It wasn't for a year after she first noticed a swollen lymph node that doctors were able to diagnose fitness instructor Christina Rucker.
Rucker has stage two Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She was diagnosed only a few months ago, while at the same time, six months pregnant.
"If it weren't for the pregnancy we wouldn't have found the cancer," Says Rucker.
Now just weeks away from giving birth to a baby boy, she remains in-between the hypothetical and the unknown.
That's because few studies have been done on cases like hers.
"There's actually not a lot known about pregnancy and cancer," Says Rucker. "In fact, one of the things I feel I can do is i'm part of a research study."
Rucker has been traveling to Houston almost twice a month for chemotherapy and testing.
She had to leave her job at Golds Gym, a career that holds a special place in her heart.
"I started working out to fit into a bridesmaids dress. I started seeing results and just wanted to know more information. I found things I fell in love with and so it turned into a hobby that fortunately turned into a career."
That career is now a big support system.
This Saturday, Golds Gym will hold a fitness fundraiser for Rucker.
"It has really challenged her to not be able to be up here teaching classes and working with her clients because this is her passion. This is what she wants to do," Says Terri Watkins, Rucker's employer at Golds.
"We wanted to help, and what fitness instructors do is we just work out!" Laughed Watkins.
They hope the 2 hour workout will raise just enough money to lessen the load for Rucker and her growing family.
"We will have fun and we will work out but honestly we're just having a blast planning this for her," Says Watkins.
"I've been really grateful that I've had such a wonderful team of people that i work with who are so willing to help and be supportive," Said Rucker.
The fundraiser is this Saturday December 17th, at Golds Gym on Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.
Registration begins at 8:30a.m. and the workout runs from 9am-11.
Cost is a donation of $10 or more. A free t-shirt will be given to anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more.
Proceeds will be deposited in the Christina Rucker Benefit Fund at the American State Bank.
Rucker has stage two Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She was diagnosed only a few months ago, while at the same time, six months pregnant.
"If it weren't for the pregnancy we wouldn't have found the cancer," Says Rucker.
Now just weeks away from giving birth to a baby boy, she remains in-between the hypothetical and the unknown.
That's because few studies have been done on cases like hers.
"There's actually not a lot known about pregnancy and cancer," Says Rucker. "In fact, one of the things I feel I can do is i'm part of a research study."
Rucker has been traveling to Houston almost twice a month for chemotherapy and testing.
She had to leave her job at Golds Gym, a career that holds a special place in her heart.
"I started working out to fit into a bridesmaids dress. I started seeing results and just wanted to know more information. I found things I fell in love with and so it turned into a hobby that fortunately turned into a career."
That career is now a big support system.
This Saturday, Golds Gym will hold a fitness fundraiser for Rucker.
"It has really challenged her to not be able to be up here teaching classes and working with her clients because this is her passion. This is what she wants to do," Says Terri Watkins, Rucker's employer at Golds.
"We wanted to help, and what fitness instructors do is we just work out!" Laughed Watkins.
They hope the 2 hour workout will raise just enough money to lessen the load for Rucker and her growing family.
"We will have fun and we will work out but honestly we're just having a blast planning this for her," Says Watkins.
"I've been really grateful that I've had such a wonderful team of people that i work with who are so willing to help and be supportive," Said Rucker.
The fundraiser is this Saturday December 17th, at Golds Gym on Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.
Registration begins at 8:30a.m. and the workout runs from 9am-11.
Cost is a donation of $10 or more. A free t-shirt will be given to anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more.
Proceeds will be deposited in the Christina Rucker Benefit Fund at the American State Bank.
