From Participants in the ICS Breast Cancer Survivor Study...
It is certainly true that once you discover the joy of exercise and the feeling of wellbeing, both mentally and physically you don’t want to give it up and that’s exactly what happened to me. I have made some good friends through the programme and after our walk on a Saturday we go for some light refreshments and a chat. Marie’s belief, passion and enthusiasm for what she does is infectious. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in getting fit to try the programme and I guarantee that you will not regret it.
-- H. Doyle
I started the Irish Cancer Society Physical Activity Programme in March 2012. This was 14 months after my mastectomy. In less than four months I find the change in my physical and mental well-being is remarkable. My physical energy is fully restored and my psychological outlook is positive and upbeat. This transformation is without doubt due to this programme...I had never ‘done’ weights before. The resistance programme has improved greatly my range of motion and my upper body strength. Again Marie’s professionalism helped to make me feel secure and safe and gave me confidence in carrying out this programme.
-- M. Lineen
I joined the second programme in March 2011. This walking programme has changed my life as I have achieved a fitness level I never thought possible. I am a much happier person as I have lost a lot of weight and shaped up through the huge benefits of the Resistance Programme. The lymphedema in my surgery arm is now under control.
-- S. Griffin
My biggest achievement, thanks to the programme, is the fact that I can lift my children again! They are 6 and 5. The delight on their faces that I could give them a cuddle while standing was breathtaking.
-- J. Raftery
This course has been a blessing. Meeting people in the same situation, getting support and understanding. The encouragement we gave each other. It has changed my life for the better.
-- C. McCarthy
With grateful thanks to Coach Murphy, three years on this program is now part of my weekly routine. I believe it to be the essential medicine necessary for the prevention of illness and for prevention of recurrence of illness.
-- M. Adams
Prior to starting the walking programme, I walked at a much slower pace and any 'incline' left me breathless and tired. Today I spent 90 minutes walking the cliffs of Howth with no adverse effects. The weights programme has made a big difference also. After my treatment, I had lymphedema and the affected arm was much weaker. Now I can carry my shopping in comfort. I can visit my grandchild in London (without any need of assistance with my luggage) and lift and carry him in comfort, happy in the knowledge that I am getting stronger as he grows bigger... I now feel I am in better shape mentally in dealing with it because I know that I can stay healthy and well by continuing with what I have learned from this brilliant programme.
-- B. McCaul
See some photos from the Breast Cancer Survivor Study
And from individuals who have worked with Marie...
I sought Marie out because I needed to regain my fitness level, having become sedentary over the past couple of years. Through her training I went from being completely sedentary in June 2002, to finishing the Dublin City Marathon in October 2002.
-- Catherine Carpenter, Ph.D., M.P.H. - Assistant Professor of Medicine, UCLA
I have worked with Marie Murphy as a personal trainer for close to a decade. During that period, she has taken me from a one to two mile runner to an enthusiastic marathoner with a well-rounded base of support activities, including track work, biomechanics and weight training. At the same time, she has helped me improve my nutrition and overall well-being. And all of this has been accomplished in a manner consistent with my schedule, which involves long work days and constant business travel.
-- Penelope Foley, Managing Director, TCW
Chicago was my first marathon, and Coach Murphy helped to make it a life changing experience. I hadn't run consistently in years, and with Coach Murphy's program I was ready to compete in 21 weeks. The training program was awesome and doesn't require running everyday, like many others. I completed the marathon with no problems or injuries, and wasn't even sore after one day. It was such a great experience I decided to sign-up again and run the Dublin City Marathon this year. If I can do it anyone can, especially with a coach like Coach Murphy.
-- Beth Medina, Program Director, Dress for Success
