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LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Testimonial: Phyllis

June is National Cancer Survivor Month and the Harrisburg Area YMCA desires to celebrate cancer survivors and support them on their path to health and recovery. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. Participating YMCAs create a welcoming community in which survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.

Recent LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participant, Phyllis, shares her testimony after recently completing the program at the West Shore YMCA:

 


“I am a new resident to the beautiful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have been fighting my battle with cancer for over 6 years. Back in February, I noticed a post on Facebook about the West Shore YMCA exercise program for cancer survivors. I ignored . the post at first, but it kept popping up and so I finally opened it and I am so glad I did! I read about the LIVESTRONG® program at the Y and since I was on chemo, I spoke to my oncologist about it. He told me that studies showed that cancer patients who exercised did better than those who didn’t and so he strongly encouraged me to sign up.”

I contacted the LIVESTRONG® coordinator and met with Michelle in the beginning of March. We discussed the details and requirements of the program and since I was still on chemo, whether or not I would be able to do it. My answer to Michelle – don’t know until I try! So I was accepted into the LIVESTRONG® at the Y program and I am so glad because this program has changed my life forever.

cancer survivor – LIVESTRONG<sup>®</sup> at the YMCA Testimonial: Phyllis

I will admit that I was never one who liked or participated in organized exercising groups. Even though I walk on a regular basis and eat a balanced diet, I am overweight and out of shape and never worked out on exercise and strengthening machines. But there was something different about this group. We all had something in common – cancer. These amazing people have inspired me every time we meet. We joined together like Shakespeare’s ‘Band of Brothers’ – supporting, helping, encouraging each other but most of all – enjoying each other’s company and becoming friends.

“We all had something in common – cancer.”

Since I started the LIVESTRONG® program, I have more energy, sleeping better, feel better about myself and thrilled that I have gone down a size. I definitely took advantage of my 12 week membership and tried to attend the Y 4 to 5 days a week. I loved the programs that were offered and made other friends outside the LIVESTRONG® program.

This couldn’t have been accomplished without the amazing LIVESTRONG® trainers, Michelle, Lisa and Angelica! They helped our group the entire way. Teaching us how to use the different exercise and strengthening machines correctly. Introducing the various programs offered here at the Y – Chair Yoga, Sit and Be Fit, Zumba® and so on. Had special speakers come in to educate us on nutrition and the disease that has attacked our bodies. They have been more than encouraging and motivating, they are simply – GREAT! I cannot thank them enough!

And it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give a shout out to the Hershey Medical College Students who assisted. They were outstanding! Thank you to the West Shore YMCA for providing this wonderful opportunity. This experience truly has been life changing for me!”

 


The Harrisburg Area YMCA Center for Healthy Living is proud to provide chronic disease prevention programs such as LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA to survivors like Phyllis in Central PA. For more information about how you can join our free, upcoming LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA sessions, please visit our website.

Emily Sanville, Digital Communications Coordinator

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