This summer, the New Canaan YMCA proudly celebrated reaching a new milestone for its LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. With the completion of its spring sessions, the Y has served over 200 cancer survivors in our community to date.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is a free, 12-week research-based program designed to help individuals reclaim their physical, emotional, and social well-being during or after cancer treatment. This life-changing program is offered at no cost to cancer survivors in the community. Since its launch in 2013, the program has welcomed participants with a wide range of cancer diagnoses, creating a supportive and meaningful community. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA strives to fill a vital need among the growing number of cancer survivors who find themselves navigating the transition between treatment completion and a new sense of “normal.”
Through the program, participants meet twice a week at the Y and work with specially certified Y personal trainers to tailor the program to their individual needs. In addition to the physical component, the program provides emotional support and a sense of camaraderie, often becoming a meaningful peer support group.
“I am so happy to have completed the New Canaan YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program after learning about it from a friend who attended a previous session. LIVESTRONG helped me to gain/regain strength and much better balance and coordination, along with confidence in all of these things. The limited group was perfect for working together, getting to know each other, and supporting each other. Our LIVESTRONG leader was very talented, patient, and encouraging, along with being a wonderful guide and teacher for all,” shared a past participant.
At the end of June, the Y celebrated the graduation of its spring LIVESTRONG at the YMCA group, which supported 10 cancer survivors in regaining their strength and confidence. The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program educates participants about equipment use for cardio and strength training exercises, introduces group exercise classes, and encourages participants to use the Y’s Wellness Center outside of meeting times throughout the 12-week session.
“The LIVESTRONG program motivated me to work out consistently. I committed to the program, and even though it was challenging to get there some nights, I was determined to finish. My post assessment showed great improvement; I was proud of myself, and it felt good. The Y’s staff were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. It was a tremendous experience,” shared another participant.
The national LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is available at over 790 YMCAs throughout the country and has helped more than 75,000 cancer survivors. The next session at the New Canaan YMCA will begin in September and is currently taking applications. To learn more about the Y’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected]. The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is made possible through donations. To support this program, donations can be made online at www.newcanaanymca.org/donate.