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Believe in You

Key Dates Schedule FAQs Our Team Register Email
Believe in You Logo
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Believe in You is more than an exercise program—it's a community where cancer survivors come together to grow, and thrive. This free 20-week program, developed by certified exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, and certified health coaches at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, empowers participants to build strength, improve overall well-being, and find encouragement through movement and meaningful connections. From group workouts to optional participation in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, every step of the journey is designed to help you feel stronger, healthier, and supported

"It started because so many Sylvester patients wanted to participate in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, but they didn't feel they could do it," said Believe in You program director Paola Rossi, M.D., clinical program director of lifestyle medicine at Sylvester. "We've fixed that! I haven't met any participant who has started our program and doesn't feel like they found a community and can get healthier and stronger together. Everyone who comes feels empowered, and that's the true magic of the program."


The program exceeded my expectations. I thought the Zoom classes were great and my experiences at the park on Saturdays were terrific.

-Michael T, 69, bladder and prostate cancer survivor.

I like the comradery not just with the survivors, but also with the trainers. The experience is encouraging and fun every time.

-Simone S, 52, cervical cancer survivor.

It is motivating that everyone has a different level of experience, but we are all still trying to achieve the same goal of good health after cancer.

-Candice M, 63, breast cancer survivor.

I would recommend this program to anybody, whether they have recovered completely or are going through treatment, because you have to have a community to overcome these kinds of challenges.

-Beverly J, 61, breast cancer survivor.



What You'll Experience

Believe in You is a 20-week complimentary program created to support all cancer survivors, no matter where they are in their journey: before, during or after treatment. Participants are also welcome to bring one companion to join them.

This program offers a variety of training styles—including aerobic, mobility, and resistance training—to help you build strength, confidence, and community. You can attend as many sessions as you'd like, but we encourage everyone to participate in our in-person Saturday sessions and commit to at least two virtual classes per week for the best experience.

Key Dates

Believe in You Program Dates

*As a final event of our program, we participate as a team in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC). This event is optional, but we encourage you to be part of it!

Here's how the program is structured:

📊 Pre- and Post-Program wellness testing

All participants have the opportunity to undergo comprehensive fitness assessments at the beginning and end of the program, conducted at our state-of-the-art wellness and performance facility on the Griffin Clinical Research Building.

These assessments are designed to help you track progress, set realistic goals, and better understand your body. Testing includes:

🧬 Body Composition Analysis:

Using advanced technology, we measure body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and more to provide a full picture of your physical health.

❤️ Aerobic wellness testing

VO₂max is the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular fitness. It helps us assess how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise—valuable information to guide your workouts and monitor improvements over time.

🏃 Strength and Functional Movement Screens:

Evaluate your muscle strength, balance, and movement patterns to help tailor your fitness plan and reduce injury risk.

📅 Weekly Saturday Sessions

Join us every Saturday for in-person group sessions held at beautiful outdoor locations in Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Miami: Pinecrest Community Center, 5855 Killian Dr, Pinecrest, FL 33156 Get Directions

Broward: Robbins Preserve, 4005 Hiatus Road, Davie, FL 33330 Get Directions

💪 Weekday Classes (Monday to Friday)

Stay active throughout the week with a variety of hybrid classes that include:

  • Resistance Training
  • Yoga

Participants can attend in person at our brand-new workout room located on the Griffin Clinical Research Building or join virtually from the comfort of home. All fitness levels are welcome.

📧 Weekly Newsletters

Every week, participants receive a digital newsletter filled with:

  • Nutrition and exercise advice
  • Program updates
  • Recipes

🎉 Special Events

We host three special events during the program season to celebrate milestones, promote health education, and connect with the wider community in a fun, supportive environment.

“The challenge for many cancer patients is they don't know where and how to safely start a lifestyle program, and, perhaps because of that, many survivors do not meet recommendations for physical activity and nutrition. There is strong evidence in published studies by Sylvester researchers and others that meeting these recommendations can reduce risk of cancer recurrence and mortality and improve survivors' quality of life.”
Tracy E. Crane, Ph.D., R.D.N, director of Lifestyle Medicine and Digital Health for Cancer Survivorship.

"It started because so many Sylvester patients wanted to participate in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, but they didn't feel they could do it," said Believe in You program director Paola Rossi, M.D., clinical program director of lifestyle medicine at Sylvester. "We've fixed that! I haven't met any participant who has started our program and doesn't feel like they found a community and can get healthier and stronger together. Everyone who comes feels empowered, and that's the true magic of the program."

Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event
Attendees of the Believe in You event

Schedule

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
6:00 AM
In Person & Virtual

Full Body Strength
With Madalyn
6:00 AM
In Person & Virtual

Full Body Strength
With Madalyn
8:30 AM
In Person

Miami Training
Pinecrest Community Center
9:00 AM
In Person & Virtual

Full Body Strength
With Madalyn
9:00 AM
Virtual

Core & More
With Madalyn
9:00 AM
In Person & Virtual

Full Body Strength
With Madalyn
9:00 AM
Virtual

Core & More
With Madalyn
9:00 AM
In Person

Broward Training
Robbins Preserve Park
12:00 PM
Virtual

Power Hour
With Stefan
12:00 PM
Virtual

Power Hour
With Stefan
11:00 AM
Virtual

Yoga
With Beatriz
** Weekly in-person sessions will take place at GCRB - 1425 NW 10 Ave. Miami, FL 33136 - Office 403
** Class Zoom link will be share via email.
** Robbins Park: 4005 Hiatus Road, Davie, FL 33330
**Pinecrest Community Center: 5855 Killian Dr, Pinecrest, FL 33156

FAQs

Who can participate in Believe in You? Page 1

Believe in You is open to all cancer survivors in South Florida, regardless of where they received treatment or where they are in their cancer journey. Participants are also welcome to bring one companion for support.

Do I need to be athletic or have previous exercise experience? Page 1

No! Believe in You welcomes participants of all fitness levels. Whether you're just getting started or have exercised before, our team will meet you where you are and help you progress safely and confidently.

Can I join if I'm still receiving cancer treatment? Page 1

Yes! Many participants join while undergoing treatment. Your healthcare provider will simply need to sign a medical clearance form confirming that it is safe for you to participate.

What types of exercise will I do? Page 1

The program includes a variety of exercise formats, including strength training, cardio, mobility, flexibility, and functional fitness.

How long are the training sessions? Page 1

All scheduled training sessions are approximately 60 minutes long.

Why is exercise important for cancer survivors? Page 1

Research shows that exercise helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and can help reduce fatigue, improve strength and mobility, enhance emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Do I have to participate in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge? Page 1

No. Believe in You participants have the opportunity to prepare for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge throughout the season, but participation is completely optional. Many participants enjoy celebrating their accomplishments by taking part in the event, but participation is entirely your choice.

Our Team

Tracy Crane, PhD
Tracy Crane, PhD
Associate Professor, Medical Oncology
Co-Lead, Cancer Control Research Program
Director, Digital Health And Lifestyle Medicine
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School Of Medicine, University Of Miami
Paola Rossi, MD, MSED
Paola Rossi, MD, MSED, ACSM-EP
DIRECTOR, CLINICAL PROGRAM - LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
DIVISION OF CANCER CONTROL
SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
Sandra Anciani-Beltran
Sandra Anciani-Beltran
Project Coordinator
Madalyn Wheeler
Madalyn Wheeler, MSEd and ACSM-EP
PHD Candidate, Exercise Physiology
Stefan Spee Erlandsen
Stefan Spee Erlandsen, MSED,
ACSM-Cancer Specialist
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Tracy Crane, PhD

Associate Professor, Medical Oncology
Co-Lead, Cancer Control Research Program
Director, Digital Health And Lifestyle Medicine
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miller School Of Medicine, University Of Miami

Dr. Crane leads a multi-disciplinary research team to carry out the delivery of digital health lifestyle interventions. In order to successfully conduct, manage and deliver these large-scale trials, her research team utilizes a smart software platform that incorporates voice, text and video, with integrated wearable data, and interfaces with clinical care. Dr. Crane's most recent projects integrate deep learning and natural language processing in an effort to identify precision behavioral interventions to better predict what intervention to use, for whom and when, moving beyond the "one size fits all" approach.

Paola Rossi, MD, MSED, ACSM-EP

Director, Clinical Program - Lifestyle Medicine
Medical Oncology
Division Of Cancer Control
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Paola Rossi, MD, MS in Exercise Physiology, Clinical Program Director of Lifestyle Medicine at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Paola Rossi is a Family and Palliative Care Physician. Born and raised in Argentina, Dr. Rossi developed an early interest in the intersection between medicine, lifestyle, and nutrition, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in family medicine and palliative care. After completing her medical training, Dr. Rossi went on to earn a master's degree in exercise physiology, focusing her research on the role of physical activity and diet in cancer prevention and survivorship. As a medical educator, Dr. Rossi dedicated her tiMe in developing multiple community programs to empower her patients and students with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health.

Sandra Anciani-Beltran

Project Coordinator

I’m an experienced healthcare professional with a strong foundation in systems development and healthcare operations. I currently serve as the Project Coordinator for the Believe in You Program at the University of Miami, where I’ve been a proud and committed team member since 2018. In addition, I collaborate with the Food Pharmacy Project, supporting community-centered healthcare initiatives. With over a decade of experience in administration, logistics, and operations within the healthcare sector, I bring both breadth and depth to my work. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, an Associate of Science, and an Associate Degree in English Academic Writing. I've also completed several professional trainings, particularly in Healthcare Project Management. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on a variety of responsibilities, including managing onboarding processes, departmental budgeting, and scheduling logistics. My work has focused on optimizing provider templates, improving clinical access, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards, and supporting departmental leadership through high-level operational reporting.

Madalyn Wheeler, MSEd and ACSM-EP

PHD Candidate, Exercise Physiology

Madalyn is a third-year Ph.D. student in Exercise Physiology at the University of Miami, working under the mentorship of Dr. Tracy Crane. She earned her Master of Science in Education in Applied Physiology from the University of Miami in 2023. Now in her fourth year with Believe in You, the program remains the highlight of her academic journey at UM.

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