WESTFIELD-The chalet at Camp Shepard off Northwest Road was beautifully appointed as 10 women gathered to celebrate a milestone on Wednesday – graduating from the YMCA of Greater Westfield’s pilot Livestrong program.
Cindy Agan and Michelle Urbanski handed out certificates to each woman who completed the Livestrong program.
The free 12-week exercise program is for cancer survivors who are currently in or have completed treatment and are physically deconditioned, according to Andrea Allard, YMCA CEO, who had arrived early in the day to set up the room that overlooks a picturesque pond.
Allard, along with Cindy Agan and Michelle Urbanski, both certified Livestrong fitness instructors, congratulated the women with special certificates, a healthy luncheon buffet, and gifts as a reminder of their time at the YMCA.
Michelle Urbanski catches up with Marilyn Wardner and Pat Gilbert before the Livestrong graduation celebration.
Livestrong, developed by Stanford University, has proven to help survivors regain strength, overcome fatigue, and enhance functional ability to do everyday tasks. The Livestrong Foundation partnered with the YMCA of the USA in 2007 to promote the importance of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis. Today, more than 36,983 people have been served in 478 communities by the Livestrong at the YMCA program. Additionally, the foundation has trained 2,757 YMCA staff members since 2007 in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care.
Allard noted that the YMCA is committed to serving individuals and their families living with, through and beyond cancer.
For Elaine Gamble of Russell, the Livestrong experience was life changing.
Women who completed the Livestrong program wore their T-shirts to the graduation celebration.
“Doing the program with others who have had cancer makes a difference,” said Gamble. “Not only have I met such strong women, but I also now have some wonderful friends.”
Jane Welch of Westfield echoed those sentiments.
“My last chemo treatment was last week,” said Welch, adding that feeling fatigued all of the time was difficult for her. “I wanted to get back on my feet and Livestrong introduced me to others who have had the same issues.”
Lyn Casey chats with Michelle Urbanski prior to the Livestrong graduation program.
“Friendships, support and fellowship” are ways that Lyn Casey of Westfield enthusiastically described her feelings about the program.
“I was feeling so isolated during my cancer treatments,” said Casey. “After I started Livestrong, the feeling of support from everyone was overwhelming.”
All of the women agreed they would recommend the YMCA program to other cancer survivors.
“Everyone has a different story,” said Casey, adding, “and Livestrong provides the mind-body connection that everyone can connect with.”
As part of the festivities, the women were treated to a short video of their journey that had been a senior project by Westfield State University communication majors Kristina Hernandez of Westfield and Shannon Shea of Chelmsford. In the video, the 10 women share their struggles, joys and the importance of the Livestrong program for their own well-being.
As “Fight Song” by singer Rachel Platten played on the video, all of the women smiled, acknowledging that Livestrong has given them the extra ammunition they need to conquer anything that comes their way.
Agan noted at the end of the graduation ceremony that participants went “beyond their comfort zone” and the YMCA thanks them for their participation which will provide valuable feedback for future programming.
On a related note, Livestrong Foundation researchers recently completed a study with Yale University and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute on the impact of the program on participants’ cancer-related outcomes. Study results found that participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, overall quality of life and fitness performance as well as decreases in cancer-related fatigue. By the end of 2016, the foundation plans to offer the program in 19 to 25 new YMCA associations.
Enrollment for the Sept. 12-Nov. 30 Livestrong program at the Westfield YMCA is planned from July 11-Aug. 26 by calling Agan, health and wellness director, at (413) 568-8631. Classes will be conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Criteria for participation in Livestrong includes a strong personal desire and commitment to participate, and a medical release for participation from one’s physician.
For more information on Livestrong, visit www.livestrong.org.
