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How Mary Went From Hospitalized to Walking 14,000 Steps at the Masters
A first-person look at what's possible with the right rehabilitation team by your side.
Every patient who walks through our doors is fighting one of the hardest battles of their life. Our job is to make sure they don't have to fight it alone — and to help them find their strength again, one step at a time. For Mary, that meant literally getting back on her feet and three months later walking 14,000 steps at the Masters. Her story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when the right care meets the right moment.
Where Mary Started
Mary was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma in September 2025. In her own words:
"I was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma in September 2025. I started treatment with immunotherapy and targeted chemo pills in October. The first drug did me in and I ended up in the hospital. My joint pain was so bad I could not function on my own. I went on a different drug and my joint pain remained really bad for a while. I finally got my joint pain somewhat under control and then went to see Sarah at CRG in January. What a difference she has made in my life!"
— Mary, CRG Patient
Believing Recovery Was Possible
Starting rehab after months of pain and exhaustion isn't easy — the hardest part often isn't physical, it's believing progress is even possible. Mary told us:
"The hardest thing was thinking I could actually get back to full function. Mind over matter. I was so tired and was aching for so long, I couldn't imagine having less pain and more ease in my daily movements."
The Moment Everything Shifted
Real progress often starts small — and builds into something extraordinary. Mary shared the moment she knew she could do anything:
"After the first visit I started doing easy daily exercises that slowly got my body moving well again. At the first or second visit Sarah was assessing me and wanted me to get down on ground and back up. I was panicking and could not allow myself to even try. I was afraid I wouldn't get up. She encouraged me to try, but I did not. I started a simple way to practice at home and after a few weeks told Sarah I had a surprise. I easily got down and up off the floor for her. We were both so excited! I knew then I could do anything if I just kept trying."
Life Restored
Today, Mary moves through her days with confidence — and a partner in her care who understands exactly what she's going through:
"Besides getting on floor and back up, I can just move better. Walking, lifting, all movement is better and less painful. Also my confidence and attitude improved. Sarah listens and understands. My family and friends are wonderful, but have never dealt with cancer side effects. Sarah understands how I feel, anticipates what may come, and gives me such practical knowledge to address my fears, questions and concerns."
The Moment That Meant the Most
Three months into her care, Mary got to do something she never expected:
"I was able to do a family trip to Augusta for the Masters (three months after starting at CRG) and I walked 14,000 steps that day! Could not have done that without my rehab."
3 Months
From Starting Rehab to Walking 14,000 Steps in One Day at the Masters
The CRG Difference
"It is so hard to put into words what Sarah and the staff have done for me. Whether monitoring and adjusting my exercises, doing lymphatic massage (which helps a-lot), or just listening to me when I need to talk or have questions about my cancer. Sarah never pushed me to do too much too quickly. She assessed where I was, put a plan together that was reasonable and easy to maintain. And then she would increase my plan as I advanced. I would not have stuck with it if it was too hard. Sarah is always available for what 'I' need. She is also a great source of information and motivation!"
In Mary's Words, Cancer Rehab Group Is...
"They are angels put here to help you through
one of the roughest times in your life!"
This is what Cancer Rehab Group was built for —
meeting patients exactly where they are, and walking beside them until they're doing things they never thought possible again.
If you or someone you love is navigating cancer and looking for a rehabilitation team that understands, we're here.
