From Crisis to Strength: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Thrive
Suzanne Andrews, president of Healthwise Exercise,
founder of Functional Fitness, PBS TV
As I reflect on my journey to optimal health, I’m reminded that a single decision can change everything. My path wasn’t just shaped by determination or discipline — it was born out of crisis. A life-threatening illness, years of weight struggles, and a string of painful injuries pushed me to my breaking point… and ultimately toward my calling to help others reclaim their health too.
When Life Nearly Ended, I Found My Strongest Self
It began on an ordinary night. My mother, a single parent of five, was exhausted and still had hours left in her shift. We couldn’t afford a cab — but when she called home and heard something in my voice, she knew she had to come. That one choice saved my life.
She rushed home to find me motionless and writhing in unbearable pain — a pain that felt like something savage was tearing me from the inside. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed a ruptured appendix and a dangerous infection. They gave me a 50% chance of surviving surgery.
I woke up with tubes in my stomach and nose, burning with a 106° fever. I was given last rites and placed in the terminal wing. For thirty days, I hovered between life and death. But my mother never left my side.
During that time, an angel visited me every day — a kind woman who prayed with me, helped me eat, drink, even go to the bathroom — things most of us take for granted. She spent hours with me. I thought she was my friend. Only later did I learn she was actually my nurse. I gained a deep respect for medical professionals and a seed was planted in me: someday, I wanted to help others the way she helped me.
One day, after hearing a story that said we could reach out to God when we were ready for heaven, I felt my life slipping away. I lifted my hand toward the ceiling — ready — but somehow, through prayer and incredible care, a miracle happened. The tubes were removed. My mother and I celebrated — until we weren’t celebrating anymore. My fever spiked again. Sepsis had set in.
That second brush with death changed me. I chose to fight. I was determined that if I lived, I would dedicate my life to helping others heal. I asked, “Where is my friend?” — not realizing she was my nurse — and in that moment I knew: I would go into the medical field. That experience led me to a career in Occupational Therapy, helping people regain strength, independence, and hope.
From Patient to Practitioner — and a New Mission
After I recovered, I returned to school determined to live with purpose. But I never really fit in. I skipped three grades, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, and preferred lifting weights over late-night parties. I was bullied — sometimes even attacked — but instead of breaking me, it built my resilience. Exercise became my outlet, not just for strength, but for survival.
That’s when I learned a powerful truth: real health starts in the mind.
As a therapist working with adults over 50, I saw the frustrations firsthand. Doctors tell people to exercise — but how, when you have arthritis, lung issues, osteoporosis, excess weight, or bladder leaks?
People need Functional Fitness — practical, safe exercises that can be done seated or standing, that grow with you, and that save you expensive co-pays. That’s why I created Functional Fitness: a program built for real people with real limitations — and real goals.
After surviving a brush with death, I turned resilience into a lifestyle. Now, I help others find the physical and mental strength to conquer anything.
Today, my passion is helping people tap into that same inner power. Because once you ignite it, there’s no limit to what you can achieve — no matter your age, condition, or past.
The Path Forward: From Surviving to Thriving
If you're over 50 and struggling with pain, fatigue, injury, or illness: please know this:
You don’t need a perfect body.
You don’t need hours in the gym.
You simply need the right program — one designed for you.
That’s why I created Functional Fitness — a safe, medically-guided workout system you can do seated or standing, right from home. It helps you move better, feel stronger, and regain your independence — no matter your age or limitations.
It’s not just exercise. It’s recovery.
It’s resilience.
It’s the same kind of strength that saved my life — and it can transform yours too.
If you're ready to feel better, move better, and live better — I invite you to join me.
From crisis to strength… let's thrive together.
