Cancer survivors train for triathlon

Kayla Kutz, 39, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025. The mother of four then underwent chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy and occupational therapy. Now a cancer survivor after completing treatment, Kutz joined Team Phoenix through Aurora Health Care to train for a triathlon alongside other survivors.

Team Phoenix is a 14-week fitness program where women cancer survivors train to complete a triathlon at the end of July.

Kutz lived an active lifestyle prior to her diagnosis and competed in power-lifting competitions. Andrea Reynolds, her occupational therapist at Aurora Health Care, was one of her care team members who suggested Team Phoenix as something she may be interested in.

“I wanted to reclaim my life and get my health back to where it was before cancer as much as possible,” shares Kutz.

Reynolds, an occupational therapist who works with breast cancer patients and survivors, has recommended Team Phoenix to her patients over the years. Andrea’s world shifted when, in 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself. The following year she experienced Team Phoenix firsthand as a breast cancer survivor and athlete, where she trained and completed her first triathlon.

“The reason I like Team Phoenix is because it’s all different body types, all different abilities,” says Reynolds. “You think, ‘Oh, there’s no way I could do a triathlon.’ Well, you went through cancer treatment, which is really hard, too. You can be a triathlete.”

In 2026, Reynolds returned to Team Phoenix, this time as an alumni and a mentor. In this role, she provides guidance and support to current athletes. Now, as a Team Phoenix alumni, current mentor and occupational therapist who refers other patients to Team Phoenix, Andrea has a unique perspective as she walks alongside Kutz and other athletes in their triathlon training.

Since the program started in 2011, Team Phoenix has trained over 525 survivors. Both Kutz and Reynolds know they’re not alone in their journeys and have the support of their fellow athletes and survivors.

“Truly, we can do hard things,” says Kutz. “We can reclaim our lives.”

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