LIVESTRONG
AT THE YMCA
CANCER SURVIVORS PROGRAM
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a small-group program developed and established in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, assists those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirit, mind and body. Recent research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute confirmed that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants experience improved fitness and quality of life as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue.
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not disease. 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.
The program is 12 weeks, with two 90-minute sessions a week. It is open to adults 18 years or older at no cost to the participant.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants:
- Build muscle mass and muscle strength
- Increase flexibility and endurance
- Improve functional ability
- Reduce the severity of therapy side effects
- Prevent unwanted weight changes
- Improve energy levels and self esteem
- Develop a personal physical fitness program to continue beyond the program
- Enjoy a supportive environment and connecting with fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members
- Complete fitness and quality of life assessments before and after participation
SPECIALLY TRAINED
STAFF
Our 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.
2023 SCHEDULE
Atchison Family YMCA
Session Two
August 29 - November 16
Tues/Thurs
10:30 a.m. to noon
Olathe Family YMCA
Session Two
September 12 - December 7
Tues/Thurs
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Platte County Community Center North
Session Two
September 19 - December 12
Tues/Thurs
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
GET
STARTED
- Consult your oncologist or a hospital oncology representative before joining the program
- Enroll in the program by phone, email or visiting the Y hosting the class
- Give permission for a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA representative to contact your physician or health care provider if necessary
- Commit to attending 75% of the classes
To register or for more information, please email us.
JENNIE'S
STORY
When Jennie, a cancer survivor, first joined the Y, she could hardly walk into the building. Now, after participating in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA and other exercise activities, she says she's healthier than she's ever been.
"The LIVESTRONG program helped me gain strength, it helped me gain confidence to be able to keep working out more and more until I was able to do a variety of workouts at the Y."
Joining the Y and the LIVESTRONG program was one of the best decisions she's made, she said.
"The community that you have at the Y, the classes, the people — it's very comfortable and I would say right now, I'm probably the healthiest I've ever been."
LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES?
Our partner Sarah Cannon Cancer Center/HCA Midwest also provides programs for those affected by cancer.