YMCA of Greater Nashua to offer LIVESTRONG® at the Y
The YMCA of Greater Nashua will begin offering LIVESTRONG at the Y, a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is available to cancer survivors and their families in the Greater Nashua community, and is currently on Tuesdays and Thursdays through a pilot proram. The pilot program has engaged 12 participants and expecting to enroll the next group of participants later in January. We expect to serve up to 36 people in the next session. The meeting days and times for the January session are yet to be determined.
“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Dr. Ruth Rechis, LIVESTRONG Foundation Vice President of Programs. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals, so LIVESTRONG and the Y joined forces to create LIVESTRONG at the Y. The Y is the perfect collaborator because of its national reach, commitment to meeting the needs of all community members and history of program innovation in support of health and wellness.”
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As part of LIVESTRONG at the Y, the Y engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person. Participants work with trained Y staff to build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.
“We are excited to collaborate with LIVESTRONG to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength,” said Maegan Sullivan, Director of Healthy Living, at the YMCA of Greater Nashua. “With a mission centered on balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and well-being for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.”
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The YMCA of Greater Nashua was one of 9 Ys in Maine and New Hampshire to join together and undergo rigorous training in order to spread the program throughout the region.
LIVESTRONG at the Y is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the Y, and the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the organization created to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action. The foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, launched in 2008, is designed to improve the health and day-to-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families. By the end of 2013, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will be offered at 300 Ys around the country. To date, more than 16,800 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide.
Additionally, the Y is recruiting volunteers to assist with program activities and help with literature drops throughout the region.
For more information contact Maegan Sullivan at livestrong@nmymca.org or by calling 603.882.2011.
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About the LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for leading an ongoing dialogue with patients and survivors, providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America’s top non-profit organizations, the Foundation enjoys a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and has been recognized by the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.
