North Texas

Woman Uses Cancer Battle to Help Others In Their Own Fight

A Flower Mound woman who's battling cancer is using her own fight to help others going through the same.

Six days a week, you'll find Stacy Schwinghammer working out at 9 Round Kickbox Fitness. It's a test of stamina and will, as participants go through nine workout stations in sessions of three minutes each.

"I can't wait to get here," Schwinghammer said. "And as soon as you're here, you are so motivated."

One year ago, Schwinghammer could barely throw a single punch. She's battled ovarian cancer since 2010. Last year, she was invited to attend a fundraiser at the gym for women with cancer.

She was hooked.

"As soon as I start, I'm already feeling better," she said. "And I tell you, it's the best source of medicine, and it makes me feel better the whole day."

Schwinghammer and others raised money Thursday for that organization which helped her so much. Cleaning for a Reason is a nonprofit which provides home cleaning services for women with cancer. Each kick during the workout is counted, and a penny for each is donated to the program. 9 Round franchises hope to raise $250,000 through the effort.

"Her energy, her outlook is just infectious," said Lynn Frankenfield, executive director of Cleaning for a Reason.

She met Schwinghammer through the effort, and finds her determination inspiring.

"It's incredible," Frankenfield said. "It's like her daily pill, and I've seen such an improvement in her."

What a difference a year can make. Schwinghammer is still fighting cancer, but says she's doing well — fighting a disease which she says has changed her life for worse, and for better.

"It's just pushing yourself. Knowing what your body can do. Knowing when you need to rest a little," she said. "And I'm up there. I've come such a long way."

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