Healing Movement class became part of cancer survivorship for one couple

Healing Movement is an expert-led virtual exercise class offered to all UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center patients and their caregivers, no matter their treatment status or ability level. One survivor couple, David and Beebe Roberts – ages 80 and 81, respectively – made the class a permanent part of their wellness routine, despite facing different cancer challenges at different times.

The challenges of survivorship

David, a retired UAB employee, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and has been in remission since having surgery that same year. His wife, Beebe, later faced a cascade of health issues beginning in 2016: bladder cancer, breast cancer, and an aortic aneurysm. Her treatment path included surgery with immunotherapy, surgery with medication, and open-heart surgery.

Today, Beebe also is cancer-free. But according to the couple, life does not simply go back to normal on its own. “After spending so much energy on diagnosis, treatment, and status of the cancer, you then have to figure out how to survive the aftermath,” David said. “It’s a little like returning to a bombed-out city and rebuilding your life.”

The couple found out about the Healing Movement program when it launched in October 2024 and have participated ever since. David says diet, exercise, and social engagement have been the three biggest factors in maintaining his health post-treatment: “You fall back on the team that helped you and use the survivorship resources – those are essential to your future.”

For Beebe, UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center supportive care resources such as the Psycho-Oncology Program, Spiritual Health, and support groups kept her going during difficult times. “I’m not sure I would have made it this far without these related holistic services,” she said.

David joined many of the programs with his wife. “I realized that these classes weren’t just for survivors but for caregivers, too,” he said.

Meeting participants where they are

Healing Movement is led by clinical exercise physiologist Sara Mansfield, MS. The free class is designed for cancer survivors at any stage — whether in treatment, remission, or years beyond diagnosis. Caregivers are welcome, too.

This four-day-a-week Zoom class focuses on strength, flexibility, and balance in a way that is accessible for all fitness levels. Some participants may be regaining strength after treatment, while others are focused on maintaining mobility long-term. Every movement in class can be modified for individual safety and comfort.

Healing Movement is designed to meet participants where they are, offering a safe space to rebuild confidence in movement. “It’s a no-pressure class,” Beebe said. “Sara doesn’t push, but she provides everything you need to exercise the whole body in a short time.”

The Robertses have worked with personal trainers before, but what keeps them attending Mansfield’s class is her specific expertise and the relevance to survivors.

Expert guidance for safer exercise

Participants depend on Mansfield’s attention to detail and ability to modify movements for their ability. Here are some illustrations of her training style:

• Form corrections: “Sara notices little things you might not feel about a movement, like a shoulder slumping or your back rounding,” David said. “She communicates clearly to make sure you understand how it should feel.”
• Matching effort to ability: Mansfield does regular check-ins with participants to gauge their level of exertion and help them progress without exceeding their ability.
• Responsiveness to feedback: “Sometimes she asks us what is working and what we need from her,” Beebe said, “and she is always ready with a solution.”
• Connection to real life: Each movement addresses abilities from everyday functioning. “Before this class, I could not at any time have walked a straight line for a field sobriety test – now it’s no problem,” David said.

Structured for progress and convenience

The class is offered exclusively via Zoom, which is especially helpful for those who are immunocompromised (like the Robertses) or have transportation challenges. The camera helps participants get feedback or recommended modifications. Being on camera is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. At the end of each session, there’s time for a cooldown, reflection, and discussing topics related to survivorship.

David and Beebe say that Healing Movement is an underused resource and believe more participants would enhance the experience for everyone. “I would tell anyone to join this to keep some positive momentum, wherever they are in treatment or recovery or remission,” David said. “Experience is absolutely not required,” Beebe added.

For more information on Healing Movement or to register for a class, click here or email OnealSupportServices@uabmc.edu. There is no charge to participate, and no referral is needed.