D1 Mont Belvieu Athlete Alana Gill Finds Her Strength Again After Cancer Battle | D1 Daily

When Alana Gill walked into her first adult class at D1 Training Mont Belvieu, she wasn’t sure what her body could handle.

After years of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and caregiving, simply showing up felt like a victory.

Now, the 48-year-old Baytown, Texas, resident says that decision changed her life.

At the end of 2020, Alana was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, beginning a difficult journey that included six surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and wound care for radiation burns. The physical toll was immense, but so was the emotional burden that came with fighting for her life.

“The hardest part has been dealing with the changes in my body due to the after effects of chemotherapy and radiation and dealing with the mental trauma of fighting for your life,” Alana said.

Doctors gave her difficult statistics to process, leading her family to take what she described as a “bucket list trip” to create lasting memories together. During that same stretch of time, Alana focused on caring for her father, who suffered from dementia and eventually became bedbound.

“For years I gave everything I had to caring for my daddy,” she said. “After my dad passed, I decided the best way to honor him would be to take care of his daughter — me.”

Before cancer, Alana spent 28 years working as a veterinary technician. She later retired to focus on caregiving and managing her health while also building an event decorating business. Through treatment, she said her body became weak and unfit, while mentally she struggled with exhaustion and discouragement.

Her introduction to D1 came through her youngest daughter, who attended a camp at D1 Mont Belvieu. Watching her daughter work toward goals inspired Alana to try an adult class herself.

“As a former athlete who had let myself go and then recovered from cancer, I didn’t think I was physically able to perform in a class,” she said. “I doubted myself. After the first class I could see I was completely able.”

That first class reignited something she thought she had lost.

“After my first D1 adult class I felt alive again,” Alana said. “As I kept going and pushing through the soreness and laziness, I saw results. Incredible results, strength I hadn’t had in years. Balance I didn’t have before. Mentally unburdened.”

She credits much of that transformation to D1 Mont Belvieu coach Kiara Janeth Priske, whose encouragement helped restore both her confidence and motivation.

“Coach Kiara has been such an inspiration to me,” Alana said. “She pushes me to not only try my best, but she knows my goals. She wants me to achieve my goals.”

Alana says Kiara’s classes became a safe space during a difficult chapter of life.

The results have gone beyond fitness. Alana says she is now off two heart medications, her blood pressure has improved and her blood counts remain strong and steady.

“At D1 I found me again — the athlete, the mom, the caregiver, the strong woman I know I am,” she said.

Today, Alana hopes her story encourages others who may feel stuck or discouraged by life’s challenges.

“You are never too far gone,” she said. “You are one decision from changing your life. Do the hard things. It is OK to focus on yourself. Get healthy for you, your family and your friends. You can’t wait until you feel ready — readiness is a conscious decision, not a feeling.”

D1 Training is built for the Everyday Athlete—no matter your age or fitness level. Whether you’re looking for personalized coaching through personal training, the energy and accountability of a group fitness class, or a variety of high-impact fitness classes, our expert coaches are here to help you reach your goals. D1 also specializes in youth strength and conditioning, developing young athletes with age-appropriate programming that builds confidence, strength, and long-term success. Wherever you are in your fitness journey, D1 is the place to train.