FANWOOD - SCOTCH PLAINS YMCA LIVESTRONG® AT THE YMCA HELPS IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CANCER SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The LIVESTRONG Program at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA began in fall of 2011. Since its inception, over 39 survivors have graduated the program.  Many “alumni” are continuing at the Y in their “Stay Strong” program.  The program will run again beginning September 17th at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.  LIVESTRONG is a physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals.  LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA, the national resource office of the Y and LIVESTRONG. 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 by bringing customized, research-based health and well-being programs into communities across the country. To date, approximately 5,000 cancer survivors have participated in the program nationwide. 

“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 Andy Miller, LIVESTRONG Executive Vice President.  “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals, so LIVESTRONG and YMCA of the USA joined forces to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.  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.” 

As a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participant, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA 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 is also focused on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. “Cancer is life-changing.  How strong a person feels in spirit, mind and body can directly impact how he or she lives through and beyond treatment,” said Sheri Cognetti, Senior Program Director and Project Manager for the program “At the Y, we work to give all people the opportunity to meet their health and wellness goals and are delighted to collaborate with LIVESTRONG to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength.” 

Registration is going on now for the fall LIVESTRONG program session. Those who are interested in signing up or would like more information should contact Sheri Cognetti at 908-889-8880 or email her at Livestrong@fspymca.org.  The Big Yellow Mile swim event to benefit LIVESTRONG will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Y’s Martine Avenue location in Scotch Plains. If you are interested in taking the challenge, please call Donna Peart at 908-889-8880 x104. 

 The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.fanwoodscotchplainsymca.org to learn more about Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA programs.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.