Returning this fall for its fourth year, the Statesboro Family YMCA is excited to offer the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program starting April 12.
This free 12-week program for male and female adult cancer survivors, aims to help participants regain muscle mass and functional ability, as well as healthy levels of weight, energy and self-esteem. The program is developed and established in partnership with the LIVESTRONG® Foundation to assist those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirit, mind, and body.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a small group, evidence-based program that creates a welcoming community in which cancer survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of the side effects of therapy, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life. Survivors participate in customized exercise regimens designed for their individual needs from certified fitness instructors. The instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise, and supportive cancer care.
“Through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, I have seen so many participants find their new normal and accomplish goals that they did not think was possible”, says Hannah Beggs, Branch Director. “I love leading this program because I get to help participants learn to strengthen their bodies through exercise and change their way of thinking.”
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program not only focuses on the physical benefits, but also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families. “After my cancer diagnosis and treatment, I believed that my body was broken,” says Jill Johns, 2019 LIVESTRONG Alumni. “I hesitated to push by body because I was afraid it would hurt. The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program was exactly what I needed to ease myself back into exercise and an active lifestyle. The coaches and other participants were patient, supportive, and encouraging. They believed in me which helped me believe in myself. I feel like myself again and I am once again enjoying life’s adventures”.
LIVESTRONG begins April 12th and will meet twice a week at the YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. There is no cost to participate in the program, and a current YMCA membership is not required to participate. After completing the 12-week program, participants will receive a complimentary 6-month YMCA membership.
For more information about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA or to schedule an intake session, contact Hannah Beggs at [email protected] or call the Statesboro Family YMCA at (912) 225-1962.
About the YMCA of Coastal Georgia
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been serving the Coastal Georgia community for over 165 years, and continues to work every day to advance its cause to strengthen community through its three areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Today the YMCA of Coastal Georgia operates 11 units, in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, McIntosh and Glynn Counties; included is the YMCA before and after school enrichment program, operating in 55 elementary and middle schools throughout the markets served. The YMCA serves men and women, girls and boys of all ages and from all walks of life. All of this and more is accomplished while putting forth the Y mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. To learn more, visit www.ymcaofcoastalga.org or call 912.354.5480.
About the LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG® Foundation provides free cancer support services to help people cope with the financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and philanthropist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation is known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – and for its advocacy on behalf of survivors and their families. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America’s top cancer non-profit organizations, the Foundation enjoys a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and has been recognized by the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.
