Molly & Nic’s Story – A true champion of exercise


As we reflect on how the world of exercise and cancer has evolved over the last 30 years, it's important to focus on the positive outcomes that exercise can have.

It's stories like this one of Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Nic Grose and her client Molly that really highlight just powerful exercise can be in the treatment and recovery of cancer, and how it can turn any client (no matter their age) in to an absolute champion of exercise.




Molly's story
Imagine being diagnosed with cancer on your birthday? That’s what happened for young Molly.

In 2018, Molly was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in her leg, although she undertook chemotherapy, the doctors ended up having to operate to remove bone from her tibia to mid femur. 10 months later, Molly needed a second operation due to an infection that had grown.

To say that Molly has had it tough is an understatement. However, between these surgeries and setbacks, she was always nothing other than smiles and banter beyond her years.

In December 2019, it was time to have a new prosthetic internally fitted to replace her bone. Molly was lucky enough to be under the expert hands of Dr Boyle in Sydney, however, the issue was that Molly had to learn to bend her leg again after the fitting as she spent so much time with it straight.

This was the moment when Molly and her family decided she needed the help of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and sought the help of Nic Grose from Active – On the move rehab.
When Molly met Nic
When Molly first attended her exercise physiology sessions, she had minimal knee flexion, she was a high falls risk, and was quite deconditioned simply due to her treatment that she had. She was unable to get through a full day at school and built up to being able to manage daily routines.

Molly would never complain; she would always do what was asked of her and utilised Nic's centre as a safe space with no family allowed in to watch her (at her request) which everyone happily obeyed.

Nic and her team didn’t only work on Molly’s knee flexion, they built her up in other ways. The goal was to not just focus on the knee, but to give Molly a space where she felt safe and included and could be a part of the friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Molly’s surgeon told her she would only get 70 degrees of knee flexion, after working with Nic for 18 months, Molly then had over 110 degrees and impressed everyone. Although Nic was Molly’s main AEP, she became a friend to everyone in the centre and before the COVID-19 shutdowns, she started working with more of the staff.

Despite not being able to play, Molly is still involved in coaching basketball and netball.

Molly says, “Exercise and sport has helped me so much mentally. Being involved in sport has always been a part of my life and I coach because I can’t play.”


Molly’s work outside the AEP clinic
Molly is a true champion, not only for her recovery, but for wanting to use her story to give back to the community that supported her treatment. In fact, Molly raised over $187,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and over $25,000 for Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Since then, Molly’s work has only increased in 2021. Here are just some of the highlights of Molly’s hard work to raise money for the fight against cancer.
  • Molly was featured in the Fight Cancer Foundation’s yearly calendar for 2021 and is again an Ambassador for the Fight Cancer Foundations “Footy Colours Day” for 2021.

  • Earlier this year in March, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognised and celebrated the outstanding contributions made by women across NSW. Molly was awarded the inaugural NSW Women of the Year “One to Watch” Award. This award recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

  • Then in April 2021, Molly was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow by South Dubbo Rotary. She is the youngest to ever receive this award in the Central West.

  • Molly has also since become a committee member of the “Country Hope Trust” in the Dubbo area. This is an organisation that has not ventured to the Central West before but has branched out because Molly’s family have put their hand up to help establish. Country Hope helps families of children with all life-threatening illnesses. Molly’s way of continuing to pay it forward.

Molly does this all whilst still working towards her more personal goals involving her illness and recovery.

In September 2021, after routine scans, Molly was informed a nodule was present in her left lung. She then had this removed along with a “cuff” of her left lung in October.
“Molly makes us all seem slack really,” says Nic.

“The story of Molly is not over yet. She will achieve so much personally and in her recovery. She is a local hero, and we are so privileged that she chose us to help with her rehab.”

What a legend you are, Molly!


Thank you to Nic, Molly and her family for sharing Molly’s inspiring story with us..

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Supporting health through exercise for 30 years 

To celebrate 30 years of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), we are reflecting on 30 stories which commemorate the profound impact the exercise and sports science industry and its professionals have had on our communities, and how they have benefited the health landscape in Australia.

Click here to read more like this one