YMCA recognizes LIVESTRONG graduates

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2013
The YMCA of Easley, Pickens & Powdersville recently recognized the achievements of its second graduating class of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants. Pictured (l-r) are Somer Faust, Andrea Correll, Rebecca Wardlaw, Paulo Passini, Esther Rivas, Gerald Krzysiak, Tammy Arroway, Lynn Howe, Sandy Crowe, Tyra Balcombe, Kathy Marshbanks, Yvonne Harrison, John Harrison
YMCA recognizes LIVESTRONG graduates
The YMCA of Easley, Pickens & Powdersville recently recognized the achievements of its second graduating class of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants, bringing these cancer survivors one step closer to healthy living beyond their diagnosis and treatment.
The class of 12 participants, who completed the program at the Powdersville YMCA, celebrated with a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 14.
“We are proud of our graduates for their commitment to the program and the improvements they’ve made on their journey to wellness,” Powdersville YMCA Branch Executive Jeff Thompson said. “They are a great group who have supported each other during the last 12 weeks, and every participant and Wellness Coach have become like a family.”
Graduates included Somer Faust, Andrea Correll, Rebecca Wardlaw, Paulo Passini, Esther Rivas, Gerald Krzysiak, Tammy Arroway, Lynn Howe, Sandy Crowe, Tyra Balcombe, Kathy Marshbanks, Yvonne Harrison, John Harrison.
An upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA session at the Easley YMCA is currently at capacity, though there is a waiting list for people who are interested. A third session for 2019 will begin at the Pickens YMCA on August 27.
The Y is for everyone, and that belief extends to those battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses like cancer. The period from diagnosis through treatment to then feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to return to a new “normal life” can be extremely difficult for individuals battling cancer.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week, small-group program designed for adult cancer survivors who are currently experiencing treatment or are post-treatment. Each week includes two 90-minute small-group sessions with cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and a time for devotions and talking.
The program’s overall goals are to:
• improve overall quality of life,
• decrease cancer-related fatigue,
• increase cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength,
• and build strong connections and a solid support system.
“LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is great because it focuses on the mind, body and spirit,” Powdersville YMCA Wellness Director Paulo Passini said. “So many programs focus on strengthening the body, but this program also emphasizes building supportive connections, sharing encouragement through the challenges and resting in the strength that comes through our faith.”
And the best part is, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at no charge to participants thanks to the community’s generous support of the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. A YMCA membership is also included for the duration of the session. To support the Annual Campaign and ensure programs like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA can be available for all who need it, please visit www.theYMCA.us/donate or call 306-4124.
For more information or to register for the program, please visit www.theYMCA.us/livestrong-at-the-ymca, call the YMCA or see a Wellness Coach or the front desk at any of our branches.