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When Frances “Frankie” Drew was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was already facing a difficult season. Her husband was preparing for lung surgery following his own cancer diagnosis.
Within weeks, Drew began chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove 16 lymph nodes and then radiation.
Throughout her treatment, she was determined to stay as strong as possible, both physically and mentally. That determination led her to the BayCare Exercise Oncology Program, where she found an additional layer of support that would shape her cancer journey.
The program is tailored to each patient, and participation begins with a referral from their oncology care team. That referral helps ensure the program is safely integrated with the patient’s treatment plan and medical needs. From there, patients meet with a certified exercise oncology instructor for an orientation and initial assessment.
The evidence-based program supports patients from the moment of diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Patients work with a specialized team that includes a certified exercise oncology instructor, registered dietitian and health coach, who together create an individualized program focused on movement, nutrition and overall wellness.
Patients can enter the program at any point in their cancer journey. Drew joined the program while undergoing radiation, often scheduling exercise sessions on the same day as her treatments. “What stood out right away was how personalized it was,” Drew said. “Every session was based on how I felt that day. Some days I had more energy, and some days I didn’t — but they always met me where I was.”
That flexibility is central to the program. Each patient begins with baseline assessments, and the care team continuously adjusts plans depending on how patients are feeling throughout treatment.
“Based on the patient's symptoms and fatigue levels, we adjust their exercise session and intensity levels. We meet them where they are. Sometimes we just focus on gentle movement or even just talking and supporting them,” said Daffodil Hallenbeck, an exercise oncology instructor at BayCare’s Cheek-Powell Fitness Center.
Research from BayCare’s partner, Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, shows that structured exercise can improve physical and mental health throughout treatment. Patients in structured exercise programs often report reduced fatigue, improved mood and better overall quality of life. Additional findings from Maple Tree Cancer Alliance show meaningful gains in patients’ overall well-being and outlook during treatment.
A Path Forward
Today, Drew is cancer-free and continues her wellness journey through BayCare’s fitness programming, including the POWER Breast Cancer Program.
Her message to others facing a diagnosis is simple:
“Exercise isn’t something to fear; it’s something that helps you,” she said. “It gives you strength, physically and mentally. And it reminds you that you can do more than you think.”
Her experience reflects the broader mission of the Exercise Oncology Program: helping patients maintain strength, improve quality of life and navigate treatment with greater confidence.
The Exercise Oncology Program launched at Cheek-Powell Fitness Center in January 2025 through funding from the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation, supporting cancer patients receiving care at Morton Plant Hospital. Recent support from the St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation has helped to expand the program to Carillon Fitness Center. Each foundation’s funding allows BayCare to serve up to 60 patients per year at each location.
As BayCare continues to expand access to exercise oncology services across its fitness centers in Cheek-Powell and Carillon, more patients like Drew are gaining the tools and support they need to move through treatment with resilience and confidence.
“I want to be here for my children, for my grandchildren,” she said. “And I know that staying active is a big part of that.”
Hear From the Experts
Juan Torres, medical fitness supervisor and exercise oncology educator, joined Dr. Peter Blumencranz, surgical oncologist and medical director of BayCare Cancer Institute, on the BayCare HealthChat podcast to discuss exercise oncology in depth. Listen to the episode here: BayCare HealthChat
Learn more: BayCare’s medical fitness programs
