MIDDLESEX YMCA

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It’s not nothing.” With these words, I told my husband I had breast cancer on November 6, 2014. It had been one of the best years of my life, and at 42 years old, I had never been in better health and physical shape. I was doing well early in my running career, and regularly attended Y Group Exercise Classes. Being a Y member gave me lots of opportunities to focus on

my health. In these classes, three other women shared support and their breast cancer stories. The Y, which already fostered community in so many ways for me was now offering me my first survivor network. After extensive surgeries, I found my mobility was restricted. Being limited to carrying less than the weight of a gallon

of milk was devastating. I’m thrilled to have our Y now fundraising to offer this

 to our local Middletown community. Reflecting on my own treatment and

healing, the YMCA’s Livestrong resources would have been a tremendous help

to me. And, truth be told, still would be.

 

"Maintaining fitness through treatment is critical to cancer patients’ sense

of wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers risk of recurrence. Having

coaching and access to classes and equipment provides much-needed support

to cancer patients and survivors. The discounted/free program eases a financial

burden in a world of deductibles and copays. At my annual check-up, my

full range of motion and flexibility impressed my doctor thanks to being able

to swim at the Y. My hope is that through the Livestrong program, cancer survivors can be supported and encouraged to become stronger and healthier with all the services LIVESTRONG at the YMCA can offer. On October 4th, I began my first day of a 12 week LIVESTRONG session. Our LIVESTRONG Coach is great and I am already feeling a bond with my workout women. He has three of us, all breast cancer survivors and he's pushing us in all the right ways. Now that I am in the program, I see how much I needed the support and feel so grateful for the opportunity." - Jennifer, Livestrong Participant