“I had been a member here on and off for years when my kids were little. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in November 2018. I then started chemo. Recently, it was two years since I’ve been in remission. I found out about LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA from a support group at Summit Medical. I actually started the program prior to COVID-19 and then it was put on hold. When I first heard about the program, I said ‘I have to do this.’ I had low energy and once you go through the surgery and treatment, you’re weak. I also wanted to be around people who were going through the same thing that I was. I wanted that support. As a cancer survivor, you can’t go into a gym blind and say ‘I’m going to lift weights.’ I didn’t know how to start. When I was told the program was back on, I was so pleasantly surprised and happy that the Y reached back out. It’s been great to have that support to learn what I’m doing right or wrong. I am so much stronger now. I lost a ton of weight, too. I’ve been learning how to lift weights and do them properly and it’s been such difference. Plus, this group has become like a family. We’ve become friends and we talk during our workouts, chit chat about wellness and what we’re doing.”