Your Health Today
Leukemia Survivor Rebuilds Strength and Community Through CrossFit
An Alpine woman who survived a grueling battle with leukemia more than a decade ago is sharing her story of physical and emotional recovery through an unexpected outlet: a local CrossFit gym. What began as an effort to reclaim control over her body following years of intensive cancer treatments has transformed into a journey of newfound confidence and deep community connection.
Robin Florance was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2013. The years that followed were defined by frequent hospitalizations, aggressive medical treatments, and a series of severe secondary health complications. Florance noted that the medical interventions left her dealing with a wide array of long-term challenges, including osteoporosis, malnutrition from an inability to eat, and kidney disease.
After years of gradual recovery, Florance decided to take a chance on her physical health by joining Alpine Ranch CrossFit in June 2025. Despite initial apprehensions that the high-intensity program was reserved strictly for elite athletes, she found that the gym environment offered the structured support she needed. Florance credited the coaching staff and the tight-knit member community with helping her scale the workouts to her specific physical capabilities while offering constant encouragement.
Chappie Hunter, the owner and head coach at Alpine Ranch CrossFit, praised Florance's dedication and noted that her presence has inspired other athletes in the facility. Hunter emphasized that physical activity serves as a vital component of post-cancer rehabilitation, fostering both physical strength and mental resilience.
Nearly a year into her training, Florance achieved a personal milestone by participating in the CrossFit Open, a worldwide annual competition that tests athletes across various disciplines of strength and endurance. For Florance, completing the challenge served as definitive proof of her recovery, noting that she now feels stronger than she did prior to her cancer diagnosis. She hopes her experience encourages other individuals facing health setbacks to explore functional fitness without counting themselves out.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 18, 2026
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