MANSFIELD — A graduation ceremony was held Tuesday at the Mansfield Area Y for the 2016 participants of LIVESTRONG at the Y, a cancer survivor program.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for participants to share their individual stories of survival and hope experienced through the LIVESTRONG program. Without exception, survivors praised and thanked the LIVESTRONG instructors, Don Barnhart, Lori Gailey and Renata Music for their help, guidance and understanding through the process.
Dorothy Farris shared with attendees, “ ‘LIVESTRONG’ is a great program which allowed me to reclaim my health and motivated me to continue a life style that promotes wellness. I continue to explore all the options available at the Mansfield Y.”
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week physical activity program which decreases cancer-related fatigue and increases overall quality of life. The LIVESTRONG program is designed to solve the top concern of survivors; returning to physical activity after treatment.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community, a safe, comfortable place to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories of inspiration. Survivors participate in this free program which is a customized exercise regimen catering to their individual needs and is directed by certified fitness instructors. Instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is supported by the Hire Foundation. Catering for the graduation ceremony was provided by Karla Rupp.
The Mansfield Area Y will begin its fall session of LIVESTRONG on Tuesday, September 13. The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 10:15 am for 12 weeks. Interested cancer survivors are encouraged to call James Twedt at 419-522-3511, extension 258, for enrollment information.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is free.
