LIVESTRONG at the YMCA


	PARTNERS IN HEALING THE WHOLE PERSON LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA

	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 research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.

	Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexilbility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

	LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free small-group wellness program for adult cancer survivors. The certified instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, nutrition and supportive cancer care. The program is a 12-week session that meets for 75 minutes, two times per week at the YMCA. The cost is FREE to both Y members and non-members. This includes a FREE 3 month Y membership for the cancer survivor and caregiver while enrolled in the program. Our YMCA is committed to enhancing Healthy Living in our community. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a partnership between the YMCA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We are here to support and guide cancer survivors and their families through their recovery process by cultivating an atmosphere that embraces survivors with compassion, understanding, and awareness; to heal their spirits, minds, and bodies in a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
	LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Brochure For more information contact your YMCA Health & Well-Being Director at \| \|

	LIVESTRONG YStories

	Gerry's YStory	It all begin when I had a routine mammogram done. A few days later I received a phone call at work telling me I had breast cancer and the first thing I thought was there must be a mistake because I feel fine and it's not my time to die. I did in fact have an aggressive cancer tumor and I needed a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation treatment. My last treatment date which also marked the end of my 25 year career at work for a company Credit Union. I am happy to say I made it through my cancer treatment just fine and have met many wonderful people along the way. To be able to participate in the LiveSTRONG program at the YMCA has given me the guidelines to continue a healthy life style and I plan to continue with the examples I have been given from my exercise program to Live Strong the rest of my life. I am grateful to you and Sara for your guidance and training. I feel healthy and grateful to be where I am today and I hope this program continues to help many cancer survivors for years ahead.


	Carol's YStory	I suppose no one expects to get cancer. I surely did not and my healthy colonoscopy seemed to indicate ten year’s assurance before the test needed repeating. However, one year later, I received my colon cancer diagnosis. Who would expect that positive changes occur in one’s life after finding out they have the dreaded “C” word. I can honestly say that my cancer journey has opened many fitness opportunities that I would not have attempted before. The Eastside YMCA, an important component while raising our five children, provided the familiar facility to hone my swimming skills, strengthen my body and improve endurance. TEAMSurvivor Madison Inc., which recognizes the YMCA as a Community Partner, provided support and opportunity for me to complete my fifth sprint triathlon. Proudly, I have become an avid dragon boat paddler and I can now say that I have enjoyed snow shoeing, kayaking and even standup paddling. The YMCA recently was awarded a grant from the LiveStrong Foundation. I am fortunate to be a member of the LiveStrong program designed for cancer survivors. Piloted by the YMCA staff, survivors in the group exercise together and encourage each other. Life after my cancer diagnosis is very good. I hope I can be an inspiration to others. EDITOR’S NOTE; Carol has agreed to become a LiveStrong stationery bike group leader.


	De's YStory	Hi my name is DE, and I have colo-rectal cancer and I have had this disease about 5 years now. After being diagnosed I had surgery, radiation and chemo and then I went into remission. As a young adult I was a sport athlete, and I have always been active. As soon as I was in remission I was back doing the things I loved, but cancer kind of nibbles away at you slowly, and it came back, another bout of chemo and remission again. Once again I had a year off, and then they found a 3 inch tumor in my colon, surgery, a staph infection, a pulmonary embolism and then chemo. Left me pretty wiped out but not down. This time when I hit remission , I knew for me, I had to do something drastic because I could feel myself slowly losing ground and If I want to stay in remission I had to do something. I got the ok to start the water aerobics class at the “Y” and I started slowly at the gentle water aerobics, I then stay for most of the regular water aerobics class and now I was in the water an hour and a half 3 days a week. Then I got involved with the pilot program of Lance’s Armstrong live strong program. I now work out 5 days a week about an hour and a half each day. I feel this time around, I may have a chance to stay in remission longer, because I’m making my body that much stronger. If I have to go thru chemo again, my body will be able to fight better than it ever has. I know exercise is not everyone cup of tea and there are many different ways a cancer patient can consider to beat this disease, we all fight to elongate our life as much as possible. But I do know this that sitting at home and have very little social contact is not the answer. The more you get out and interact with people the better you feel and more alive you become. I don’t know what the future holds, but being at the “y”, making myself stronger, hanging out with friends, is for me, what life is all about.