I had a great experience yesterday at Piedmont's Health & Fitness Club for my orientation for the "Pink at Piedmont" program.  You never know what to expect with a new group situation, and what a sweet surprise to walk into a beautiful facility where, in a bright, sunny room, there was a circle of chairs set up with a teddy bear in every other seat.  I'm not sure why but I was drawn to the seat with the smallest brown bear -- he's wearing a little t-shirt that says "Get Well Soon," and has a hand-written note tied to him that says, "We're praying for you."  A group of school children collected the bears and brought them over as gifts for the women participating in "Pink."  I was joined by 3 other ladies who are in various stages of their treatment (there was another orientation earlier, so there'll be about 10 of us total for this 12 week session.)  One woman had surgery a month ago and has just returned to work.  Another is having surgery to finish her reconstruction next month -- she got her diagnosis as her sister was finishing radiation for her breast cancer. The third has just finished her chemo before her bilateral mastectomy in a month.  The 4 of us met with a few of the folks we'll be working with over the next 3 months.  We'll be able to use the filtness center to work out anytime we like for FREE!  We can even bring a friend or family member with us to encourage us to work out -- I'm bringing my buddy, Diane.  She'll also be able to use the facility for free during the 12 weeks.  I've commited to do at least one group workout a week, meet with "wellness coach" Barbara and with a nutrition counselor, and we get 3 one-on-one visits with one of Piedmont's knowledgeable exercise physiologists.  We're encouraged to take part in some of the many Cancer Wellness programs Piedmont offers -- easy for me as I already love taking the cooking classes and am interested in taking yoga and meditation classes.  Finally, you're able to extend your free use of the fitness center (your workout buddy would get a discount) for another 12 weeks!!  The center also offers many different types of exercise classes at no additional charge.  This is an amazing gift for any woman at any phase of her breast cancer treatment (and up to 8 months following her last treatment -- all with an okay from her oncologist, of course) to take advantage of.  So as I'm working at shaping up, I'll continue to take you on my journey. I hope you'll let any woman you know who needs these services that there are many people eager to offer their expertise and support through programs like "Pink."  For more info on "Pink at Piedmont," go to www.piedmontcancer.org.