BELLVILLE — The courage and hope of 17-year-old Grant Reed emanates from his being. His schedule, filled with school work and typical teenage activities, keeps him focused on his ultimate goal of beating brain cancer.
One activity in particular has improved his well-being: the LIVESTRONG program at the Mansfield Area YMCA. Reed graduated from the LIVESTRONG program in December 2016 with 20 other cancer survivors. As the youngest member of the 12-week program, the discussions and group support have aided in his recovery.
“Well it definitely made me a better person and made me better in my overall fitness, which is what it is designed to do,” Reed said.
LIVESTRONG creates community among cancer survivors throughout the region.
“They can all relate to each other,” said YMCA Personal Trainer Chris Hahn. “If you go through it, if you experience it, it’s a whole different ball game. I think it’s nice that they have a community with each other.”
The most transformational aspect of the program for Reed has proved to be his friendship with Hahn. Hahn worked with Reed one-on-one to help him regain mobility and balance after brain surgery. Reed worked to develop a comfort level with Hahn and the YMCA facilities. Hahn intentionally adjusted his approach to accommodate Reed.
“The Y is a big facility, so it’s a little overwhelming at first,” Hahn said. “But once you get comfortable with the surroundings and the people, you start to let your guard down.”
At first Reed and Hahn worked on gaining coordination through stair exercises. Hahn saw improvements each week.
“We used to just walk up and down the stairs, and he would have to hold onto the railing,” Hahn said. “By the end of our workouts as weeks went on, he stopped using the railing. It might sound very small to most people, but it’s a huge thing.”
Reed also gained upper body strength by doing front raises with dumbbells. He progressed from 2.5-pound to 12-pound weights.
“That’s quite a big increase,” Hahn said. “Not only was he getting stronger, it also has to do with being comfortable in your surroundings.”
Hahn’s size and demeanor may have intimidated Reed at first, but the pair bonded quickly.
“Grant at first didn’t talk much to me, but by the end of the time it was hard for him to shut up,” Hahn said with a grin. “We had such a good bond between us with the LIVESTRONG program.”
Reed said he the enjoyed his workouts and the time he spent with Hahn.
“My favorite memory is probably just going on certain nights and working with Chris,” Reed said. “He was just a big, fun guy. He motivates me.”
The bond between Hahn and Reed goes deep because Hahn can relate to Reed in more ways than one. Nine years ago, Hahn’s 2-year-old nephew passed away from brain cancer. His nephew even saw the same doctor as Reed. Hahn watched his sister and brother-in-law spend countless hours at the hospital with their son.
“When you go down there and see the kids and they are all living for the day, you have no problems in the world,” Hahn said. “You should be thankful because we take so much for granted.”
Hahn appreciates the impact Reed has on him.
“He’s probably, in the 11 years I’ve worked at the Y, one of the top people that I’ve met because he doesn’t let his issues get him down,” Hahn said. “And you see a lot of people that start feeling sorry for themselves. Grant never feels sorry for himself. He is always pushing forward and giving 110 percent.”
Hahn can also empathize with Reed because he had a non-cancerous brain tumor two years ago. Throughout his recovery time, he had to relearn balance and coordination as well.
“I consider myself a tough guy, but I am not even as close to as tough as him because he has a constant everyday fight,” Hahn said. “He’s got the heart of a lion. I give Grant a lot of credit.”
Hahn felt supported by his YMCA colleagues during his recovery.
“I am blessed to be in a situation with my job working at the Y with great people,” Hahn said. “I am blessed with the situation with my health. The Y is not only a job, it’s more like a family.”
Grant has developed a new daily routine and is able to attend school and take part in activities.
“A lot of things have not really returned to normal, but they have really improved,” Reed said. “My leg and arm endurance really improved.”
Reed and Hahn plan to start working out again in April.
“There are not enough hours in the day for Grant to do all that he wants to do with doctors appointments, with school and coming to the Y, but his parents are 100 percent supportive.”
Both Reed and Hahn recommend becoming a Mansfield-Area YMCA member.
“I look at it terms of a wellness center,” Reed said. “It definitely helped me a lot.”
Reed has a no-excuses perspective.
“Honestly even though some people don’t have the time, they should definitely give it a try,” he said. “It will turn out better that you would think.”
Hahn recommends joining the YMCA because of the premiere equipment and facilities. Members enjoy a variety of fitness classes as well as an indoor track and swimming pool. The FitLinxx program keeps track of members’ weights and settings.
Members can also use free weights on their own or with a personal trainer. Hahn said personal training is best for those who desire guidance on starting or adapting a fitness plan.
“I am always in the facility and I say if you have any questions, feel free to come and ask me,” Hahn said.
Memberships are affordable, and scholarships are available through the Open Doors Scholarship program.
Hahn is convinced that the ongoing workouts will help Grant become cancer free.
“Hopefully, we take what he has gained already and build on it.”
His advice for Reed is to keep fighting.
“Sooner or later he’s going to win and he’s going to conquer this,” he said. “There will be no more cancer left in his body, and he’s come up and give me a big high five and a hug because that’s the kind of kid Grant is.”
Reed appreciates Hahn as well.
“I wish nothing but wellness and greatness for him,” he said. “He really impacted me in my endurance and he definitely helped me a lot in everything.”
