You know, when the worst happens, when the veil of hope and positive expectations is removed and you realize you are sitting at the table with Satan himself, looking the MF’er right in the eye…it is quite a moment.

Anyone would recoil in profound horror. All ability to maintain composure and function in any way would vanish. Not in this case. She did not even flinch. Not once. In her mind, she had already won. Whatever this a$$hole was intending, he was too late. Her spirit and heart were set free decades ago, to become integrated into the heart and soul of all those she touched. It’s how she lives her life. It is her job! Satan himself might pin her shoulders to the mat for the first time without cheating or pulling some BS (and I bet there is an over-under in JG’s favor) but even if her shoulders are taken to the mat, she still wins. None of that matters. Just like Obewan Kanobe said when Darth Vader was about to take him out “if you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you ever imagined.” This is exactly what is happening…

I am Erica Porter. I am Jungle Grrrl and I am Wrestling With Cancer, but I know how to take it to the mat and I want you in the ring with me.

I am a mother, business woman, motivator, fitness expert, WOW Superhero professional wrestler, happiness junkie. But most importantly, I am a human being challenged with the same choices as everyone else regarding fitness, success, family, happiness. Cancer. My entire 27 year professional career has been dedicated to helping individuals understand that they exercise (pun intended) tremendous control over these aspects of their life. That fitness is a prerequisite for a balanced, fulfilling and fun life. It is the fertile soil in which all other worthy life pursuits are rooted and the ground that keeps us stable in times of trouble. And in June of 2020, my resolve was put to the test. Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. My profession, life philosophy, the entirety of who I am was put on trial.

Of course, there is only one way to address this challenge. I am doubling down on all of it. ALL OF IT! The Endorphasm Foundation is my answer. Movement set me up for success in this fight…physically and mentally. Movement is leading me through the battlefield every day. Every rep, every step, every deep breath I take is another body blow to this opponent and I intend to keep its ass against the ropes.

The Endorphasm Foundation allows you and your loved ones to get in the ring with me. Choose to get in the ring and put cancer against the ropes. Do it for you. Do it for your family. Do it for the cancer community.

I have stage 4 breast cancer. My journey thus far has shown quite clearly the emotional and clinical value of movement as part of one’s cancer treatment plan. You don’t have to surrender all of your life to the medical community…you can retain control of a critical part of your recovery and the ability to maintain a high quality of life throughout treatment and beyond.

My diagnosis hit my life like a tsunami. Literally everything changed in 24 hours: life plans, daily routines, diet, emotional stability, relationships, parenting challenges, considerations around COVID-19; it was all on the table. The question regarding just about every aspect of my life became “what now?” To say cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically draining is a ridiculous understatement. It is awful. The infusion center is depressing, the doctor visits are surreal, and the side effects of medication, daunting and periodically debilitating. Depression, surrender, and isolation are likely. My fitness routine kept me focused and grounded and capable of dealing with this cataclysmic upheaval in a productive and confident way. I cannot imagine going through this treatment plan, or the emotional and mental process demanded by this disease, without it. Without movement, I would most certainly be battling depression and physical ailments typically associated with the aggressive chemotherapy and radiation that have been a part of my treatment plan.

How many cancer patients are on this journey without retaining control of and using such a vital and critical part of their experience? How many people are suffering depression and physical compromise, believing nothing can be done but take more medications and withdraw from their normal routine and life? This is tragic and unnecessary, and the foundation can help them. The education and services the Endorphasm Foundation provides will make a real, direct, and practical difference. I know this to be true because it is making a difference for me every day and I have discovered many others with similar claims. My lifestyle has had a profound and comprehensive effect on my overall wellbeing during cancer treatment. By supporting the Endorphasm Foundation, you are directly impacting the quality of life of cancer patients; science tells this truth and I am living it.