Cancer is often difficult to discuss, and for Ann, a cancer survivor, it was nearly impossible to reveal her situation to others. “That word just scared me,” she said. “Anytime someone would talk about it, I would just shut down. But now I’m out. I don’t care who knows.
Ann said she owed that courage to her participation in the LIVESTRONG pilot group at the Mansfield YMCA.
LIVESTRONG was founded by former professional road racing cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong to offer direct support services to those affected by cancer. LIVESTRONG has recently joined forces with the Mansfield YMCA to provide a physical activity program designed for adult cancer survivors.
Instructors Reneta Music and Don Barnhart noted that the group was more than just an exercise class – members offer each other support and understanding.
“This group had me coming back and actually talking about my cancer…finding someone in a similar situation really helped me,” said Ann.
Ann was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer, a somewhat rare form which makes up only 10 to 15 percent of all thyroid cancers. The rarity of her cancer made it even more surprising when she met Hannah via the LIVESTRONG group, who had the same diagnosis.
“It’s a little harder to treat. If it metastasizes, it doesn’t go to the lymph nodes, it goes to the brain,” said Hannah. “My doctor gave me five years to live when I was initially diagnosed. This is my sixth year, and I’m doing better.”
LIVESTRONG has made a difference to participants. “If you have a group to come to, you might wake up tired…but you make yourself get out of the house,” said Barnhart, who is also a cancer survivor. “It’s something to hold you accountable. If you aren’t here, Renatta calls and checks on you.”
Participants noted that they encourage each other to move and be well, and all said they were particularly inspired by fellow LIVESTRONG member, 83-year-old Barb.
“There’s nothing she won’t try,” said Hannah.
Cancer-free for 14 years, Barb said she has been inspired as well.
“I’ve learned a lot from these people here, these younger ones, they’ve taught me a lot of things, and I’ve helped them, too,” said Barb. “We help each other. We work together and inspire each other to keep going. That’s what it’s all about, to be motivated, to think positive.”
“It’s been inspirational to me,” said Cynthia of the LIVESTRONG program. “I just can’t talk about it enough. Meeting people that have been through cancer…we’ve experienced many of the same things. Having someone that knows how I feel has been so rewarding to me.”
“It doesn’t matter what type of cancer you have,” said Hannah. “It’s not a club we ever wanted to be in. But it does give you a little more compassion for others.”
“What I like about this group is that we can all come together and encourage each other and build each other up,” she continued.
Music said she likes to keep the class interesting, offering a wide range of activities in addition to cardio. “I’ve trained them in kettle bells. I lead them in stretching. We’ve done one session with self-defense and bag hitting and kicking. We’ve done Zumba, yoga, and Thursday we are going to hit the pool.”
LIVESTRONG is open to those newly diagnosed as well as those that are now cancer free, said Barnhart. The 12 week course is offered at no charge and includes a free YMCA membership for those 12 weeks. That membership, noted Barnhart, includes family and caregivers as well.
Barnhart said of the group, “They’ve come a long way since they started…and you can see their self-esteem and energy level go up.”
“We’re going to live till we die, and we’re going to live strong,” said Cynthia.
Note: Last names were withheld at the participants’ request.
“We help each other. We work together and inspire each other to keep going. That’s what it’s all about, to be motivated, to think positive,” said LIVESTRONG member Barb.
