Cathy Leman is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, blogger, speaker, and the founder of “DAM. MAD. About Breast Cancer” ®.
After nearly 20 years devoted to helping women create healthy relationships with food and working tirelessly in support of preventive nutrition and fitness lifestyles, in 2014, Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Using nutrition and fitness as her weapons of choice to help her heal and cope, Cathy continued her pre-diagnosis diet and exercise routine throughout her treatment.
Although her trusted self-care practices were put to the test, Cathy credits them for her positive treatment outcomes and the maintenance of her physical and mental health. Nine days after her surgery Cathy led a sports nutrition lecture at a local college, and after 14 days was cleared to resume running.
Vowing to end the confusion and overwhelm for newly diagnosed women seeking reliable nutrition and fitness information, Cathy founded DAM. MAD. About Breast Cancer ® to provide evidence-based nutrition, fitness and wellness resources that move women into treatment feeling confident in their self-care practices.
Combining her personal breast cancer experience with her professional expertise, Cathy inspires newly diagnosed women around the globe to BITE BACK with nutrition, MOVE BACK with fitness, and STRIKE BACK with wellness.
Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and completed her dietetic internship through the UIC coordinated undergraduate program. She holds a master’s degree in health psychology from National Louis University, is certified as a personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and has completed extensive training in the nutritional treatment of eating disorders and principles of “Intuitive Eating”.
With perhaps the exception of an extraordinarily great cup of coffee and an early morning run, Cathy loves nothing more than inspiring women through her speaking and writing opportunities.
Taking action with your health helps manage the challenges that come with ANY cancer diagnosis, while giving structure to your day and meaning to your week.
