Thank you, Peloton
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Dear Peloton,
They say when you’re given a gift, you should thank the gift giver. I interacted with a handful of your team members over the past couple of months, so I thought it best to publicly thank you. More than anything, I’m really proud to be associated with your brand. In a time where we, as a society, are isolated, learning hard truths, and taking a serious look at our own value-compass, it’s refreshing to see the work your company is doing.
So, how did we get here?
Last year, on February 1, 2019, my friend, Shannon, forwarded me an email about your Peloton Comeback program. It was quick, from her iPhone, with the words:
"Girl, this is all you! You should totally submit your story of comeback!!“
I’m sure I chuckled to myself, and I emailed her back saying “For sure! I will!”
But, as I often do, I mentally downplayed my breast cancer journey - there were people that had done far more deserving things to be a recipient of your Comeback honor. I simply had followed doctor’s orders!
If we’re being honest here (and all good thank you notes are honest, right?), I was skeptical. I barely win cheap raffle prizes - a Peloton bike and subscription? HA!
But, for some reason, on October 27, 2019, I decided to go for it. The idea had been lingering since Shannon forwarded me the email, so what did I have to lose? Literally, nothing.
When I didn’t hear back by the end of the year, I chalked it up as a pass from Peloton. No big deal. No one knew I had put my name in the hat, and certainly no one would know it didn’t work out. Par for the course.
But then, on April 28, 2020, in the midst of COVID-19, unexpected homeschooling, and a career change, you emailed me.
And in that email, you congratulated me on being a recipient of the Comeback program.
WHAT?!
It couldn’t have come at a better time.
To give you a brief history of how my own fitness journey has evolved, in 2011, I finally decided, after 27 years of being alive, that I would intentionally move my body on a daily basis (you know, what’s commonly referred to as “working out”).
In 2014, I had a baby, and then in 2017, another baby.
My body and I were still on good terms, and I was just about on top of the world with a postpartum comeback when I was suddenly diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer on March 28, 2018.
I kept plugging away, though.
During 18 weeks of chemotherapy (and a couple of months of a seemingly never-ending C-Diff infection - eek), I still made it to the gym, I walked the greenways, and I found ways to move that my body would allow and enjoy.
After my bilateral double mastectomy, I utilized the expertise of a physical therapist, joined LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and found ways to move that my new body slowly adjusted to accepting.
Even after 28 rounds of radiation, and nearly a year of ups and downs with muscle tightening and nerve-pinching, I kept going.
I had my early morning routine back, cancer wasn’t going to stop me!
In December 2019, I had reconstruction. That was the wrap, right? So long as my body accepted the implants, which it did, I’d be good to go!
Let’s get back to it!
And then, only a few months later, just as I was entering that 12-week recovery benchmark, COVID-19 struck, and whatever semblance of “normal” we had created post-cancer suddenly disappeared.
March and April were a challenge - both kids, ages 3 and 5, at home all day with two full-time working parents.
That morning routine of having the gym to myself at 5 a.m. was nonexistent, and unlikely to return in the foreseeable future.
Tempers were short, the house was a mess, my husband and I felt like we were going crazy.
To top it all off, I decided to change careers during the stay-at-home order.
I went from full-time lawyering to community building with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. As you know (and do so well), it’s not easy building a community that’s strictly online. It takes time, focus, and consistency, but I’m relentless in my life’s work of finding a cure for all cancers affecting women.
However, I’ve learned that even the most relentless need to recharge - regularly.
And then suddenly, like a surprise phone call from a dear friend, your email showed up in my inbox - just went I needed it most.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story.
While I wouldn’t have chosen to wait two months for the delivery (although I very much understand - I’m glad you’re keeping everyone safe), it was most definitely worth the wait.
It’s been exactly one week now that I’ve had the bike, and I already feel immersed and accepted into your incredible community of people who are simply seeking to be better versions of themselves.
The Peloton instructors are amazing - I haven’t been able to pick a favorite because they are all so motivating and talented with their work. (Although, I do find camaraderie with fellow recovering attorney Robin Arzon)
The past week, I’ve gotten up early most days - like 5:30 a.m. early. I hadn’t done that in months; I had no reason to. In addition to my work as a mom and non-profit professional, my days are now filled with cycling, yoga, meditation, strength training, and lots of stretching. I’m connecting with other Peloton members - my people! I’m feeling challenged and refreshed.
Most importantly, the confidence I gain after tackling a ride pushes me to be the best version of myself for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Cancer Warrior Network - the community of female cancer warriors that I lead as a key part of my work. Simply put, I cannot do my job well if I’m not taking care of myself.
Dare I say, but things have felt really close to normal for me this week. Perhaps as close to normal as we’ll experience for the rest of 2020, and I’m ok with that.
This feels like a really great new normal - one I wake up excited about every day.
Thank you for being a company that gives back - like, actually gives back - to people like me. The fact that you choose to seek out the survivors, warriors, thrivers - that you give them the opportunity to get on a bike and experience physical satisfaction, mental clarity, and community. The Peloton Comeback program is truly remarkable.
Thank you that this honor is not only for me, but a gift I’m able to share with my husband, who is actually much more deserving of any Comeback than I am. I’ve always said that it’s much harder to be the support person during cancer than it is to be the patient. Your gift of our family being able to share a Peloton and join the community together truly feels like I’m able to give back to Carl in a way that refuels him physically and mentally - two aspects that I know have been so challenged over the past few years for him.
Thank you, again, for your Comeback program.
While cancer may have taken many physical aspects of my being, including my hair, eyelashes, breasts, and mental clarity, you, Peloton, have reminded me that I am strong, capable, and still have much to strive for.
All my gratitude,
Jen