YMCA Program Helps Cancer Survivors Improve Their Health and Their Outlook

LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA OF GREATER DAYTON

by Alissa Penner

Let's face it, today we hear the word cancer far too often, whether it's a diagnosis of a loved one, a friend who is receiving treatments, positive and negative outcomes, everyone knows someone. In the middle of these hardships and challenges we can choose to stay positive and fight for what it has taken from us. That is what we are doing at the YMCA of Greater Dayton. With the help of Premier Health, the YMCA of Greater Dayton is now a provider of the nationally recognized LIVESTRONG at the Y program. It is a 12-week physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals, designed to help cancer survivors recover in a safe and supportive environment. 

According to Livestrong.org, "At LIVESTRONG, we fight for the more than 32.6 million people around the world affected by cancer now. There can be—and should be—life after cancer for more people. We provide direct services to anyone affected by cancer; connect people and communities with the services they need; and call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. This is LIVESTRONG." 

It is the goal of LIVESTRONG at the Y:  

• Build muscle strength
• Increase flexibility
• Strengthen energy levels
• Improve endurance
• Improve mood.

"We are so glad to offer this program to our members and cancer survivors in our community. It's an outstanding program because it represents our mission of providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. Coming along side people who have had a cancer diagnosis, to help them reach their goals and find the positive in the middle of a challenge, it just doesn't get any better than that." - Darlene Reid, Sr. Health and Wellness Director, Coffman YMCA. 

LIVESTRONG at the Y is up and running. It is a very personal experience for each of the participants. It not only improves their physical health, but their emotional and mental health alike. "I can do so much more than I could six months ago. Just simple things like doing house work or watching my grandkids. I wake up in the mornings and thank God for this day and make plans. I can look ahead to the future." -Peg, LIVESTRONG participant.

"I love that the program builds confidence on the [weight room] equipment, I'm not intimidated about going in and working out. I love that the program has allowed me to get to know others who are thriving beyond surviving." - Renae, LIVESTRONG participant. 

The YMCA of Greater Dayton are your partners in healing the whole person and we invite anyone in our community to be a part of the LIVESTRONG at the Y program. It is provided at no cost to any cancer survivor for the duration of the program. No doubt LIVESTRONG at the Y is a positive light in the darkness of disease. For more information visit: www.ymcaonline.org/programs/livestrong-ymca

Hear about how Mike and Colleen, an Englewood couple that fought cancer together, felt after experiencing LiveStrong at the YMCA.