University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute

05/11/2026

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, COMING ALL THE WAY OUT FROM PA, IT’S SHANE!!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from the 412 (Pittsburgh, PA) ((The best city in the world)) (((almost better than Greeley, CO)))

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I am forklift certified

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: My interest in this field came from an exercise oncology course I completed this past summer, which gave me a strong foundation and passion for the subject. When I began searching for an internship, I discovered that the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute is widely regarded as the birthplace of exercise oncology. The opportunity to learn directly from the pioneers of this field made it an exceptional and compelling choice for my professional development.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I’ve enjoyed comradery with my fellow interns and getting to make my patients better everyday

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: it’s given me excellent base to further work with patients in the medical field. My interpersonal skills have grown exceptionally and I feel much more confident working with special populations.

04/27/2026

Ryan from CSU!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Durango, CO

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I’ve been skydiving.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to intern with the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute because I wanted to gain experience in a well-established, accredited setting while taking on meaningful responsibilities involving patient care. Additionally, my uncle passed away from cancer shortly before the start of my internship, which further motivated me to contribute to this field and support others affected by the disease.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I have most enjoyed the connections I have built with both patients and fellow interns. The clinic fosters a strong sense of community and provides a welcoming, supportive environment. I have also valued the educational component of the program, particularly gaining a deeper understanding of cancer and the challenges patients face daily. Furthermore, the guidance and support from our supervisors have made the internship both engaging and highly educational.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: My experience at the Cancer Rehabilitation Institute will have a significant impact on my future career as a CRNA. Developing strong patient rapport and learning how to effectively care for and communicate with patients are essential skills I will use daily. Additionally, gaining knowledge about various cancer treatments and their effects on the body will help me provide more informed and comprehensive care in my future role.

04/23/2026

Happy happy birthday to Meredith! 🥳
Get to know her!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Colorado Springs

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I can sing the alphabet backwards

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: So I can help patients through their walk through cancer. My peers also worked here and said how amazing and unforgettable this experience was.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: Working 1-on-1 with my patients, and working with this group of interns

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: I hope to continue exercise physiology/exercise oncology because of this internship

ZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHFGEDCBA 😉

04/20/2026

Meet the runner Hunter!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Aroura, Colorado.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I have read every single book in the Dune series. I am also on the UNCO cross country and track team.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to become a part of the UNCCRI because of my grampa who was diagnosed with cancer in early 2022. This led me to the Rehabilitation Institute in search of what I can do with my degree to help those in my life and future career.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I have enjoyed building deep connections with my patients and learning more about their life and how cancer has affected them. I enjoy seeing the progress of each of my patients as they get stronger at the UNCCRI.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: The UNCCRI has given me hands on experience that I will apply in a long career of rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Institute has helped me build lifelong connections as well as enough life lessons to last a lifetime.

04/17/2026

It’s Dominic!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Thornton, Colorado

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I once played a baseball game at Coors Field. Also, baseball retired me once I broke my jaw from it.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I was drawn to UNCCRI because it gives me the opportunity to gain real-world experience and put my knowledge into practice. It also stood out to me for its encouraging atmosphere, where I’m supported by people who are invested in both my personal and professional development.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The most rewarding part has been being part of such a welcoming and uplifting environment. I’ve really enjoyed building connections with both patients and staff, and it’s been meaningful to see the progress people make over time while being part of that journey.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: This experience has helped shape how I view my future in physical therapy. It’s shown me the value of staying adaptable, continuing to learn, and creating strong, positive relationships, all while bringing enthusiasm into the work I do.

04/13/2026

Meet Lorna!!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from Nairobi, Kenya - born, raised and will one day will move back.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: Other than I can speak, read and write in 4 languages, I’m also pretty good at games that involve mind work.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the
UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: It’s an interesting place and I don’t think exercise regimen is something that is often prescribed to cancer patients. I also witnessed the decline and death of my aunt to multiple different cancers after fighting it for 3/4 years.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The people who work and my fellow interns, the patients are also amazing and it’s a wonderful experience to see and be a part of their recovery.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: I plan on getting my graduate degree and having insight into what I’ll one day do and be part of the leadership is satisfying.

04/07/2026

Get to know Maha!!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from the 757, Virginia Beach baby ‼️

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I’ve never lost a game in anagrams or word hunt. And I was top 1000 players in Fortnite at one point

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to be a part of the unc cancer institute because of my interest in oncology and being able to work one on one with patients. I also wanted to work with a different population to expand my career in physical therapy.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I enjoyed smoking everyone in spikeball and pickleball. I also enjoyed spending time with the people, staff and patients everyday. Seeing patients’ progress and hearing their life stories and receiving countless donuts was also a bonus. Overall there was never a dull day with this experience.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: Interning here and working closely with patients, I have developed a deeper sense of compassion, learning how to support individuals not just physically, but emotionally with their recovery journey. This experience has also allowed me to better understand the science of cancer, including how the disease and its treatments affect the body over time. I’m hoping I can work in oncology or in the rehab field after receiving my PT degree.

04/03/2026

Introducing Alex!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Loveland, CO

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I can juggle

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to be a part of UNCCRI because I was a practicum student last semester and really enjoyed being around the patients and learning their stories. Cancer has impacted my family a lot throughout the years, so I became interested in the topic of cancer and become a part of community that makes a positive difference in others.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The patients. Being able to laugh with them during every session and seeing them improve in real time. I have also enjoyed working with all the interns, making the best memories, playing spike ball, and building relationships that I will treasure forever.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: It has allowed me to gain more hands-on experience and apply what I have learned throughout school to everyday situations. This internship has helped me build more confidence within myself, taught me lots of life lessons as to never take anything for granted and motivate me to continue a career in rehabilitation and helping others.

03/31/2026

Meet Victor!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Nigeria (West Africa)

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I am a multisport athlete, and I find it easy to learn and adapt to a variety of activities. I am also fluent in four languages, with some proficiency in Spanish — Yagba, Yoruba, Pidgin, English, and un poco de Español (you could call me a linguaphile).

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I was drawn to the opportunity to join an amazing team dedicated to helping cancer patients and survivors live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I was also excited about the chance to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on cancer and the role of exercise in rehabilitation.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I have especially enjoyed building personal relationships with patients and being part of the collective team effort that keeps the program running, from the interns to the staff and the patients themselves. I would also add that the staff has made the experience even more enjoyable than I expected. There is never a dull moment; it’s a perfect blend of work and fun!

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: This experience has had a profound impact on me from the very first day I worked with my first patient. The look on their face and the sense of satisfaction after that session spoke volumes. I was able to see the positive impact of UNCCRI in real time, and in that moment, I found a deeper sense of purpose and direction for my career. Moving forward, I hope to continue contributing to the body of knowledge on cancer and exercise, whether through research, teaching, or working as a clinical cancer exercise specialist, helping survivors live better and healthier lives.

03/23/2026

Coming out from Georgia, meet Hank!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Savannah Georgia

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I am colorblind. I also ate a ham and cheese sandwich on top of the highest sand dune in North America with Shane.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: Having had cancer 2 times myself. I can vouch for the impact that exercise has during treatment as well as improving quality of life. To help others find the same joy and benefits is the ultimate privilege. It is also awesome hands-on experience in exercise oncology before starting my master’s program in clinical exercise physiology.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The people. Without a doubt. Everyone, from the interns to the staff to the patients, has made this feel like home despite being 1,400 miles away from my actual home. Everyone shows up each day wanting to be there, and that energy is infectious. It pushes me to show up at 100% of my capabilities and energy every single day. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: It has already given me exceptional experience. I’ve learned so much and have become more proficient in exercise testing and prescription within the oncology field. It has also allowed me to see firsthand the positive effects of exercise in real time every single day. This experience has made me want to pursue exercise oncology as a career. The things I have learned will without a doubt serve me in my future career.

03/21/2026