressed out are often just signs that something in your life is out of balance. Remember that you can shorten one leg of a 3-legged stool pretty dramatically and keep your seat but whip one leg away completely and you’re gonna fall over…simply put, I’ll teach you how to keep all 3 legs of your wellbeing “stool” long and equal in length.

Biography

JESSICA LEWIS, CPT, CNC, is a seasoned Master Personal Trainer, a Certified Nutritional Counselor, and an Accredited T’ai Chi Chih Instructor.

For over 15 years, as the founder of SCULPT YOUR LIFE, Jessica has worked with a diverse population of clients within their own homes all over Delaware and the greater Philadelphia area, combining customized exercise routines with solid nutritional advice and various relaxation/meditation techniques.

Additionally, Jessica is the Lifestyle Coach at Hockessin Chiropractic Centre (one of Delaware’s only IFM certified Functional Medicine facilities), a TaijiFit / Veterans Administration Community Care Network Provider, teaches for the American Red Cross, and holds a First Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Karate.

Jessica Lewis, CPT, CNC

2506 Wilson Avenue
Claymont, DE  19703

Visit Jessica’s Website

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