Meet Jennie Kortman

Thirteen years ago, Jennie Kortman joined MVP Sportsplex and quickly fell in love with the club’s variety. She could be found on the fitness floor, in group exercise classes, or at the pool with her young children.

In 2020, Jennie’s life took an unexpected turn. At just 25 weeks pregnant with her fifth child, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. The months that followed were filled with surgeries, chemotherapy, and countless treatments; all while caring for a newborn. With determination, support from her family, and expert medical care, she fought her way through recovery and sent her cancer into remission.

After treatment, Jennie knew exercise had to play a central role in rebuilding her strength.

“After six months of chemo, surgeries, and having a baby, I was weak and needed to build strength again,” she said.

She reactivated her family’s MVP membership and started working with an MVP trainer, Becky.

“Strength training is especially important for cancer survivors and women my age, so when I rejoined, I went straight to the personal training,” Jennie said.

The sessions gave her confidence and a solid foundation for independent workouts. “Beckie gave me routines that worked different muscle groups. That gave me the variety I needed for a healthy lifting routine,” she said.

Jennie expanded her routine by adding TORCH and yoga classes. “TORCH challenges my strength, while yoga is crucial for mobility,” she said. “Classes keep me accountable. I’ve met several friends through them, and it really feels like a community.”

Despite raising five children, ages 4 to 20, Jennie made it to MVP three times a week. She credits the club’s family-friendly approach for making it possible.

“The kids’ care was huge for me. The Kids’ Stuff staff have known my kids for years. They loved coming and felt safe and cared for. It allowed me to come to the gym knowing they were in good hands,” she said.

Her older children also became regulars. “Over the years, we’ve had different seasons of what we did as a family, such as basketball, the pool, or pickleball,” Jennie said. “My high schooler comes almost every day for his own workout routine or to play pickup basketball every so often.  

Beyond her own fitness, Jennie found purpose in giving back. She’s now in her third year of volunteering with the Colon Cancer Coalition, assembling survivor bags for the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K, which raises awareness and support for colon cancer patients.

“I’m passionate about it because it helps people going through similar journeys as mine,” she said.

Now four years in remission, Jennie is healthier than ever, with just one year to go before officially being declared cured. She credits fitness, family, and community for fueling her recovery — and she’s paying that strength forward.

“It’s been four years of rebuilding myself, and I’m so thankful to be where I am now,” she said.