Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. The Y and LIVESTRONG® have joined together to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.
Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals, such as building muscle mass and strength;increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA 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.
By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. This twelve-week
small group program is designed for adult cancer survivors. It fulfills the important need of supporting the
increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their regular daily activities.
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LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is designed to empower adult
cancer survivors to regain their health after having become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their disease or
its treatment.
• Free,12-week Y membership at either the Summit or Berkeley Heights Y
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• Two 75 minute classes each week.
• Small group setting (6-8 participants).
• Full access to the YMCA facilities, including KidZone childcare services.
• Designed for adults who have recently
completed their cancer treatment.
The goals for participants of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program are to improve energy levels and self-esteem, build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, improve functional ability to do everyday tasks, reduce the severity of therapy side-effects and prevent unwanted weight changes, and develop
an ongoing physical fitness program so participants can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as a part of recovery, but as a way of life.
The certified instructors and personal trainers
at the Y provide a supportive, safe environment for each class and have undergone specialized training in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise,
nutrition, and supportive cancer care.
The program is currently seeking participants for new sessions at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and the Summit YMCA. Participants must have a strong personal desire to enroll in the program and must be committed to attending all classes. Each cancer survivor must consult with their physician prior to joining the program and must obtain a medical referral and waiver. Each person must also complete the YMCA screening questionnaire and give the Y Fitness Staff permission to call their physician or person giving treatment if and when necessary.
Advanced registration is required as class size is limited and since a doctor’s clearance is required. Enrollment
decisions are made individually and confidentially.
Contact Information:
Summit YMCA, Sue Fieseler (P) 908 273 3330 x1167
(E) sue.fieseler@theSAY.org
Berkeley Heights YMCA, Lisa Monaghan
(P) 908 464 8373 x2026 (E) lisa.monaghan@theSAY.org
The program has proven to be life-changing for many of the participants. Noella, a 68 year old breast cancer survivor explained, “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA gave me invaluable gifts – hope and a new lease on life. I was depressed and unfocused before I joined the program.
Being given the opportunity to concentrate on myself and my recovery, and to train to get both physically and mentally stronger has made a huge difference in my life, and my family tells me, in my interactions with others.”
Bill, a 28 year old testicular cancer survivor said, “Thanks to the Y, I was able to get on a long-term fitness plan. The supportive and friendly trainers wanted me to achieve the best that I could for myself and worked hard with me to do that. I have nothing but praise for LIVESTRONG.”
“I was doom and gloom before I enrolled in the program. Since then, I’ve bonded with my group and I am happier. I’ve tried the machines, stretching, and yoga. I’m trying to do what I can to change the odds” states 72 year old Charlie, a thyroid cancer survivor.
"I went through extensive chemotherapy and a tibia transplant when I was first diagnosed 7 years
ago. Before cancer, I played college-level soccer and until this program I never thought that working out would be in my future again. This amazing program at the Berkeley Heights Y helped me accept my “new normal” and convinced me that I could once again be engaged in exercise that was both, effective and enjoyable” shared Christine, a 31 year old bone cancer survivor.
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading charitable 501(c)3 organizations. Our programs and services are open to all through our financial assistance programs made possible through the generosity of our members, donors and partners. To help us help others, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org
