WARSAW — The Kosciusko Community YMCA will be offering new LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA classes this fall. The 12-week physical activity and wellbeing initiative helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. Additionally, programs like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA are part of the Y’s overall commitment to help cancer survivors recover in a safe and supportive environment. Funding from the K21 Health Foundation and the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund have financially assisted these efforts so that the program can be offered free of charge to cancer survivors in 2017.

If you’re interested in joining one of this fall’s classes, please contact Stacy Thomas at [email protected] or (574) 269-9622 x216.  Thomas will guide you through a simple intake process and connect you with the group that best meets your needs.   

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program built on best practices for cancer survivor exercise. The goals of the program are to empower adult cancer survivors to improve functional capacity and to increase their quality of life through an organized program of fitness and strength offered in a supportive, small-group setting.  The Kosciusko Community YMCA has been able to offer 12 classes since February of 2016 and has helped 86 people improve endurance, strength, stamina, courage and morale and move beyond cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, 15.5 million people in the U.S. today are cancer survivors – those living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.

Historically, health care providers instructed cancer patients to rest and avoid activity or exertion, but studies now demonstrate the importance of physical activity for cancer survivors.

In addition, the YMCA is offering an encouraging and resourceful support group for cancer survivors and their families/caregivers led by a graduate of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. The volunteer-led support group meets on the second Monday of each month in the Parkview Center for Healthy Living. The Support Group is free to anyone that would like to come.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is made possible by a cooperative agreement between Y-USA and the LIVESTRONG^® Foundation, which seeks to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Launched in 2008, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA 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. To date, more than 45,000 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide.