KMR Testimonial

The year 2017 was the worst on record for me.  I lost the last of my eyesight from glaucoma, and a few months later was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. The cancer had spread from the lung into my liver and bones.  A true shock since I had always been in good health and was never a smoker. Thus began the regimen of chemotherapy every 3 weeks, tough on the body. It also caused me to cut back some on my work as a divorce attorney. 

On a post-diagnosis outing one day in my neighborhood I came across an old warehouse that had been converted to a gym.  There were some serious boxers and work out people in there, but it was so close to my house and I was now 18 months into chemo that I stopped in to see if there was anyone who would work with me to build up my strength and stamina for the long road ahead.  I had the tremendously good fortune to be connected with Fabian Wilkinson, an experienced trainer and man of great compassion who had no hesitation in taking me on as a client.  My time at the gym with Fabian has been good for body, mind and spirit.  Thanks to my regular work-out sessions with Fabian, and an amazing oncology team and support network of the best friends in the world, my energy level is good and I am keeping up with my normal work and life activities.  I am told I have no outward appearance of being a cancer patient.  For me the workout sessions help to manage stress and some of the adverse affects of treatment.

In recent months Fabian has opened his own gym at a new location here in our West Oakland neighborhood.  “Own It Rx”, like other gyms, is not immune from COVID-19 restrictions. So for now our work-out sessions are spent doing the 3.2 mile walk around Lake Merritt until  the gym can re-open at full capacity.  I am honored to be a founding member of this minority-owned gym right here in the neighborhood. 

Thanks for all you do for our community Fabian!