A Fierce Reminder Just How Precious Life Is

Life is precious. We all know this but sometimes we need a fierce reminder.

‘I’m going to die’. Not the words I expected to be shouting from a hospital bed just a few weeks ago. I was in the UK, back home to teach a course in Blackpool, England. Teaching a course with my familiar migraine that Sunday after two days of teaching at a convention was a struggle, but I overcame it and taught probably the easiest BootyBarre class I have ever taught. Then I went into the morning of our BB teacher-training course. Unfortunately I had to leave the class and I was luckily enough to have the talented Rachael Howard to take over my teaching duties and the Booty Barre community was left in the dark with regard to my health condition. I knew I was fighting a migraine that unfortunately was not unfamiliar to me. I’ve been battling migraines for four years and I know how to cope and I am so committed to my work that I just battle through it. But this time was different. My body shut down, my head felt as though it didn’t belong to my body, and little did I know I was about to find out I had a brain tumor!

I am a fighter. I am a doer. I am passionately optimistic about the world around me. But for the first time in my life, I felt out of control, and scared for my life. I ended up in the ER in West Midlands after my mother tried unsuccessfully to help me cope through 24 hours of vomiting and excruciating head pain. Thousands of miles away from my family, I was extremely lucky to have my mother by my side for what was about to unfold. Kind of strange — I could have been anywhere in the world yet I was in the town I was born, it was very serendipitous.

When I was admitted to the hospital the first thing they noticed was that my left pupil was dilated. Interestingly enough this is something that I have noticed myself on and off for the past few years. I have been to various doctors on and off over the years for various issues, including eye doctors, and yet no one seemed to be troubled by this. But thankfully the ER Doctor saw it as a cause for concern and ordered at CT scan. The scan revealed what no one wants to hear – I had an unknown mass on my brain.

My mother was the first to hear the news. She argued back with the doctor that this simply could not be her daughter’s diagnosis. He patiently convinced her that yes, your daughter has a mass and the scan he was showing her was indeed mine. After being pretty much unconscious for two days, all I remember was waking up to a doctor telling me that I was experiencing edema, swelling of the brain, and that I was scheduled for an MRI next day to investigate a mass on the right side of my brain.

I felt helpless and extremely scared…it was like seeing your life unravel in front of your eyes and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it!

For the past four years I have experienced migraines. It has just become part of my life. I started to beat myself up a bit and wonder if I should have done more over the past few years to determine the cause of my migraines. My mother, grandmother and several other family members have all experienced migraines throughout their life so I just assumed I inherited this condition and I learned to cope with it as best as I could. But now I found myself in a hospital wondering if there was more I could have done along the way to prevent this very moment from happening.

The next day I received the MRI and was diagnosed with meningioma, which is a tumor that forms on membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord just inside the skull. Then I was given a full body CT to determine if anything else was going on. More bad news. I was told that I had lesions on my liver.

MRI

So many emotions came over me in that moment. Mostly I was angry with myself. Angry that I had not been more proactive with my health over the past few years concerning the migraines. I had always compared myself to other friends who were getting migraines 2-5 times a week, so I felt lucky only having them once a month and I was always determined not to let migraines run my life. I’ve always believed that prevention is key to a healthy live and yet I clearly had not done enough. Why hadn’t I demanded more testing and a more aggressive treatment plan for my migraines since I have been suffering for the past few years? In that moment I felt a strong sense of guilt and blamed myself for being where I was that day. I wanted to be home. I wanted to get out of that hospital and be back with my husband and kids. I wanted none of this to be happening. But it was.

I had been sharing my diagnosis and reports with a dear friend, Dr. Howard Kaufman back home who helped me interpret some of what was going on. With his help and support and after convincing the medical team in the UK to let me fly home, they reluctantly released me. One of the doctors pulled me aside and said to me, “I would do the same thing. Go home and spend what little time you have left with your family”. I’ll never forget leaving that room. I put my slippers on, put all of my belongings into a small bag and walked out of the hospital on a mission to get to the bottom of what the hell was happening to my body.

Less than one week after what I thought had just been a migraine, that turned out to be something totally unexpected, I found myself on a plane back to the US. When I got back to the States, Dr. Howard Kaufman was able to get MRI’s for me right away. They discovered that my liver was in fact fine and the lesions that the other doctors had found were actually just normal and healthy marks that are commonly seen. This was the first moment where I thought, “I can do this.” Maybe what is going on with my brain is not as bad as they originally thought either. I immediately found myself in a better place and reclaimed some of my optimism.

I was lucky enough to find my way to Gabriel Zada from the Keck Hospital at USC. Dr. Zada is one of the world’s top doctors focused on brain tumor surgery and neuro-oncology. Dr. Zada was extremely positive from the first moment I met with him. I was so pleased to learn from him that I was lucky enough to have a tumor that was in a “good” place and was operable, as this is not always the case with brain tumors. Within a few days I was back in the hospital and undergoing surgery to remove the tumor. Seven hours later the tumor was successfully removed and although bigger than expected (size of a golf ball), it was out. I was in ICU the evening after the surgery and the very next day I was on the road to recovery. At 9:30 a.m. the very next morning I was walking around the hospital. They warned me about the possibility of stroke, blurred vision and even speech impairment but I held on to the possibility of a miracle. I truly believe that my strong foundation of health and fitness has set me up for a progressive recovery. Even the doctors at USC were shocked that I was up and about so quickly. I am one of the lucky ones.

I may have 40 staples in my head at the moment but I am feeling strong. I am confident that I am working my way back to a place of optimum health. I am still here. But now the questions and pondering begin. Why me? Why now? What did I do wrong? Could I have done something to prevent all of this? And while finding answers to these questions is important, what is more important is cherishing the lessons that I have already learned.

photo

Tracey 24 hours post-surgery

This experience has shaken me to the core. It was not pretty. But I am so truly grateful. I was forced to really take a look at my life, appreciate who I am, what I have accomplished and where I want to go next. I have always been so hands on with all of my business endeavors, so being forced to step away during this health crisis was very hard for me. I was amazed how my business ran so smoothly while all of this was happening. The strength and dedication of my team was so impressive and I’ve definitely changed my perspective on what being a leader means. My role as a leader has shifted and now I want to focus more on empowering others to lead. This has been a great lesson for me. I am an extremely driven person and I am always working towards the next big thing. But now I am here, in this moment, this moment of clarity. Life is precious.

Life is precious and I won’t have a hard time of reminding myself of this each and every day. The amount of love and support that I have experienced these past few weeks have been so incredibly powerful. I am in a different place now and that is a gift. I truly know that prioritizing the things we do in life matters. The choices we make along the way affect our health, and our well-being. I have a second chance and I plan on taking advantage of every single second. But for me this now means living in the moment and respecting my boundaries. I will always have strong drive. but now my drive is refocused and I will respect my body, it’s boundaries and I will redefine what balance in my life means.

I share my story with you because this could have happened to anyone. I am someone who has dedicated their life, their being, and profession to health and fitness and yet this happened to me. Take care of yourself and listen to your body. Fight for answers. Fight for health. Slow down, look around and make sure you are living the life you want to live. Life is precious.

84 Comments
  • Chris
    Posted at 00:02h, 14 December

    Speedy recovery Tracey. You are and will continue to be an inspiration.

    • tobie hall
      Posted at 00:58h, 14 December

      Tracy you are an inspiration to so many and encourage all of us. God be with you as you heal. It sounds like he already has been! Namaste and God bless!

    • tobie hall
      Posted at 00:58h, 14 December

      Tracy you are an inspiration to so many and encourage all of us. God be with you as you heal. It sounds like he already has been! Namaste and God bless!

    • tobie hall
      Posted at 00:58h, 14 December

      Tracy you are an inspiration to so many and encourage all of us. God be with you as you heal. It sounds like he already has been! Namaste and God bless!

  • Pam Haynes
    Posted at 00:17h, 14 December

    Hi Tracey, Im so sorry that you’re going through this. Im in shock. Your in my thoughts and prayers, take care of yourself and family.
    STAY STRONG!
    pam

  • julie c
    Posted at 00:19h, 14 December

    God bless! Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you a peaceful recovery and holiday season.

    You are an amazing mentor and inspiration. I already had so much respect for you in the fitness/business sense but now so much more as a person.

    Take care of yourself!

  • Cynthia
    Posted at 00:26h, 14 December

    Tracey, I am so sorry you are going thru this but appreciate your thoughtful words and candor. It’s funny, I have been a fan of your methods longer than my eldest child has been alive and he is 14! I feel I know you in some way and my thoughts and prayers are with you. My nephew was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of brain cancer over a year ago and they could not remove the full tumor but did remove a baseball size amount. He has gone through treatment and has been strong but I want to share your story with him to encourage him to keep going strong and not let his cancer rule his life. Thank you for sharing and I wish you and yours the best

  • Maria
    Posted at 00:40h, 14 December

    (((Tracey))) oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about this. I am glad that you are on the road to recovery. Healing prayers are headed your way. (((HUGS)))

    • Robin
      Posted at 12:31h, 05 January

      Tracey I am so sorry for what you are going thru. We all need to be reminded how precious life is, how each day is a gift, & how strong the mind/body connection is. Wishing you a speedy recovery & good health always!

  • Vivian Gonzalez
    Posted at 00:57h, 14 December

    Hi Tracey
    I have been followung your work and I have come to the conclusion that you are a true inspiration. You are always creating and doing your work with lots of contagious energy. I enrolled on booty barre’s course in San Antonio in March an was looking forward to meet you in person (I am from Mexico). However, I only wish you get well soon and continue inspiring us. Kisses

  • Melissa McNeese
    Posted at 01:44h, 14 December

    I’m so glad you found good doctors to get you back on your feet. So sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. Sending big hugs. XOXO

  • Stephanie
    Posted at 01:58h, 14 December

    Tracey you’ve always been kind to me in the past, be kind to yourself too! I wish you a complete recovery. Please let go of the what ifs, IMO they will only lead to stress. Focus on your recovery, your future and your family. Sometimes crap happens and there is nothing we can do to change the behind except leave it there…and get a good a$$ workout I suppose.

  • jodie
    Posted at 02:00h, 14 December

    So sorry to hear you are going through this. Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of love.

  • Abbey P.
    Posted at 02:02h, 14 December

    Sending thoughts and prayers your way, Tracey! Your message is beautiful, even through such a hard time.

  • Kate Donahue
    Posted at 02:07h, 14 December

    Tracey I went through the same thing 20 years ago. I also asked why is this happening. Recovering from the tumor has been one of my greatest teachers…..sending love and support.

  • Rachel
    Posted at 02:07h, 14 December

    Prayers are being sent for you and your family. Love u always!

  • rosanne
    Posted at 02:15h, 14 December

    Tracey,
    With such a strong spirit and mindset, you are an inspiration to so many. Please get well soon and I applaud you for posting this all and learning to respect your body and boundaries even more.

  • Kathleen Michel
    Posted at 02:24h, 14 December

    I had no idea Tracey. I’m so happy you are in such a good place and I have no doubt you will heal and flourish. You are one strong lady!

  • Elizabeth Failor
    Posted at 02:25h, 14 December

    Tracey – Wow, such a shock to hear your story and such a relief at the outcome! Take it easy on yourself through your recovery. You’re surrounded by people who are as passionate and caring as you obviously are – together, we got this! Best wishes, Elizabeth

  • Maria in Texas
    Posted at 02:29h, 14 December

    Thank you for sharing something so close and thinking of us in the process of healing. Wishing you speedy recovery and a very long life.

  • Jill Slabaugh
    Posted at 03:08h, 14 December

    Prayers to you! You are an amazing women!

  • Maria Pishotti
    Posted at 03:14h, 14 December

    Tracey take care and sending my prayers for a speedy recovery.

  • Tannis Kobrinsky
    Posted at 03:27h, 14 December

    Tracey – LOVE YOU. As always you are remarkable and inspiring – a brave, unstoppable force – so relieved to know that you’re on the road to recovery. Sending you big hugs.

  • Tara
    Posted at 04:37h, 14 December

    You are amazing…You will get through this. Your story has yet again reminded me to stop and breathe, and things that I might think are a big deal, aren’t. Like you said, you are a fighter, fight this one with patience, peace, love and kindness…giving yourself time to sit and recover instead of proving to yourself that you are in fact still as strong as you always were…because you still are. I remember when I had a miscarriage, nothing compared to this, but I felt the need to get back at it..prove that I was going to beat this sadness that was overcoming me..but what I needed was time to acknowledge that pain, and respect the lessons that it brought to me…So when you feel weak, remind yourself it is temporarily and in time your mind and body will heal and strength is all about prospective -Thank you for sharing your life…sending love and healing hugs your way.

    Tara

  • Crissy Castillo
    Posted at 04:53h, 14 December

    You are amazing…an inspiration to so many people, in so many ways! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

  • Crissy Castillo
    Posted at 04:53h, 14 December

    You are amazing…an inspiration to so many people, in so many ways! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

  • Maria Eugenia Arrieche
    Posted at 08:16h, 14 December

    Thanks Tracey for sharing such a painful and terrifying and wonderful learning experience that left you. Life is precious!
    Thanks again your experience forced me to look around.
    My prayers for you, your health, wellness and your family.
    Happy Holidays!

  • Sabina
    Posted at 10:53h, 14 December

    I ”ve just met you and admire you and i’m shocked to hear what you are passing through!unfortunately we don’t have all the answers to our questions but live teaches us.don’tgive up,Tracey,Happy christmas.you are the boss!love.

  • Montse Cosin
    Posted at 13:25h, 14 December

    oh Tracey, I’m still in sock!
    Just remembering our last conversation in PMA conference talking about your migraines , my daughter…Thanks God you are in a healing process now, keep my prayers for you, you are a warrior a beautiful strong woman, and you are going to be over this.
    I’m in a bed hospital with my daughter right now, she still with no memory, I’m crying reading your post…
    if something that im learn is to don’t ask questions,why her?
    Why we did wrong?…this only torture myself, look forward like you said, enjoy every precious minute with your beautiful family , Love you , I’m sure everything is going to be ok.
    You have an amazing and strong team that they are going to take over your work and you only take care of yourself.
    warm hug

  • Lori Alexander
    Posted at 13:34h, 14 December

    My story is exactly like yours! I was having horrible headaches and finally ended up in the ER. They finally told me I had a meningioma in the same region of my pituitary. Dr Weiss from USC took it out 9 years ago. It grew back and Dr. Zada took it out in April {Don’t you LOVE Dr. Zada!} Went back in August and found out he only removed 40% of it this time because it had changed consistency so I just went through Cyber Knife which was terrifying but the chances of it controlling my tumor for the rest of my life is very high! Not one doctor has told me that this tumor will kill me. I am surprised the doctors in the UK and what they told you. If it was cancer, it would have been a different story. The one thing I encourage you to do is to have yearly MRIs so you can catch it early. I had MRIs the first 5 years after my first surgery and it hadn’t came back. Dr. Zada said it is common for them to come back between the 7th and 8th year, probably when mine returned. I just asked my radiologist what I would do if it started growing again and he said if it ever does begin growing again, there will probably be even better routes than Cyber Knife! Praise God we live in a time with such amazing medical advances or we would both be dead.

  • COco Xie
    Posted at 13:52h, 14 December

    Tracey:
    You are a fighter and nothing is going to take you down!!! You have inspired so many of us and you will continue inspiring us!!! Love you!

  • Bess Mahaney
    Posted at 14:06h, 14 December

    Tracey,

    I am sending you SO much prayer, you are strong and I appreciate your story. I became a Pilates instructor because I have chronic illness. You will rise again! HUGS

  • Kim
    Posted at 15:44h, 14 December

    Tracey, wishing you a speedy recovery back to full health and happiness! I was going to contact you because we had exchanged a few emails about the BB training in Little Rock, and I’m SO glad that I did it!! So I wanted to say thank you. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Chris Engel
    Posted at 16:50h, 14 December

    Tracey, you are a strong person mentally and physically and will overcome this obstacle. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that life is very precious and it is important to appreciate each and every day. I know you’ll be back better than ever and saying lots of healing prayers for you 🙂

  • Patricia Welter
    Posted at 17:44h, 14 December

    So very sorry to hear about all that has transpired. Thank you very much for sharing your story. Many healing wishes sent your way.

  • Jill
    Posted at 17:45h, 14 December

    Prayers to you Tracey…sending light and love <3

  • Elizabeth Brown
    Posted at 18:05h, 14 December

    Tracy,
    Many blessings, and a speedy recovery.
    Warmest regards,
    Elizabeth

  • Carmel Brevik
    Posted at 19:34h, 14 December

    This must have been devastating news for you and your family, but I’m so relieved to hear that you are doing better after your surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Once again, you inspire us all. xoxo

  • Petra
    Posted at 20:23h, 14 December

    Tracey,
    Wishing you a speedy recovery. You did nothing wrong. You just got delt a really crappy life card. Your inspiring story is going to help others. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Your fitness family is here in any way you need.
    Love Petra

  • Valerie DiCarlo
    Posted at 20:47h, 14 December

    WOW, Tracey… only now finding out. My love and best healing wishes to you. Keep up your amazing, inspiring fortitude… and keep looking UP. xoxoxo

  • Jean
    Posted at 20:48h, 14 December

    Tracey, you are an inspirational young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery to full health and wellness. Many blessings to you and your family <3

  • Libby Burkhalter
    Posted at 02:33h, 15 December

    Tracey, I am so sorry to hear of the health crisis you have been through. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us how precious and short life can be. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. We must continue to live each day as it is our last and take time to enjoy the precious moments, family and just be still! May God bless you and your family always,
    Libby

  • Cathy
    Posted at 03:32h, 15 December

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, feelings and emotions through this experience. I cried as I read what you wrote. Like you, I had a major injury occur out of the blue this year and it stopped my life as I knew it. It made me re-evaluate my priorities and think more about myself and my health more. My thoughts mirrored yours many times. I appreciate your candidness. You are an inspiration and I truly feel you will come through this stronger than before. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

    • Linda Mollno
      Posted at 03:45h, 15 December

      Tracey you are an inspiration to us all. Sending you healing thoughts and wishes for a blessed and peaceful holiday season with your family.

  • Julie Erickson
    Posted at 04:15h, 15 December

    Dear Tracey,
    My younger sister was diagnosed with the same brain tumor in 2009 first benign, then re-diagnosed as malignant in 2010. I promise you, I really, really really do- it will be OK. She is doing awesome- her kids were 2 and 6 months at the time- she is now back in full mommy mode, works as a graphic designer and gets checked every 6 months in Boston- was not an easy road, but she works out, runs 5ks. It wasn’t easy, it was scary, but PLEASE know, you can beat this. Thank you for sharing and if you need any additional resources, PLEASE let me know- I would love to put you in touch with her!
    XOXO!
    Julie E

  • Laura @FitMamaLove
    Posted at 05:13h, 15 December

    Wow, this was crazy to read since your team has been doing a great job of keeping everything updated like normal. How scary for you! I’m so glad to hear everything is ok and that you’re recovering so well. Thank you for being an inspiration!

  • Kimberley
    Posted at 09:32h, 15 December

    Sorry to hear about what you have been through – but am amazed by your strength and determination – may you continue to make a fast recovery and wishing you all the best for the future XX
    Kimberley (from Italia Conti!! X)

  • gail rineer (ginger wilson's sister)
    Posted at 14:46h, 15 December

    Being a nurse, I can relate to this a little bit. Life is ALWAYS going to throw you curve balls and the way you have handled it really shows your character. God is always on your side and has your back. Don’t beat yourself up about this, you couldn’t reallly have done anything about this to prevent from happening. THe fact that you have been so healthy has made it possible for you to recover so well. That says something. Others would have given up or not been able to recover. These challenges make you stronger. May sound easy for me to say but we each struggle with our own issues and thanks for sharing. You are truly an inspiration and a beautiful person. I hope to certify one day with you. Keep on keeping on…..

  • Alex Rios
    Posted at 17:14h, 15 December

    Dear Tracey! I admire your courage and love for fitness and the well being of others. You are an amazing person spiritually and physically! My heart and prayers are with you and your family for your recovery. Thank you for sharing to the world your passion and love, in reward you have the love and admiration of those who carry your legacy. I am one of them. Love and blessings!

  • Ismini Phillips
    Posted at 14:55h, 16 December

    Dear Tracey,

    I am so sorry to hear about your illness but so happy that you are on the road to recovery! You are an inspiration to us all. I wish you a speedy recovery. Wishing you a lovely Christmas and New Year and hope to see you when you’re next in the UK. With love, Ismini

  • Cati & Bonpilates team
    Posted at 18:10h, 16 December

    Tracey…CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS……. I’ve just opened my facebook and read your news…A very tough experience and I know what it is since when my father was diagnosed with Liver cancer I was alone with him at doctor, I can imagine what your Mum has suffered in that moment… You’re great Tracey, very great….Tracey remember that I sometimes told to you: be careful, even you think you are full of energy you should take time to make "a reset" of your body, I know you are very exigent with yourself but you should breath as deeply as you teach to your "pupils" but try it in a peacefull place and stay there simply listening to your body.. you will learn even more than what you already know about it. Make only schedule that you know you will be able to fullfil without problem. You`ve got a wonderful family, they need you and you need them.
    Tracey, I’m a simple Spanish woman who has had the pleasure to meet you only for a couple of hours but if you need a place for resting among olive and orange trees you can count on my humble house that is in the countryside… My english is not so good as I would like to express all I would like to tell you but receive a very BIG HUG from me but also from all BONPILATES people who have the pleasure to know you….Cati

  • Donna
    Posted at 20:32h, 16 December

    Dear Tracey, you are in my prayers and hope for a speedy recovery. Your attitude is contagious and a beautiful spirit! Stay strong, your a great inspiration:)

  • Emma Snelling
    Posted at 20:47h, 16 December

    Amazing lady – keep on keeping strong xx

  • Ruth Alpert
    Posted at 02:46h, 17 December

    Thank you so much for posting this – many of us in this work have a "nimb" stance (not in my body) and it’s important that you shared what you are going through. Healing is a full time job, and I wish you well!

  • Mark Watton
    Posted at 15:27h, 18 December

    Tracey could not believe what had happened when Jo told me.
    Get well soon! our friend.
    The Wattons

  • Pat Guyton
    Posted at 19:47h, 18 December

    Dear Tracey,
    I understand the "why me? why now? what did I do?" I had what I call "The Drama of the Appendix". I was in Singapore and the trip home was a daze. They misdiagnosed me with an ulcer in Boulder. Okay, so people do not die from ulcers…it was an appendix that was leaking and there was tissue necrosis, massive infection and a 50% chance of survival. I was not certain that I wanted to be here. How was I going to do my work? Well, you and I and others are here. We have unfinished business. You will prevail. You have my love, prayers, blessings and support. Hug, Pat

  • Hristina Tsanova
    Posted at 02:33h, 20 December

    I am still in a shock of your story, but I am so happy to hear you are in a good place now! God bless you, Tracey! Speedy recovery! You are such an amazing person and such an inspiration! Hope you have wonderful holidays with your family!

  • Genevieve
    Posted at 18:48h, 20 December

    Tracey, I had no idea! What a powerful testimony and thank you so much for opening up and sharing with us. We support you 100% and pray for a speedy recovery and fully transformed life! Blessings to you, your family and your team! Love, Genevieve

  • Amy Perry
    Posted at 20:56h, 20 December

    Tracey- Thank you for sharing your story. I will keep you in prayer and I know that God has big plans for your life. YOu have accomplished so much already. Looking forward to seeing what is next for you!!!

  • Beth Self
    Posted at 21:37h, 20 December

    Tracey,

    I had tears in my eyes reading your story. Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us. You are so right life is so precious and sometimes we need to slow down and smell all the roses around us. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

  • Georgia Brandon
    Posted at 23:00h, 20 December

    Tracey,
    While reading your inspirational story I was crying (sorry) I knew from the moment I meant you I saw a gentle, but strong lady with a very a gifted sense of teaching and caring toward your students. Tracey like my father called me "Champ" that is what you are far
    and above. My heart and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family (daughter is your mini -me)
    love the doggies. Tracey , thank-you for sharing 🙂 : 🙂

  • Karen Sanzo
    Posted at 23:25h, 20 December

    I so appreciate your sharing. I have read it over and over again.

  • Charmaine
    Posted at 10:18h, 21 December

    Tracey, loads of luv hugs & strength. You are truly an inspiration & I have been following your ‘rise’ with interest. I am grateful that you had the strength to share your story, as it will enrich us all and make us all more aware. Please keep sharing as you take this ‘different’ look at life forward. Whilst we all strive to find the balance, be aware & ‘listen’.. it is so easy to fall short…. you will again be an inspiration to us as you implement & share as you go forward. All the very best (from sunny South Africa). Speedy recovery! 🙂

  • Tricia Adamson
    Posted at 21:08h, 21 December

    Tracy,

    My thoughts are with you and your family. You are generous, graceful and a positive personality.

  • Lisa
    Posted at 10:20h, 23 December

    Tracey, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news but also I’m very grateful for your words of positivity to us all. Please take care of yourself, sending lots of love from Australia. Stay strong and keep positive.

  • Kathy
    Posted at 13:34h, 23 December

    WOW! Sorry to hear your news but glad the outcome is good. Love your programs – wishing u a speedy recovery. Take good care of yourself

  • Melissa
    Posted at 18:24h, 24 December

    Hi Tracey,
    I have been a fan of yours for many years and love your workout videos. I loved your message above and am happy to hear you’re on the road to recovery. Your positive attitude and healthy lifestyle will help you to move forward through this. Four years ago I was having strange symptoms in my legs including tingling, numbness and progressively worsening weakness. I was diagnosed with a meningioma on my thoracic spinal cord. It was blocking almost the whole cord. A week later I had a 7 1/2 hour surgery to remove it. Four years later, although I have a few residual effects, I am fine. Every year that goes by and you have your MRI and they find it hasn’t come back you will feel better and more empowered. It’s the tough things that make us stronger, and help us to gain perspective on what’s most important in life. All the best in your recovery, Melissa

  • Kate
    Posted at 00:07h, 26 December

    Glad you are better and healing. You are in my prayers.

  • Robin Riggs
    Posted at 04:00h, 27 December

    God bless you and keep you well.

  • Diane
    Posted at 04:06h, 27 December

    Tracey, I’m so sorry to hear of this and wish you a quick recovery! I’m also a brain tumor survivor. Take care of yourself and you’ll soon be back inspiring us all!!

  • Paola
    Posted at 23:58h, 30 December

    Dear Tracey,
    Thank you for sharing your story. You are a force of nature and after all this you will be stronger than ever. We love you. Get better soon!!!!!!!!

  • Nicole
    Posted at 15:51h, 03 January

    Dearest Tracey,

    So happy you are recovering and doing so well. You are an inspiration to so many, I am certain we will continue to be inspired by you for many years to come. I look forward to meeting you in person:) Lots of love,
    In health,
    Nicole

  • ann
    Posted at 21:49h, 05 January

    Thank you for sharing and making us realize life is precious.Health is still wealth after all

  • Natalie
    Posted at 20:55h, 13 January

    Wow, having started Barre in September I already have the bug, its fab. I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t been well, but have no doubt with such an amazing outlook on life we will be better super fast. I wish you good health.

  • Deborah
    Posted at 05:40h, 14 January

    Tracy, take good care, we all love you. Thanks for your story here; whew!! So glad that you are doing well & you look amazing exercising in the hospital. I love your DVDs & through them have a sense of you & your kindness; of course we return love to you & your family. xxxx deb orah

  • Peter Knowles
    Posted at 15:35h, 25 January

    Tracey, its been a long time since we saw each other and I hope you remember me? Cynthia’s son? I just wanted to give you my best wishes and wish you a speedy recovery. I was shocked and saddened to hear of this news but glad to hear you are recovering well. Pete x

    • Tracey
      Posted at 05:31h, 02 March

      OMG, yes of course I do…wow!! Please can you have your Mom contact me?
      I will be home March 27th for a week and would love to see you!!!
      My email is [email protected], I have many emails..LOL!
      Tracey xo

  • Cynthia Knowles
    Posted at 15:48h, 25 January

    Hi Tracey

    Sorry to hear about all that you’ve been through – but so pleased it’s all now behind you.
    Keep positive and enjoy yourself.
    Love to you and your family.
    Chris and Cynthia XX

    • Tracey
      Posted at 05:29h, 02 March

      Hello is this Cynthia my dance teacher?? I hope you get this message as I would love to see you next time I am home. xo

  • Catherine
    Posted at 19:23h, 12 March

    Tears in the eyes, I write to you "Chapeau!" (a French saying), and thank you very much for sharing your experience.

    • Tracey
      Posted at 05:53h, 18 March

      Thank you! I appreciate your beautiful words 🙂 x

  • Pingback:Clean Cuisine Challenge Day 25: Boost Fitness with Booty Barre
    Posted at 10:00h, 20 March

    […] But Tracey is so much more than just a series of super impressive credentials; she is truly a beautiful and very strong person—both inside and out. She is also a dear friend of Ivy’s. Tracey and Ivy have been friends for years and were introduced through their literary agent when Ivy was asked to do the recipe development for Tracey’s book, Super Fit Mama. Instant friends from the beginning the girls have become closer over the years and have always shared a common bond. But it was through an ironic twist of fate that, like Ivy, Tracey would be faced with a life-changing diagnosis. The last time the girls were together (photographed below at CanFitPro in Toronto, Canada), Tracey was having terrible symptoms. Like Ivy at the time of her diagnosis with MS back in 1998, Tracey appeared to be in picture-perfect health. But the symptoms she was having prompted Ivy to urge her to get medical attention when she got home. Tracey’s life changing diagnosis came as a horrible shock to all of us. But it has made her stronger than ever before. She is a true inspiration. Read Tracey’s full story HERE. […]

  • Anna
    Posted at 12:32h, 20 March

    Feel better! Thank you very much for your work and amazingly fiery video.

    • Tracey
      Posted at 01:57h, 23 June

      Thank you so much!! 🙂