Healing after Cancer

Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and LIVESTRONG® have joined together to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.

Participants work with trained Y staff to achieve their goals, such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

Participants meet two times per week for 12 weeks in a small group setting and work with trainers to regain their health after a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment.

This free program for cancer survivors and their caregivers is made possible through donor support. To make a donation to support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, please click here.

For more information on the program, please contact Jennifer Donahue at jdonahue@fspymca.org.

LEARNING YOU’RE NOT ALONE: READ MARION’S STORY

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer close to three years ago. I just went to my doctor recently and got cleared. They tell me three is a big milestone for the type of cancer I had, which is ductal carcinoma triple negative. I was diagnosed in January of 2016. I scratched myself and felt this lump that seemed to have appeared overnight. I was sitting in the car with my son when I found it and he told me to call the doctor right away. I called and got an immediate appointment. As soon as the doctor examined me, I could tell it wasn’t good. I had surgery that February to remove the lump. It was Stage 2 and luckily, it hadn’t metastasized. I also went through chemotherapy and radiation and by that summer, I started to feel better. I wasn’t a YMCA member at that point, but my neighbor Donna (Peart) works at the Y and told me about the LIVESTRONG® program for cancer survivors. I started right after my last radiation treatment that August. I tried it, was able to get through the first two hours and I said ‘I can do this.’ I never missed a day the whole 12 weeks. I met other people – some younger than me and with a more severe diagnosis – who were so brave, hopeful and happy. It was inspiring. It helped being with other cancer survivors, knowing we’re in the same boat. I don’t know if I could have gotten through it without the help of the people around me.”