We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annamaria Scaccia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Annamaria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Receiving my first cancer diagnosis in 2020… that was the defining moment. Before, I had toyed with the idea of becoming a trainer and group fitness instructor. But between a full-time job and parenting, I didn’t think I would have the time to dedicate to coaching. Kidney cancer changed all that. After I had my left kidney removed, I struggled to find the right information to help me get back to fitness while also addressing my unique needs now that I only have one kidney. I could only find guidance for people with chronic kidney disease, and that didn’t fit my situation. I also grew frustrated with doctors and other coaches who adhered to outdated science around protein and kidney function. So, I decided to become a certified fitness and nutrition coach and start Stillwell Fitness LLC to fill the gap.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At 37, I was diagnosed with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, a rare kidney cancer. This was in September 2020—right during the pandemic. Less than a month later, I had a radical nephrectomy to remove my left kidney and its thumb-sized tumor. Before cancer hit, I’d finally found balance in my nutrition after struggling with disordered eating and body image during the pandemic—but losing a kidney flipped everything upside down.

I was determined to keep moving forward, so I started researching how to maintain my fitness during recovery. But I quickly realized there was almost no guidance for athletes like me—those with one kidney. Most of the information I found online was for people with chronic kidney disease, which wasn’t my case. And when I sought help from doctors, I was just left confused and overwhelmed. They gave me blanket advice without much explanation (“Cut back on protein and stop weightlifting” was all I got) and wouldn’t answer my questions regarding my kidney function. Plus, I found very limited research on kidney health for people with one kidney. Most of what I did find focused on people with two kidneys who had sedentary lifestyles—and that’s what healthcare advice for people like me is usually based on.

That’s why I launched Stillwell Fitness LLC, to create a space for people with one kidney to build muscle and transform their bodies without all the frustration, confusion, and misinformation. I wanted to offer real support and guidance as a coach with personal experience. I also run a blog where I explore the latest science on kidney health and how that applies to people living with one kidney. I cover topics that matter most to this community—like the truth about protein, the role of creatinine, the best nutrition strategies, and how to eat for optimal health.

What makes Stillwell Fitness unique is that it’s one of the few places specifically for athletes with one kidney. While there’s plenty of guidance for people with CKD, there’s not enough for those who don’t fall into that category but still worry about their kidney health. As an online coach, I help fill that gap by offering fitness and nutrition plans designed to optimize performance while keeping kidney health in focus, all backed by research. I also provide tailored support for experienced lifters who don’t need regular check-ins but still want expert guidance to stay on track.

The best part of my work is helping clients achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Bodybuilding with one kidney isn’t easy—we have to navigate risks others don’t. But hearing clients say my coaching has boosted their confidence and brought them closer to their dream physique shows me I’m making a real impact.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

As a coach with one kidney and a two-time cancer survivor, I truly understand the unique challenges people face in their health journeys. I’ve been through it, and that firsthand experience helps me connect with my clients on a personal level.

My experience has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, and I bring that mindset to my coaching. I focus on finding creative, personalized strategies that work for each person—whether it’s creating a workout plan that fits their lifestyle, optimizing nutrition, or just being there for support. And I apply many of these strategies to my own training to show clients that they do work.

I want everyone with one kidney to feel empowered and confident, and I hope to be a positive example for them. Since day one, my mission has been to change the way people think about bodybuilding with one kidney. I love sharing my journey on social media to show that having one kidney doesn’t mean you can’t build muscle or compete on stage. Losing a kidney doesn’t take away our strength.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

This is a tough question to answer. I can’t change the fact that I lost a kidney to cancer, but if I could go back, would I change what came after recovery? No. I would still choose to follow the same profession and specialty. Honestly, my clientele isn’t very large—mostly because my niche is quite specific. But I don’t do this for the income—I do it because there’s a real need for support in this area. I know I am not the only bodybuilder with one kidney. I know I am not an anomaly. And I am proud to watch those people smash expectations every day. But in the four years I have been doing this, I have yet to find another coach specifically dedicated to training one-kidney fitness enthusiasts. That’s why I would still choose this path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stillwellfit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillwellfitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillwellfitness
• Other: https://linktr.ee/stillwellfitness

Image Credits

Carlos J. Gallegos (IG: @fotosgallegos