Valerie locks out a thruster in the 2018 CrossFit Open with Kelly right by her side. If you come to CrossFit Fort Vancouver, you probably know these two remarkable individuals. You won't find a more committed, more generous, more compassionate couple than these two and they without a doubt set an amazing example for the rest of us. Sometimes we give Kelly a hard time for his ability to out-talk just about anyone, but the truth is that I am grateful to have both Kelly and Val in the CrossFit Fort Vancouver family and can't imagine this place without them.

Valerie was recently diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer. On Thursday she underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. With Kelly by her side, she returned home and has already started the recovery process. In about 6 weeks, she'll continue treatment with radiation until she's confirmed cancer-free.

There's no doubt in my mind that if there's anyone out there strong enough to beat cancer, it's Val. She's not interested in sympathy, which is why not many outside of her closest friends and family even knew about this. She is determined to face this challenge head on and to emerge even stronger on the other side than she already is.

You might see Val and Kelly in the gym a bit early this week, but then they'll be out of the area for a little over a month before radiation starts in early November. Even though you are already one of the toughest among us Val, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you while you're out of the gym and we will love and support you guys through this no matter what!