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Vol. 54, No. 52
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
Livestrong at YMCA
helps cancer survivors move forward together
By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer
For many cancer survivors, recovery doesn’t end with remission. At the Parkview YMCA, the Livestrong program is giving participants the tools and the support to reclaim their strength, identity, and purpose after cancer. After her diagnosis, Patsy Hamilton found herself at a physical and emotional standstill. That changed when a friend referred her to Livestrong. “It was hard for me to walk through that door because I wasn’t sure,” Hamilton said. “But I’m so thankful and blessed that I did.” Hamilton is one of many who have participated in the Livestrong program, a free, 12-week fitness and support course offered by the YMCA to help those living with, through or beyond cancer, reclaim their strength in body, mind and spirit. Led by instructors trained in supportive cancer care, the program meets twice a week for 90 minutes. Participants also receive a free, one-year YMCA membership and access to personalized fitness training, educational resources and group support. But according to Hamilton, the sense of belonging is what truly makes a difference. “I think that’s the biggest thing; the support you have,” she said. “They are going through the same thing. We always supported each other.” Eva Mudd, a Livestrong coach at the Warsaw YMCA for over a decade, said the program is built around the idea of individualized support. “Cancer can affect everyone so individually, so differently,” Mudd said. “So really, we try to be very unique and individual to the person that comes into the program.” Hamilton said the program helped her reconnect not just with exercise, but with herself. “(The program) helped me remember that I’m not just surviving, I’m rebuilding,” she said. The structured classes typically begin with group discussion and check-ins before moving into gentle cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises. “There were a couple times ... I felt like ‘I can’t do this,’” Hamilton said. “The instructors never pushed us on what our bodies were capable of doing, but they were always there beside us, encouraging us that ‘(we) can do this.’” Graduates of Livestrong can continue their wellness journey through Stay Strong, a weekly alumni fitness class, or Celebrating Survivorship, a monthly luncheon and support group. Both programs are offered free of charge. Hamilton is set to begin Celebrating Survivorship soon. “I think it’s better to keep connected,” she said. “And our little group, we still keep in touch. It’s just so amazing.” Mudd agreed that the relationships formed can last beyond the program’s end — through graduation and other programs. “A lot of times, they get to stay connected with not only their classmates, but start to meet other people outside that have gone through the same program,” she said. “It really expands their network of support, knowing that they’ve all gone through the same program, that they’ve all had cancer.” The Warsaw YMCA has hosted more than 60 sessions of Livestrong to date. Funded by grants and sustained through community referrals, the program continues to offer new class sessions year-round. Registration is open to any adult with a confirmed cancer diagnosis and medical clearance to participate. For Hamilton, joining was life-changing. “This is a program that is a way to emotionally, physically and spiritually get a piece of yourself back. There is a life after cancer.” To learn more or register, contact Susan Potter at spotter@kcymca.org.
THERE FOR EACH OTHER — Livestrong Coach Brenda Allbritten hugs a cancer survivor. Photo provided by Kosciusko Community YMCA Livestrong.
A CLASS DIALOGUE — Shown are Livestrong survivors from Class 28, and Coach Brenda Allbritten. Class 61 is currently running. Livestrong is approaching its 10-year anniversary of being offered at the Kosciusko Community YMCA, which has been made sustainable through The K21 Foundation and The Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund. Photo provided by Kosciusko Community YMCA Livestrong.