The Berkeley Heights YMCA will be offering a new fall session of the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, a free, 12-week small group recovery program for adult cancer survivors. The Summit Area YMCA works to support individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be their best self. This is especially true for cancer survivors. 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 certified trainers to customize the program to their individual needs. Common goals include building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. Our instructors are also specially trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care. In addition, the program focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive “community” where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.
For Paul, a LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participant, completing the program helped him regain his health in order to get back to his passion; running. “Being a marathon runner, cancer really set me back. As a result of being a part of the [program], I was able to regain my strength and endurance, and I was able to run the Summit Area YMCA’s Annual Mother’s Day 5K. I even got my wife and 9 year old son to join me as a way to give back and support the program that helped me get back to my best self.”
Additionally, survivors and their families are provided a supportive community where individuals impacted by cancer can connect. “After surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, I was left bald, tired and scared. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helped me overcome my aversion to exercise and get back to being myself again. I loved being a part of the support group of survivors who like myself were impacted by cancer.” says Ann, another LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participant. “The instructors were wonderful, motivating, knowledgeable and donated a lot of their time to helping us recover. I’m now enjoying Zumba and walking on the treadmill has made me feel better and I look more fit. I’m so happy to be exercising and doing something that I enjoy that makes me healthier and I’m grateful to the LIVESTRONG® program.”
The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program helps survivors become healthier and happier individuals. Each session lasts for 12 weeks, where participants and their families receive a free Y membership for full access to YMCA facilities, including KidZone childcare services. There are two 75 minute classes each week within a small group setting of 8-10 participants.
FALL SESSION
WHERE: Berkeley Heights YMCA, 550 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ
WHEN: September 12 (Tuesday/Thursday) TIME: 10:30 AM-11:45AM
October 17 (Tuesday/Thursday) 6:00PM-7:15PM
To register or for more information, please visit www.thesay.org or contact Lisa McQuilkin at (908)464-8373 Ext. 2026 or lisa.mcquilkin@thesay.org.
As a non-profit, the Summit Area YMCA’s mission is to support families by building a strong community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Better individuals make for a better community, a better us.
The Summit Area YMCA is one of area’s leading 501c3 organizations. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, our programs and services are open to all regardless of financial circumstance. To strengthen your community and provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org/give.