LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

A free program designed to meet the needs of adults with cancer before, during, and after treatment.

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Our next session begins January 7, 2025

Applications accepted through December 27, 2024.

Benefit Statement

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA fosters an environment that supports the cancer survivor's health and well-being journey. The Decatur Family YMCA accomplishes support through individual and community-based donors. Participants work with our certified YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps survivors and their caregivers move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body.

What is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a health and wellness program designed to support cancer survivors. This program focuses on you—the whole person. The free, 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight.

You’ll focus on building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. Plus, learn about wellness, stress reduction techniques, and how to continue healthy habits after the program has ended. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community—a safe, comfortable place for you to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.

Taking It At Your Own Pace

No one experiences cancer in the same way. Participants come to the program with different physical challenges and lifestyle goals.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides individualized attention and an approach to recovery that targets the areas you need to rebuild. There’s no competition here—the physical activities are tailored to match only what you can accomplish.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff have been specially trained to work with cancer survivors and patients and follow the American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society exercise guidelines. They’re exercise experts who can understand your unique physical needs and concerns and help you address them safely. They’re also relationship builders with the empathy and ability to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families.

Impacting The Lives Of Many

YMCA Medical studies have shown that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment. Cancer survivors themselves are increasingly aware of the positive impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships, and stress reduction techniques can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped thousands of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body.

Who Can Participate

Any adult who is currently going through cancer treatment or has gone through some form of cancer treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) and wants to regain their health and well-being.

For more information about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, contact Margie Bunker at 217-872-9622 ext. 121, margie.bunker@decaturymca.org, or stop by the front desk and pick up an information packet.

MEETING TIMES:

The LIVESTRONG program meets Tuesdays & Thursdays.

2025 COHORT DATES:

January 7 - March 27, 2025:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

April 1 - June 19, 2025: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

August 26 - November 13, 2025: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm


Decatur Family YMCA member and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participant Kathleen Bell shares her story.

Senior Yoga Mat

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