About Breast Cancer Survivor Rori Zura
Rise Above The Ashes
“Sometimes in life, you must die a little on the inside
in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger, wiser version of yourself”
Rori Zura
Since 2016, Rori had been discovering lumps in her breasts, compounded by a significant family history of various types of cancers, especially breast cancer. Given her dense and cystic breasts, she sought a preventive mastectomy to avoid experiencing what my family members had gone through.
Regrettably, she was unable to undergo the procedure without bearing the financial burden. Fast forward to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Rori noticed another lump. Initially, she dismissed it as yet another cyst.
However, as it persisted beyond her menstrual cycle, Rori realized something was wrong. On August 17th, 2020, at the age of 33, Rori received an official diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer.
Rori’s always been an active person, her mom used to say when she was a baby she learned to run before she could walk and she’s been on the go ever since. Breast cancer wasn’t going to stop that part of her life, so Rori learned how to adapt and overcome any obstacle that stood in her way during treatment.
Leveraging the power of fitness, Rori successfully combated breast cancer, and now, as a breast cancer exercise specialist, she’s dedicated to helping you achieve the same.
From Survivor to Specialist
During my treatment, I experienced setbacks, as is often the case in any cancer journey, one particular moment stands out.
After my double mastectomy, I received news that my lymph nodes were clear and the remaining tumor had been removed. Relief washed over me… until a week later, when my surgeon informed me of micro-metastasis found in one of my biopsied lymph nodes. Another surgery was needed to remove them, this time with a high risk of lymphedema.
After taking a breath, I chose action. I asked my surgeon about proactive lymphedema management and explored the option of seeing a lymphedema therapist. That was the moment Foobs & Fitness was born.
I was tired of reactive care that waited until problems showed up. I realized others like me deserved better. I saw a need to bridge the gap between the medical and fitness worlds, and I decided to be that bridge.
During my extended treatment, which included radiation and oral chemotherapy, I became a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a Cancer Exercise Specialist through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute.
Recognizing the significant physical and emotional impact of hormone therapy, I also completed advanced training as a Menopause Coaching Specialist through Girls Gone Strong. Having experienced medically induced menopause multiple times myself, I understand firsthand the layered challenges this can bring to survivors, and I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence and clarity.
My passion is to ensure that no one walks this road alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or finding your footing in survivorship, know this: you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Join the Foob Army, and think of me as your personal battle buddy every step of the way
From Surviving to Thriving: Movement as Medicine
Every day won’t be sunshine and rainbows… and that’s okay. A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Suddenly, movement isn’t just about fitting into “skinny” jeans or prepping for bikini season. It becomes about survival. It’s about reclaiming your body, your energy, and your why.
The science backs this up. A growing body of research shows that consistent physical activity can:
- Lower the risk of developing certain cancers
- Help manage and reduce treatment side effects
- Decrease the likelihood of recurrence
This is bigger than fitness, it’s a radical shift in how we care for ourselves.
My goal? To ignite a tidal wave of change in our healthcare system and how we treat survivors.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a diagnosis, we do have powerful tools to support our health. Exercise is one of them, and it doesn’t have to be extreme… it just has to be intentional.
Meet the Team
BEHIND THE SCREEN
Dr. Howard
Goodman
Gynecological Oncologist
Advisory Board
Melanie
Reynolds
MS, RN, CPNP-AC/PC
Editor-in-Chief
Jessica
Brennan
MLS, (ASCP)CM
Assistant Editor
Brian
Zura
IT, Marketing
Brand Development