University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute

04/07/2026

Get to know Maha!!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from the 757, Virginia Beach baby ‼️

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I’ve never lost a game in anagrams or word hunt. And I was top 1000 players in Fortnite at one point

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to be a part of the unc cancer institute because of my interest in oncology and being able to work one on one with patients. I also wanted to work with a different population to expand my career in physical therapy.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I enjoyed smoking everyone in spikeball and pickleball. I also enjoyed spending time with the people, staff and patients everyday. Seeing patients’ progress and hearing their life stories and receiving countless donuts was also a bonus. Overall there was never a dull day with this experience.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: Interning here and working closely with patients, I have developed a deeper sense of compassion, learning how to support individuals not just physically, but emotionally with their recovery journey. This experience has also allowed me to better understand the science of cancer, including how the disease and its treatments affect the body over time. I’m hoping I can work in oncology or in the rehab field after receiving my PT degree.

04/03/2026

Introducing Alex!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Loveland, CO

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I can juggle

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I chose to be a part of UNCCRI because I was a practicum student last semester and really enjoyed being around the patients and learning their stories. Cancer has impacted my family a lot throughout the years, so I became interested in the topic of cancer and become a part of community that makes a positive difference in others.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The patients. Being able to laugh with them during every session and seeing them improve in real time. I have also enjoyed working with all the interns, making the best memories, playing spike ball, and building relationships that I will treasure forever.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: It has allowed me to gain more hands-on experience and apply what I have learned throughout school to everyday situations. This internship has helped me build more confidence within myself, taught me lots of life lessons as to never take anything for granted and motivate me to continue a career in rehabilitation and helping others.

03/31/2026

Meet Victor!

Q: Where are you from?
A: Nigeria (West Africa)

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I am a multisport athlete, and I find it easy to learn and adapt to a variety of activities. I am also fluent in four languages, with some proficiency in Spanish — Yagba, Yoruba, Pidgin, English, and un poco de Español (you could call me a linguaphile).

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: I was drawn to the opportunity to join an amazing team dedicated to helping cancer patients and survivors live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I was also excited about the chance to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on cancer and the role of exercise in rehabilitation.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: I have especially enjoyed building personal relationships with patients and being part of the collective team effort that keeps the program running, from the interns to the staff and the patients themselves. I would also add that the staff has made the experience even more enjoyable than I expected. There is never a dull moment; it’s a perfect blend of work and fun!

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: This experience has had a profound impact on me from the very first day I worked with my first patient. The look on their face and the sense of satisfaction after that session spoke volumes. I was able to see the positive impact of UNCCRI in real time, and in that moment, I found a deeper sense of purpose and direction for my career. Moving forward, I hope to continue contributing to the body of knowledge on cancer and exercise, whether through research, teaching, or working as a clinical cancer exercise specialist, helping survivors live better and healthier lives.

03/23/2026

Coming out from Georgia, meet Hank!

Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Savannah Georgia

Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
A: I am colorblind. I also ate a ham and cheese sandwich on top of the highest sand dune in North America with Shane.

Q: Why did you choose to become a part of the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute?
A: Having had cancer 2 times myself. I can vouch for the impact that exercise has during treatment as well as improving quality of life. To help others find the same joy and benefits is the ultimate privilege. It is also awesome hands-on experience in exercise oncology before starting my master’s program in clinical exercise physiology.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience?
A: The people. Without a doubt. Everyone, from the interns to the staff to the patients, has made this feel like home despite being 1,400 miles away from my actual home. Everyone shows up each day wanting to be there, and that energy is infectious. It pushes me to show up at 100% of my capabilities and energy every single day. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Q: How will your experience at the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute impact your future career?
A: It has already given me exceptional experience. I’ve learned so much and have become more proficient in exercise testing and prescription within the oncology field. It has also allowed me to see firsthand the positive effects of exercise in real time every single day. This experience has made me want to pursue exercise oncology as a career. The things I have learned will without a doubt serve me in my future career.

03/21/2026