About Us
our mission
TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE
Mission Statement: A community exercise program in which persons with a cancer diagnosis participate in group classes designed to enhance their recovery process. Services provided will include educating cancer patients and the general public on the benefits of exercise in reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving functional activities.
Our Story: Strength for Life was founded in memory of our friend and mentor, Evelyn Knapp, who passed away from breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 40.
Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother of three young daughters, business owner, respected exercise physiologist, and friend to many.
When Evelyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, she continued exercising throughout her treatment, even at a time when many patients were advised that bed rest was best. She often said that exercise gave her “a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation.” Inspired by her own experience, she made it her mission to help others with cancer experience the physical and emotional benefits of exercise during treatment.
Although Evelyn passed away just 18 months after her diagnosis, her vision lives on through Strength for Life.
Today, Strength for Life continues Evelyn’s legacy by empowering individuals affected by cancer to regain strength, improve their quality of life, and discover hope through the healing power of exercise.
About Us
In 2006 Co-Founders Jacqui Errico and Debbie Hughes became Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists with the plan to bring safe and effective exercise training to cancer thrivers at Evelyn’s fitness centers where they still worked. After speaking at a cancer support group on the topic they quickly realized the outrageous medical costs associated with cancer treatment left little room for a personal trainer or gym membership for the majority of those diagnosed. Recognizing that need, they decided to start a nonprofit organization so anyone with a cancer diagnosis regardless of socioeconomic status can experience the benefits of incorporating exercise into their treatment plan. In 2007 Strength For Life was officially formed and our work began!
Board of Directors
Kathleen J. Hennessy-Moran, Esq.
Kathy Moran has proudly served on the Strength For Life Board of Directors since 2012 and currently serves as Board Secretary. In addition to her board service, she is the organization's Community & Partnership Director, where she works to build meaningful relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and supporters to help ensure that individuals impacted by cancer have access to Strength For Life's free exercise and wellness programs.
Renée Shutowich
Renée Shutowich brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the Strength For Life Board of Directors as a seasoned architectural designer, breast cancer survivor, and dedicated advocate for the organization. A Penn State graduate with years of industry experience, she applies her background in architectural design, project coordination, CADD management, and strategic planning to help support the organization's continued growth and outreach.
Siobhan Hanlon, ND
Considered one of New York’s top Naturopathic doctors, Dr. Siobhan Hanlon is devoted to healing patients as a whole through a holistic approach. Dr Hanlon currently resides on the board of Directors for Strength For Life – Providing services and education for patients with cancer. She is a certified personal trainer with special training in cancer safety exercise. With extensive knowledge in biochemistry, Dr Hanlon has been sought out by multiple nutraceutical companies to help develop many supplement lines including Nutrafol and works closely with professional golfer Phil Mickelson on coffee additive and athletic recovery supplements.
Treisha M. Green, MBA, CILP
Since joining the Strength For Life Board of Directors in 2025, Treisha has contributed her project management expertise, strategic perspective, and passion for community impact in support of the organization's mission to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Kim Tedesco
As a senior leader at Arrow Electronics, Kim currently serves as deputy chief transformation officer. As transformation director, she acts as the “right hand” to the CTO, coordinating program updates, processes and governance; partners cross-functionally with internal and external colleagues to manage program interdependencies; and maintains overall program backlog, resource planning, and risk mitigation.
Jacqui Errico, Co-Founder
While working alongside Evelyn Knapp, the co-owner of the Personal Training Institute, our lives took an unexpected turn. Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer, a profound moment that inspired Debbie and me to deepen our expertise and become certified Cancer Exercise Specialists. Shortly after, Debbie and I were invited to speak at a Breast Cancer Support Group. Listening to the participants, we were struck by a harsh reality: between medical treatments and mounting bills, the insurance copays these individuals faced were astronomical. Specialized personal training—something that could drastically aid their recovery—was financially entirely out of reach. We knew we couldn't just stand by. We immediately put a plan into motion to bridge this gap, deciding that financial limitations should never stand in the way of healing. That determination gave birth to Strength for Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to "Fighting Cancer with Exercise."
Dr. Barbara Donnellan
Jim Mortimer
Julia Knapp
Transparency
Strength For Life is committed to being the best stewards of the revenue it receives from its supporters, sponsors and partners. We are mission-driven and work tirelessly everyday to maximize our impact to inspire, empower and unite those affected by cancer.
On behalf of those served through our mission, we thank you for your trust, belief and commitment to our growth and success. 86% of every dollar raised goes directly to supporting our wellness programs for cancer patients, survivors and thrivers.
View our annual tax returns below: