There were a total of eight graduates in the first graduating class of the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program. Seated in the front row is: Kathy Gill, Mary Thomas, Carol Forbes, Michelle Baker, Becky Walls. Second row: Larry Dixon (Coach), Brenda Allbritten (Coach), Steve Knouff (Coach), Jennifer Stutzman, Jan Knoop, Judy Roberts, Missy Hartman (Coach), Lori Haywood (Membership Coach). (Photo provided)

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Community YMCA recently hosted a graduation ceremony for the first class of eight graduates from the LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA program, a twelve week wellness and recovery program for cancer survivors. The graduation was held at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA. Family members, friends, program partners and YMCA staff came to support the survivors on their wellness journey.

“The LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA coaches are proud of our graduates for their commitment to the program. They are a great group of women who supported each other throughout the program.” stated Brenda Allbritten, LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA Coach, and wellness lead for the program at the Kosciusko Community YMCA.

Throughout the ceremony, the graduates provided testimonials on what the program meant to them. “I am a stage 4 cancer patient. I had surgery in November and my oncologist recommend the LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA program so that I could learn good exercise and walking techniques to get my strength back after surgery and prepare myself for radiation. The staff has been tremendous and I am truly committed to “not quitting” to stay as strong as I can as long as I can.” Another graduate added, “The reason I came to the LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA program is because I have stage 2 uterine cancer. What this program has done for me is to help build endurance, strength, and stamina. LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA has given me a happier spirit. The staff has been phenomenal. You get support from the coaches and also the other people in the program. I would recommend this program to anyone that is going through cancer, or has had cancer. It is a life changer.” 

Each participant received a certificate of completion, a photo of their class and stationary with stamps to encourage the graduates to stay connected in a meaningful way. The ceremony was followed by brunch, conversation, pictures of the graduates and ended with a prayer and ceremonial balloon launch by the YMCA’s Director of Christian Emphasis, Matt Goebel.  He says, “The LIVESTRONG^® program at the YMCA is great because it really strives to focus on the mind, body and spirit.  Some other programs miss the spirit part, but it is always important to remember that our ultimate strength and hope rest in Jesus our Lord.”

“Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability,” said Stacy Thomas, Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA.  Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self-esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.

“Through LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA, we are able to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength in reclaiming their health,” stated Chad Zaucha, CEO, of the Kosciusko Community YMCA. The twelve week program is offered at no cost to the participant and is open to the community.