As we launch our 10th annual Fight Cancer campaign, we’re reminded that behind every donation is a story—stories of love, strength, and unwavering resilience. One such story is that of Renee, a cherished In-Shape team member, and her wife, Annette, whose incredible journey through cancer embodies why this fight matters so much.
A Message of Family First
When Renee joined In-Shape five years ago, she could not have predicted the challenges her family was about to face. Only a few months into her new role, Annette received the first of several devastating cancer diagnoses. In that difficult time, Renee received a reassuring message from her In-Shape family: “Family comes first.” Those words meant everything to Renee as she navigated doctor appointments, treatments, and surgeries by Annette’s side.
"I am so grateful to In-Shape for allowing me to be with my wife when she needed me most," Renee shared. The unwavering support she received from her colleagues is something she will always hold close, knowing that no matter how tough things became, she wasn’t facing it alone.
A Battle Against the Odds
Since 2011, Annette has faced not one, but four separate cancer diagnoses. At the time of her first diagnosis, doctors gave her only three to five years to live. But Annette defied the odds. She battled Stage 4 Multiple Myeloma, Thyroid Cancer, and even a rare, aggressive Sarcoma that spread to her lungs.
"Annette is the definition of resilience. She never gives up," Renee says proudly. Their journey together, though incredibly difficult, has been marked by love, laughter, and the determination to embrace each day fully. The couple draws inspiration from the Finnish concept of sisu—a word that captures guts, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit. It’s a way of life for them, even when the future remains uncertain.
A Life of Love and Perseverance
Though Annette may never be completely cancer-free, she and Renee continue to live with courage, gratitude, and an unshakeable bond. They cherish simple joys—watching movies, sharing laughs, and savoring every moment together.
"I’m grateful to have her by my side," Renee says, reflecting on their journey. "Cancer may be part of our lives, but it doesn’t define us."
Why We Fight
Renee and Annette’s story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Our Fight Cancer campaign is not just about raising money—it’s about standing beside families like theirs, offering support, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those still fighting.
As we embark on our 10th annual Fight Cancer campaign, we ask for your help. Every donation brings us closer to a world where families can fight cancer with the support, love, and resources they need. With your generosity, we can continue to fund vital cancer research and offer hope to those in the toughest battles of their lives.
Let’s stand together, for Renee and Annette, and for all the families who need our support. Together, we can make a difference.