When a Company Steps Up: Thank You, Tailwind Nutrition

A few weeks ago, I did something I've never done before in my decades of cycling and writing about outdoor sports: I asked for help.

I reached out to several nutrition companies and explained my situation. I'm facing seven weeks of chemo-radiation treatment for throat cancer. The radiation will make eating solid food difficult or impossible. I needed liquid nutrition options that would work with my dietary restrictions and help me maintain strength throughout treatment. I wasn't sure what kind of response I'd get. Maybe polite declines. Maybe silence. Perhaps a discount code.

What I got from Tailwind Nutrition was immediate, genuine, and overwhelming: they stepped up with a generous supply of their Recovery Mix to help get me through treatment.

Why This Matters

This isn't just about free product—though I'm deeply grateful for that. It's about a company understanding what matters when someone's facing a real challenge.

I've been using Tailwind Recovery Mix for years. It's been part of my cycling comeback, helping me recover after hard training rides and races. I know how my body responds to it. I know it tastes good even when I don't feel like consuming anything. And critically, it's dairy-free, which eliminates one of my biggest concerns (I'm allergic to dairy) about finding suitable liquid nutrition during treatment.

When I realized I'd need to rely heavily on liquid nutrition, Tailwind was at the top of my list. Not because I was hoping for a donation, but because I already trusted the product. The fact that they were willing to support me through this and they made a product I already valued even more meaningful.

The Nutritionist Seal of Approval

Before I could use any nutrition products during treatment, everything had to be screened by my oncology nutritionist. The concern isn't just about calories and protein—it's about potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs. Some ingredients that are perfectly healthy in normal circumstances can interfere with treatment effectiveness or cause complications.

Tailwind Recovery Mix passed that screening. My nutritionist reviewed the ingredients and gave it the green light. That's not something I take lightly, and it's not something every product can claim.

What’s In It (And Why It Works)

For anyone facing similar challenges or just curious about what makes a good recovery product, here's why Tailwind Recovery Mix works for my situation:

• Complete protein: Contains all the amino acids needed for muscle recovery and maintenance—critical when you're trying to prevent muscle loss during treatment.

• Easy to digest: No heavy ingredients that sit in your stomach. When your throat is raw and swallowing is difficult, this matters enormously.

• Dairy-free: Uses plant-based protein, eliminating my primary food allergy concern and avoiding the mucus production that dairy can cause (the last thing I need with throat issues).

• Actually tastes good: This might sound trivial, but when you're facing weeks of relying on liquid nutrition and dealing with treatment side effects that affect taste, having something that doesn't taste like chalky medicine makes all the difference.

• Trusted formula: I've been using it for years with no digestive issues, no weird reactions, no problems. When you're dealing with cancer treatment, the last thing you want is to experiment with products you've never tried.

The Bigger Picture

My doctors emphasized three things for fighting cancer and supporting treatment: keep cycling to build immune cells, prioritize sleep, and maintain proper nutrition.

I know how to do the first two. The nutrition piece was going to be the challenge, especially with a throat full of radiation burns and an inability to eat solid food.

Tailwind's support directly addresses that challenge. It's one less thing to worry about. One less variable in an already complicated situation. One piece of the puzzle that I know will work because it's worked for me before.

Transparency and Gratitude

I want to be clear about something: I asked for this support. I didn't receive an unsolicited offer—I reached out, explained my situation, and asked if Tailwind could help.

They could have said no. They could have offered a discount. They could have sent me to a contact form that goes nowhere.

Instead, they responded quickly, personally, and generously. That says something about the company and the people behind it.

I've purchased Tailwind products with my own money for years.  Now, when I needed help, they were there.

That's the kind of company relationship that actually means something.

What Comes Next

Treatment starts soon. I'll be documenting what works, what doesn't, and what I'm learning along the way. Tailwind Recovery Mix will be part of that journey, and I'll share honest updates about how it performs during the toughest challenge I've faced.

I don't know what the next few months will look like. I know there will be days when swallowing anything feels impossible. I know I'll lose weight that at this time I can't afford to lose. I know maintaining strength and nutrition will be a daily battle.

But I also know I'll have reliable, effective nutrition I can count on. Thanks to Tailwind, that's one battle I'm better equipped to fight.

To Tailwind Nutrition

Thank you. Not just for the product, but for understanding that behind every request for support is a person facing something difficult. For responding with generosity and genuine care. For being the kind of company that does the right thing when someone needs help.

Your Recovery Mix has been part of my cycling comeback for years. Now it gets to be part of something more important: my fight to stay strong through cancer treatment and come out the other side ready to ride again.

I'm grateful. Truly.

For Other Athletes Facing Treatment

If you're dealing with cancer treatment or any health challenge that makes eating difficult, talk to your oncology nutritionist about liquid nutrition options. Get everything screened for potential interactions with your specific treatment protocol. Please don't assume that because something is healthy, it's safe during chemo.

And if you need help, ask. The worst that happens is hearing no. The best that happens? Companies like Tailwind step up and make a real difference when you need it most.

Disclosure: Tailwind Nutrition donated product to support me during cancer treatment after I reached out and asked for help. This post is my genuine thanks, not sponsored content. All opinions are my own, based on years of using their products. When I write future updates about how it works during treatment, those will be honest too—I owe that to both Tailwind and my readers.