“Fearlessness is the mother of reinvention.” Arianna Huffington

Last summer I received some unwelcome news. Out of nowhere, it seemed, I was diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs. Within days I underwent a complete hysterectomy, which landed me on a challenging path through chemotherapy, radiation – and the host of physical and emotional symptoms that go with the territory.

Shocking as it was, from Day 1 I resolved to play the hand that had been dealt to me bravely, smartly, and with a resolve would not falter – especially during the most difficult moments of this journey. I began writing about my experience through my blog, chronicling each day and highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly. I fought the tears (sometimes they fought me), and I embraced the laughter every chance I got. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family, especially David and Gia, and a host of friends and cheerleaders from the Bella Forza family and beyond. They say when the going gets tough you really find out who your true friends are. I feel lucky to say that mine are about as good as it gets.

I’ve said before that it would be just as easy to bury the last six months in the dusty vault of experiences you’d rather not remember. But I don’t want to do that. Something interesting began to happen once the reality of my diagnosis set in. I could not change what biology and genetics had in store for me. My body had irreversibly changed. However, change also means reinvention and I made up my mind that I would turn this time in my life into a full-blown reinvention of myself, my goals, and my career.

I am profoundly happy to introduce the result of that reinvention, Grit & Grace FitLife. One thing I’ve learned many times over is that the road to Grace is paved with Grit. At the end of the day you will decide for yourself how you’ll cope with life’s challenges and live your best. That doesn’t mean you have to tackle it alone. My new program helps women by focusing exclusively on private, one-on-one personal fitness and lifestyle mentoring with an emphasis on challenge, positive change and emotional well-being. Delivered in-person or remotely, Grit & Grace FitLife caters to the woman who is looking for something more in a relationship with a fitness adviser.

I’ve lived it – and I know many of you live it every day. Helping others through the shared well of my own experience is something I am passionate about and committed to 100%. I cannot wait to help you harness your own Grit on the road to Grace in 2016.