Key Takeaways
- Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson’s 5-year-old daughter, Monroe, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2024
- Monroe is now in remission and undergoing bimonthly infusions
- Peterson praised his community for coming together to support his family during a difficult time
- He highlighted the importance of reaching out for help and not being afraid to ask for support
- Peterson also credited his wife’s tenacity and the medical staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for their role in Monroe’s recovery
Introduction to Gunnar Peterson’s Journey
Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson recently opened up about his 5-year-old daughter Monroe’s journey with leukemia. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Peterson shared that Monroe is now in remission and reflected on the outpouring of support his family received during a difficult time. Peterson, who has worked with numerous celebrities, including David Beckham and Nick Cannon, revealed that his daughter’s diagnosis was a "life-changing turn" that brought his community together.
The Diagnosis and Treatment
In May 2024, Peterson shared the news of Monroe’s diagnosis with his 421,000 followers on social media. After experiencing strange symptoms, Monroe underwent a series of procedures, including a spinal tap, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow biopsy, before being diagnosed with AML. According to the American Cancer Society, AML is a type of leukemia that starts in the bone marrow and can quickly move into the blood and other parts of the body. Peterson’s wife, Janet, played a crucial role in advocating for their daughter’s care, and the family received treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The Power of Community
Peterson was overwhelmed by the response from people all over the world who wanted to help his family. He noted that his family was lucky to have a "terrific network" of people who reached out and offered help, including institutions in Texas, New York, and California. Peterson encouraged others to reach out for help when needed, saying, "People will step up, and you will be surprised. And don’t sit there and think you’re alone because, yeah, there are lonely times, but you’re not alone." He also credited his wife’s tenacity and the medical staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for their role in Monroe’s recovery.
The Role of Alternative Medicine
Peterson’s wife, Janet, worked with a research nurse and nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt to explore alternative approaches to treatment, including gut cleansing and gut biome. Peterson also uses his own training techniques, including Solbasium red-light therapy, to aid in his daughter’s recovery. Solbasium’s technology helps reduce inflammation, speed muscle recovery, and improve skin healing. Peterson has used the therapy on his daughter and son, and swears by its benefits.
Moving Forward
Peterson admitted that he was initially emotional about the fact that "cancer stole a year" of Monroe’s life. However, he is now focused on the positive and is grateful that his daughter is in remission. Interestingly, Monroe may not remember her experience with cancer, as her young mind may not retain memories from when she was 4 years old. While this may seem strange to Peterson, he is just grateful that his daughter is healthy and thriving. As he said, "We’ll take it… The body heals and the mind heals too."