MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Mansfield YMCA LIVESTRONG participants celebrated their completion of the program earlier this month on June 22. After the ceremonial speeches, the true joy came as each participant got their time in the light and their names were read to the assembled masses.
This 12-week program is designed to restore strength of body, mind, and spirit for cancer survivors in the local community. The goal of the program includes helping participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability.
Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self-esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.
The graduation ceremony was a time of celebrating achievement and success.
YMCA Personal Trainer and LIVESTRONG Instructor Renata Music stated, “The transformation of these participants over the 12-week period was remarkable to watch. They bloomed, changed, and have grown mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
The YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program is unique because it is able to transform the participants’ insecurities and self-consciousness into confidence, openness, and strength through the support of a caring community of instructors and participants.
“I believe this program has strengthened my mind, body, and spirit,” said one graduate. “But most of all, it has developed a sense of responsibility to my fellow survivors to maintain healthy friendships that will last a lifetime.”
For more information on the program, please visit mansfieldy.org or call us at 419.522.3511.
