Losing a loved one to cancer can be one of the hardest things a person can go through. Shannon May, general manager of Taymax’s Burlington, Ontario, Planet Fitness^® location, lost her daughter, Terra May, from leukemia in May 2022. To support the May’s family, Taymax celebrates Terra’s birthday, Nov. 28, every year by wearing blue and supporting the family’s charity of choice. Blue was Terra’s favorite color, so by wearing the color, the franchise group is able to honor her legacy.

In November, the family chose Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit organization that is devoted to the ethical standards in yoga instruction, to honor Terra’s mindfulness and love for yoga. Taymax donated $1,458 to the organization. Taymax headquarters came up with part of the donation with many regional and club employees chipping in for the donations as well.

In addition to donating to the Yoga Alliance in Terra May’s name and wearing blue, Taymax headquarters’ staff supported the cause by wearing pins and bracelets in Terra’s memory. Some clubs within the Taymax group also celebrated by eating blue-colored foods or having birthday-themed sweet treats.  

“Taymax, along with our Canadian clubs, is honored to take part in ‘Turn it Blue for Terra’ every year. It’s a day of reflection on Terra and the amazing culture and support we have for one another within our Taymax family,” said Breanne Barth, area director for Taymax Group. 

Shannon May has worked with Taymax since July 2021. After she lost her daughter, her coworkers’ support and care helped her get through the hard times. While her daughter’s birthday can bring back a lot of tough memories of her loss, her teammates at Taymax help make the day full of happy memories.

“I can’t speak for all of Taymax, but my team at the Burlington, Ontario, club said the moment I walked in that day, ‘Happy Birthday to Beautiful Terra,’ and it certainly made my day,” said Shannon May. “I received so many amazing messages and pictures from everyone, and the support I receive makes my club a safe space to be in, even on such a hard day.”