A cancer diagnosis
creates ripples.
It sends shockwaves through the lives of patients, their loved ones and the people around them.
Those are the big ripples — the ones we attack head-on with treatment, recovery plans and a whole lot of determination.
Then… there are the quieter ripples.
- It’s a sense of not feeling like yourself anymore. The tiredness. A fog that won’t lift.
- It’s the frustration of having to find a new identity both during and after cancer.
- It’s the confusion of not knowing how to reclaim control of your health...
And there’s the fear, too. Of the unknown. The uncertainty. That it might come back.
Going through cancer treatment is one thing. From side-effects to late-effects and everything in between, there’s a lot to overcome...
But thriving — during, and after cancer?
it’s possible. And we’ll show you how.
(Spoiler alert: we’re on a mission to change lives through exercise.)
We’re Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed and Dr. Lauren Capozzi.
Together, we founded Thrive Health. Our work revolves around giving survivors the tools, resources and support they need to regain their sense of health & well-being, both during and after cancer treatment.
OUR SECRET WEAPON?
Exercise.
We’re not in the business of magic fixes (we prefer to let the research do the talking)...
But exercise is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet.
A thoughtful, personalized, evidence-based exercise plan can be life-changing.
From mental health, to physical well-being, quality of life and more, building a lasting exercise habit has the power to transform peoples’ experience of cancer.
It’s time to bring wellness into the cancer journey.
As a world-leading researcher in cancer exercise & behavior change (that’s Nicole) and a practicing Exercise Physiologist & MD specializing in cancer rehabilitation (that’s Lauren), we’re on a mission to:
SUPPORT
Give cancer patients & survivors access to the information and support they need to develop a sustainable exercise habit that enhances their wellness and quality of life.
TRANSLATE
Translate everything from our clinical experience and extensive research backgrounds into action — so that health and exercise professionals can build the expertise required to support cancer patients through every stage of their journey.
ACT
Bring these changes to life in the community and our healthcare systems, too. We’re taking knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of health professionals and survivors who need it.
Because facing cancer is just the beginning… and every survivor deserves to thrive.
READY TO GET STARTED?
For health & exercise professionals:
A comprehensive online training program and Thrive 5 certification for health & fitness professionals. Become the go-to expert in evidence-based exercise planning and support for cancer survivors.
For cancer patients & survivors:
Videos, resources, printable guides and more for cancer survivors who want to learn how exercise can help promote wellbeing and quality of life, before, during and after treatment — and how to get started.
Meet the team behind Thrive:
DR. NICOLE CULOS-REED
PhD, Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary.
Professor, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine.
Research Associate, Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
The credentials: With almost 20 years of academic experience, Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed is an expert in behaviour change & physical activity for cancer patients & survivors.
Her research focuses on optimizing physical activity for cancer survivors and the translation of evidence into sustainable programming.
The backstory: Nicole knew that she would work in cancer research when she saw Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope across Canada in 1980, to raise money for cancer research (today, his legacy is over $750 million in funding and counting).
Every September, you’ll find her waiting at the starting line of the Terry Fox Run in her hometown of Calgary AB. Nicole hasn’t missed a run since her first one in 1980.
Dr. Lauren Capozzi
MD, PhD, CSEP-Certified Exercise Physiologist
Resident Physician, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary.
The credentials: With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and a focus on health behaviour adoption and adherence, Dr. Capozzi delivers practical, evidence-based insights for chronic disease prevention and management.
As a practicing medical physician, researcher, and exercise physiologist, Lauren brings a wealth of clinical expertise to her work at Thrive Health.
The backstory: When Lauren’s father was diagnosed with cancer when she was 13 years old, she saw first-hand the impact the life-changing illness had on him and her family.
After watching her waterskiing, hiking and cycling father discontinue treatment when he could no longer get up the stairs, Lauren was inspired to pursue a career specializing in working with cancer patients & survivors — specifically to improve their functioning and reclaim their quality of life.
The City of Calgary – Recreation is pleased to work in partnership with Alberta Cancer Exercise, and we appreciate the convenience of the Thrive Health Cancer and Exercise online training. Our staff find the training comprehensive and thorough,
leaving them confidently equipped to instruct the ACE fitness classes.
Pam Manzara BPE, Rec Diploma, AFLCA
Fitness & Wellness Consultant
Calgary Recreation
READY TO GET STARTED?
For health & exercise professionals:
A comprehensive online training program and Thrive 5 certification for health & fitness professionals. Become the go-to expert in evidence-based exercise planning and support for cancer survivors.
For cancer patients & survivors:
Videos, resources, printable guides and more for cancer survivors who want to learn how exercise can help promote wellbeing and quality of life, before, during and after treatment — and how to get started.