How Crossrope Helped Me Rebuild After Cancer and Rediscover My Strength

July 21, 2025 0 Comments

From half-marathons to surgeries, clinical research to cancer recovery, Crossrope customer Laura's journey has taken more turns than ever expected. At 55 years old she found something new: a jump rope. At the time, she had no idea that it would become one of the most powerful tools in her health, fitness, and healing journey.

Here’s how jumping rope - and Crossrope - helped her regain confidence, strength, and community in the years she needed it most.

I Spent My Life in Healthcare, But My Health Still Surprised Me

Laura was always passionate about health and fitness. She started her career as a Respiratory Therapist and spent over 30 years working in clinical research and data for a major pharmaceutical company. She was fortunate to work on trials that brought life-saving cancer treatments to market.

"It came as a shock when, at 41, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had no risk factors and was in the best shape of my life, running half marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My mammogram at 40 had been normal. But a year later, I was told I had multi-focal breast cancer. That kicked off 18 months of surgeries, recoveries, and reconstruction.

Less than two years later, I was diagnosed again. More surgeries, six weeks of radiation, and a 10-year treatment plan followed. It was a long road physically, mentally, and emotionally."

But Laura always believed in staying active. Movement became a lifeline. And in 2021, it brought her to something completely new.

I Ordered a Rope on a Whim. Then I Found Crossrope.

It started with a Facebook ad for a basic jump rope. It looked fun, so she clicked "buy".

"When it arrived, I struggled. It was too long, too light, and hard to control. I could barely do a basic bounce, but I kept going. A few months later, I saw an ad for Crossrope. I wasn’t sure what made it different, but I took a leap and ordered the Get Lean Set."

The weighted ropes gave her feedback and rhythm that she hadn’t felt before. Suddenly, jumping rope made sense. She learned new skills, footwork, and strength-building moves through the Crossrope app. And more importantly, she started to believe she could actually get good at this!

Jump Rope Became My Favorite Way to Move

So what's the thing that kept Laura coming back to Crossrope?

"It was just so easy to get started. I didn’t need a gym, equipment, or even much space - just a mat, a rope, and a little consistency. I jumped through challenges, vacations, and even recovery periods after two more surgeries related to my cancer."

Now Laura jumps every week and sometimes every day during community challenges. Whether it’s a beaded rope, PVC, or her go-to ½ and ¾ lb ropes, she always has a rope nearby - and they’ve helped her get stronger in ways she never expected.

Crossrope Helped Me Rebuild My Bone Health Without Medication

One of the long-term side effects of cancer treatment was bone loss. Despite calcium and vitamin D supplements, Laura's bone density steadily declined into osteopenia. She went on medication, but it wasn’t until she started jumping rope consistently that I saw real improvement.

"Since 2020, my bone density has been increasing. I’m now above the osteopenia threshold - without medication - and I truly believe the combination of weighted ropes and consistent movement made the difference."

I Found a Community That Changed My Life

At 55, Laura never expected to become a jump rope partner, post her workouts online, or fly to NYC for a community jump meet-up. But Crossrope changed that.

"I joined challenges, shared tips, and connected with amazing people through Instagram and eventually became an official Crossrope Partner. The NYC meet-up was unforgettable. Meeting people I’d only seen online, especially KathyJumps, was a dream. We laughed, learned new skills, and even taught each other a few tricks.

Laura has now jumped rope in Jamaica, at ski resorts, and on top of a mountain. At a ski resort, she actually jumped on top of the ski lift! But Laura says "It’s the people, not the places, that make this community special."

My Favorite Rope? That’s a Tough One.

The ½ and ¾ lb ropes tend to be Laura's go-to for workouts. They’re challenging but manageable, and they give her a great cardio and strength combo.

But she also love the Freestyle LE rope. The grip on the handles is perfect, and "I feel totally in control when I’m trying tricks."

"I’m obsessed with the AMP handles. I love tracking my jump count and speed, and that leaderboard? So motivating. I always push just a little more when I see someone I’m close to catching."

My Most Satisfying Skill Unlock? Definitely the Mic Release.

Laura says that it took her months to learn, but when she finally nailed the mic release, it felt amazing. Same with consecutive double unders. They didn’t come easy, but she never gave up!

"I wasn’t naturally gifted at jumping rope. In fact, for the first month or so, I could only do the basic bounce. But I stayed with it, and I kept learning. That persistence has made all the difference, not just in my jump rope skills, but in my life."

It’s Never Too Late to Start

When Laura applied for the Crossrope photoshoot, it wasn’t about being in front of the camera. Laura wanted to show others, especially those in her age group, that it’s never too late to try something new. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.

Jump rope has helped her become more agile, more confident, and more connected. And now that she's retired, Laura can’t wait to travel more, meet up with fellow jumpers, and most of all keep encouraging others to pick up a rope.

Laura's advice? Don’t let age stop you. Don’t let fear stop you. Just pick up the rope and give it a try.