Bodybuilding has served as a vehicle for various individuals to achieve their goals. Be it for competitive or professional purposes, the sport can be pursued by anyone with a steadfast commitment to fitness. Over the course of the last three years, Annamayra Scaccia, a mother of one, utilized bodybuilding to regain her fitness and vitality.
Having trained as a kickboxer for years, Scaccia was dealt a challenging hand when she received a diagnosis of kidney cancer on September 30, 2020. The extent of the cancer and its severity was initially unclear to her. However, the medical professionals involved in her care informed her that she would require a nephrectomy to remove part of the kidney.
At the time of her diagnosis, Scaccia’s primary concern was her young son, as reported in The U.S. Sun. Faced with the possibility of not being able to watch him grow up, Scaccia was understandably anxious. Her son, in turn, was frightened by the prospect of losing his mother and clung to her during their daily activities.
Scaccia had maintained a rigorous training regimen of six days a week for two hours per day, in preparation for her career as a kickboxer. In fact, she had intended to compete in Muay Thai fights. However, after undergoing surgery and a six-month recovery period, Scaccia pivoted towards bodybuilding as a new direction.
A routine check-up two months prior to her diagnosis had revealed concerns about Scaccia’s creatine levels. An ultrasound subsequently uncovered a five-centimeter mass on her left kidney, which was cancerous and had potentially been growing for up to five years. Scaccia’s decision to pivot towards bodybuilding in the wake of her health struggles was a testament to her strength and resilience, and a source of inspiration to many.
View this post on Instagram
The Incredible Transformation of Annamarya Scaccia: A Bodybuilding Journey
After undergoing successful surgery to treat Stage 1 chromophore renal cell carcinoma, fitness enthusiast Scaccia faced the daunting task of rebuilding her strength and reimagining her workout routine. Despite the challenges she faced, Scaccia made a triumphant return to the gym, gradually increasing her workout regimen until she was able to spend three hours a day perfecting her physique. Scaccia’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
View this post on Instagram
In a remarkable display of strength and perseverance, Scaccia competed in her first bodybuilding show as a Figure competitor in 2021, just a year after her cancer diagnosis. Undeterred by her diagnosis, Scaccia continued to compete, participating in two more shows before taking a break from competition. While she plans to return to the stage in 2024, Scaccia is focused on sharing her story and inspiring others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they face.
As an ambassador for the Kidney Cancer Association and a certified fitness and nutrition coach, Scaccia is using her experience to help others. Her goal is to make the world of natural bodybuilding more inclusive and welcoming to people who operate in the grey space of nutrition. Scaccia is a shining example of what is possible when determination and passion combine to overcome adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing a difficult diagnosis, and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Courtesy Image @ Stillwellfitness (Instagram)
