A Powerful LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Experience

Earlier this week I visited the Floyd County YMCA with my LIVESTRONG teammate Polly Jenkins and our partners at Eli Lily to see a YMCA program in action and to discuss our partnership. I have always heard great things about the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, but I left this site visit with a whole new and fresh perspective.  In short, I was blown away. I wish I could have videoed this whole experience, or even better, brought you all with me. One thing is for sure – LIVESTRONG at the YMCA isn’t just an exercise program – it is helping people return to LIFE after cancer.  It’s just as much about the rebuilding spirit and the soul, as it is about the rebuilding the body.

I met so many wonderful participants who are dealing with a range of issues after treatment – from depression to weight gain and treatment aftereffects to loneliness. I saw first-hand how integral the program managers at the YMCA are to the success of the operation. They are hands on and truly invested in everyone’s recovery. I even made a new friend, Sharon, who shared a poem she wrote about her experience. I encourage you to watch it below.  You will better understand the impact this amazing program is having, told through the real life story of a cancer survivor and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participant.

Thank you so much to our donors and Eli Lilly for helping us reach more cancer survivorsand making them aware of the full breadth and depth of our services. Thank you to the YMCA and to the program participants for sharing your stories with us during our visit. We all came away with a deeper understanding of the power of community and the drive to make LIVESTRONG at the YMCA available to EVERYONE affected by cancer.