08/13/2026
FROM DEATH TO THRIVING
“Hey everybody, I’m Candice and my bodybuilding journey started in 2025 after I battled cancer and death between 2024-2025.
In 2024 I went to the hospital on April 19 and didn’t come out again until May 21. During this time, I was unable to eat solid food and as I’m sure you can imagine after 30 days there wasn’t a whole lot left of me. This was because they had to remove most of my intestinal track. I entered the hospital that evening at 180 pounds and came out at approx 120 pounds. During my ordeal, there was actually a point where I died. Without intervention, I wouldn’t be here today.
Once I returned home, over the next few yrs, there was a lot of healing that I had to do. My body no longer will absorb the weight gaining properties of food . We discovered that workouts is the only way that I am able to gain weight. But not gonna lie, I am kind of stoked and I really do love it so I’m glad that they ended up being the alternative. Bodybuilding has become a love and passion that I am so excited to pursue. I started going to Iron Works Gym when I decided to take the step and start to compete with my sister and my brother. And I am so grateful to the staff and the patron there because everybody is so nice and I’ve always been made to feel very welcome, and I couldn’t appreciate them more.
Now two years later, I look back on the time that I had and cannot believe I’m still the same person. I’ve competed twice and I’ve been fortunate enough to place both times. The first time I placed 6th in both categories, and then I placed 5th in Colorado as well. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I am so thrilled to see where we are next year. I honestly couldn’t have done this without my brother and my sister and best friend.”
Now that is More Grit Than Quit©️! It brings us a lot of happiness to see Candice thriving, becoming stronger, and enjoying life. Help us congratulate her on all her hard work! 💪🏼💛
Kami Cunningham, Owner
www.IronWorksGym.us
Ph 307-851-0144