Rachel's Story

I am a breast cancer survivor, and my journey over the past several years has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life.

Between 2019 and 2021, I underwent five surgeries, including a mastectomy and hysterectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 33 radiation treatments, and experienced a blood clot and a pneumothorax. Following cancer treatment, I was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, which brought additional medications, side effects, joint pain, muscle tension, and significant limitations in my mobility.

Physically and emotionally, I felt like I had lost so much of my strength and confidence. I was weak, in pain, and struggling to move the way I once had. My emotional well-being was suffering, too. ​Then I found Shine Pilates.

Working with Shanna has truly changed my life. I began practicing Pilates three times a week, and although the first week was challenging and I could barely keep up, Shannon met me exactly where I was and helped me progress at my own pace.

Over time, I began to feel stronger. My joint pain decreased, my mobility improved, my posture became better, and, perhaps most importantly, I began to feel like myself again. Pilates has given me not only greater physical strength and freedom of movement, but also a renewed sense of confidence and mental well-being.

Shanna’s knowledge, patience, and genuine care have made an incredible difference in my journey. I especially love the small-group environment, which allows for individualized attention, and the classical Pilates approach.

After everything my body has been through, Shine Pilates has given me a place to rebuild—with strength, grace, and confidence.

I am so grateful I found Shannon and Shine Pilates. It has been an incredibly important part of my healing journey, and I truly feel that it gave me a part of my life back.