Chris Brewer meets another Chris Brewer at the 8th Annual Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble road race fundraising event for LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
The 8th Annual Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble
On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24th, over 3,500 individuals gathered at Amalie Arena to celebrate the holiday with family, friends and co-workers. The Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble allows participating individuals the ability to further the cause of the Tampa YMCA and strengthen the foundations of community through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
All proceeds from the Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble benefit the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and healthy living programs.
LIVESTRONG® is a free 12-week program that provides in-person support for those who are living with, through or beyond cancer. Our certified cancer wellness coaches provide physical and social activities for participants and foster a supportive environment that encourages members to create connections and build relationships.
Meet Chris Brewer
The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program was brought to the Tampa Y in partnership with the LIVESTRONG® Foundation. Director of External Affairs with the Livestrong Foundation, Chris Brewer (pictured right) was on the team that made Livestrong possible in Tampa and joined us at this year’s Turkey Gobble.
Chris shares, “LIVESTRONG® at the Y means a lot to [the participants] because it’s one of their first steps in getting back into society. [The participants] have experienced one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives and this is one of the first steps to integrating and realizing that healing is more than just going through the process of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries. [LIVESTRONG®] gets you back in the game and surrounds you with people who understand what you are going through."
Meet another Chris Brewer
While the cancer journey is a serious one, there are moments of levity as survivors meet and get to know each other… this year’s Turkey Gobble brought together two survivors – both named Chris Brewer.
Livestrong Graduate Chris Brewer (pictured left) was a featured speaker at this year's race. For him, his cancer journey and LIVESTRONG® experience left him with a lasting desire to give back to cancer patients during their time of need.
“I didn’t take advantage of giving back before I was [diagnosed with cancer] so being on the other side, you are so thankful that you want to be able to support others who are going through their cancer journey.”
Each Chris’s LIVESTRONG experience was different, however, they remain focused on supporting their community and the program.
You too can be an advocate for the 1,806,590+ people living with cancer in the United Sates – donate to our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program to help those in the Tampa community today!
Published Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022