The WEST SUBURBAN YMCA is one of more than 144 Ys across the nation that offers LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free 12-week health and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. Since 2007, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped more than 13,000 cancer survivors and their families nationwide. The WEST SUBURBAN YMCA launched their pilot program this February with 14 participants and start-up funding from the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation. The program will be offered several more times before the end of the year.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is proven to help people affected by cancer reclaim their health. The research-based program offers those living with, through and beyond cancer a safe, empowering environment to participate in activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Participants work with specially trained Y staff and volunteers to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, the program also 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. At the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, the program is provided at no cost and includes 12-week memberships to the Y for the participants and their family members.

No one experiences cancer in the same way. Survivors come to the program with different physical challenges and lifestyle goals. Recent graduate of the program, Newton resident Howard Smith, talked about his experience, saying: “Joining the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program was my virtual starting line towards recovery and survivorship. Every week, I saw and felt an improvement in my strength and stamina. And, being with a group of fellow cancer survivors helped push me further along the process of getting back on my feet.”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides individualized attention and an approach to recovery that targets the areas each participant needs to rebuild and physical activities are tailored to match only what participants are comfortable and able to accomplish. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community-a safe, comfortable place for participants to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.

According to Jane Carroll, the Y’s Director of Health & Wellness, the 14 survivors who participated in the pilot program this spring were tested before and after the program in the following areas: lower body strength, upper body strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and balance. Overall, every participant improved in all five areas. Greatest improvements were seen in the upper and lower body strength categories – a few participants increased their maximum leg press and chest press by over 50 pounds.

Future LIVESTRONG at the YMCA programs will be funded through donations to the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA’s Annual Campaign. For more information on how to sponsor a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participant, please contact the Y’s Director of Development, Rosie Carey, at rosiec@wsymca.org.

About the Y:
The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that welcomes all by creating a community that serves individuals of any age, race, gender, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to ensure all children, adults and families are healthy, confident and connected. Founded in 1877, the Y ensures that everyone has access to our programs and services by offering financial assistance, made possible through charitable donations to our Annual Campaign.

To learn more about the WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.