Sometimes we find ourselves shocked when someone so seemingly healthy is diagnosed with a serious medical condition. This was the case when Olivia Carey, fitness professional, personal trainer and former body builder was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007.

Olivia was a trainer at Island Fitness and an integral part of the community. She believed in us in those early years and helped us gain the community's trust. Olivia had no health insurance yet was determined to ‘pay her way’ on her medical journey. For many years she opened the club at 4:00AM and was one of our first personal trainers. She continued to see clients throughout her illness and even though she was not able to work a full schedule saw clients up until the week that cancer took her life.

Support came in many ways - from meals, donations, transportation support, companionship during chemo and radiation and more. Olivia always said she could feel the love and the embrace of the community. The group of friends who formed what was to become Arms Around Bainbridge was inspirational and the name metaphorical; Arms Around Bainbridge = Arms Embracing Olivia = Arms Embracing Our Community.

The groups’ determination was so strong that they continued, even after Olivia lost her battle in May of 2011. In every affluent community there are those who still struggle, and Bainbridge Island is no different. AAB is a grassroots organization that has raised and distributed more than $1,000,000 to community members in need since its inception.

Island Fitness has been a supporter of AAB in many ways, including memberships for recipients and caregivers. We’re honored to continue our support and ask you to join us.