Before joining the APPEAL exercise study, Luanne Mills had not exercised in about four years, with the exception of taking an occasional stroll with a friend. Today Mills doesn't even consider strolling exercise.

Shortly after joining APPEAL (A Program Promoting Exercise and Active Lifestyles), a Hutchinson Center study designed to assess the impact of aerobic activity on colorectal-cancer prevention, Mills discovered she had an affinity for indoor rowing. This led to her involvement in rowing competitions and eventually qualifying for the U.S. Indoor Rowing Team. She has made the U.S. rowing team five consecutive years.

Internationally, Mills has competed in England, Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen and since 2004 won four gold medals and set a world record at the World Championships in Boston.

"I am so thankful to the APPEAL study for getting me going on exercise," said Mills, who attributes her ability to compete successfully at the international level to her involvement in the study. Although her participation in the study is now over, Mills says the experience will continually motivate her to keep exercising and competing. "It was life changing and I loved it," she said of her year in the study.

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