LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
We provide comprehensive support programs to address specific challenges associated with diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTH & FITNESS:
LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA PROMOTES CANCER RECOVERY
In 2008, the YMCA partnered with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Part of the Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. The Hockomock AREA YMCA was one of the first ten YMCAs in the country to launch LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at all three of its branches in 2010.
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.
The program includes a no charge 12 week membership for the participant and his/her family.
Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility 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.
“At the time I was so fatigued, I literally dragged myself off the couch to go to the program. And I felt so good afterwards. The friends I met there, they are close friends now and are like family to me. I’m still a participant at the Y. I exercise four days a week now. This program made me so much stronger.”
—Sandy, LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA alumna
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on you—the whole person—not the disease. The free, 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight. You’ll focus on:
- building muscle mass and strength
- increasing flexibility and endurance
- improving confidence and self-esteem
Plus, learn about wellness, stress reduction techniques and how to continue healthful habits after the program has ended. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community—a safe, comfortable place for you to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.
Taking It at Your Own Pace
No one experiences cancer in the same way. Participants come to the program with different physical challenges and lifestyle goals. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides you with individualized attention and an approach to recovery that targets the areas you need to rebuild. There’s no competition here—physical activities are tailored to match only what you’re able to accomplish.
Expert, Caring Staff
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff have been specially trained to work with cancer survivors and patients and follow American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society exercise guidelines.They’re exercise experts who can understand your unique physical needs and concerns and help you address them safely. They’re also relationship builders with the empathy and ability to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families.
THE NEED FOR LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
Medical studies have shown that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment.
And cancer survivors themselves are increasingly aware of the positive impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships and stress reduction techniques can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped thousands of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Call 508-772-1310 or CONTACT US for programs in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro, MA.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY:
THE LIVING STRONGER PROGRAM
Members of our Live STRONG program often make bonds, forming a community. Our Living STRONGER program enables LiveSTRONG alumni to continue pursuing wellness and support after completion of the initial 12-week program. In our Living STRONGER program, program alumni continue meeting weekly, remaining connected, while pursuing ongoing wellness.
LIVESTRONG alumni also participate in annual charity events, such as Team LIVESTRONG at the 5K and the LIVESTRONG at the Y Celebration.
This initiative focuses on both the emotional and physical health of a cancer survivor by creating opportunities for social connections in small groups. The Y provides a calendar of opportunities including walking clubs, social outings, volunteer opportunities, group gatherings, and an educational series.
As part of Living STRONGER, the structured STRONG program will provide an opportunity for program alumni to continue meeting weekly to reach wellness goals in the Y branches.
These opportunities are free for all LIVESTRONG alumni.
“The Y provided me the motivation to get moving again. To be with others living their lives after a cancer diagnosis and trainers who understood the implications of various surgeries and treatments was vitally important. Following my recurrence, the opportunity to participate in the LIVESTRONG Alumni Program (STRONG) has continued to reinforce the need to live my life as healthy as possible.”
Ellen, 2015 STRONG Participant
HOW DOES THE LIVING STRONGER PROGRAM WORK?
Through this program, we will support the emotional and physical health of our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Alumni by creating opportunities in and outside the Y for social connections in small groups. Included in Living STRONGER:
- The STRONG Program; a weekly, structured 12 week physical activity program
- Calendar of free events, social outings and physical activity groups
- Newsletter and social media communication to engage our alumni
- Volunteer opportunities
The STRONG program is a component of Living STRONGER and is modeled after the current LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program to help survivors continue their journey with exercise including exercises that focus on strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance and flexibility. These small group programs of up to fifteen people are led by one trained LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program trainer and mentors once a week for 1.5 hours. The STRONG program is free for Hockomock Y members and a $75 fee for non-members.
SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS
Living STRONGER is made possible by the support & commitment of the Lunter family on behalf of the Jaworski family.
DRIVEN BY VOLUNTEERS
In addition to the Y staffers, volunteers and alumni make possible many of the great activities and support. By volunteering their time, the Living Stronger program, has become a thriving support network.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
If you’d like to volunteer to help the Living Stronger program, please contact us.
WAYS TO HELP
- Program Mentors: Work in the wellness centers with LIVESTRONG at the Y and STRONG groups
- Social Group/Workshop Leaders: Volunteer your expertise
- Alumni Committee: Strengthen our programs with your voice
- Administrative Volunteer: Mailings, clerical, information processing
