A recent LIVESTRONG grad from our Northwest YMCA.
We’ve all seen the stark stats. In fact, this is what greets you when you pull up the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website: “1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.”
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA supports cancer survivors through our free LIVESTRONG® program, which aims to help adult cancer survivors regain strength through exercise.
“The 12-week initiative helps cancer survivors thrive in our supportive group environment, allowing them to connect with others who have undergone treatment and improve their physical and mental well-being through exercise led by certified LIVESTRONG coaches,” explains Dawn Kita, Operations Director, Community Health for the Tampa YMCA.
LIVESTRONG started at the Tampa Y in 2011. Since then, we have served nearly 1,500 adult cancer survivors, roughly 50 to 60% of whom have been treated for breast cancer.
This September the children’s version called Thriver’s Club was launched for kids ages 6-12 and 13-17. The free initiative for both members and non-members will run at our three locations: Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA, New Tampa Family YMCA and South Tampa Family YMCA with plans to expand in additional centers in January 2025.
The 12-week youth cancer survivor program provides weekly sessions that are low-impact, helps develop coordination, and decreases deconditioning (fatigue) that is a result of treatment. There will be small groups of up to six kids per session once a week with a Thriver’s Club Coach. Evening schedules will vary at all three locations.
Both programs offer the household family and participant a 12-week free membership to the Y to take group exercise classes, swim/play in the pool, use the wellness floor and enjoy all Y member perks.
Additionally, you can support cancer programming at the Y by attending our highly anticipated Turkey Gobble Thanksgiving Day race on November 28, 2024, by the Amelie Arena. The 10th annual 1K and 5K race in the heart of downtown Tampa is a great way for families to come together before the holiday festivities begin. Registration is open here.
Published Wednesday, October 16, 2024.