The Livestrong program has had a profound effect on my health and on my life. I have battled through several different cancers with all the surgeries and treatments that were prescribed. I enrolled in the program with the intention of getting my strength back and to be able to appreciate my body again.

I enjoyed the class immensely, particularly because the instructors were very knowledgeable and had a way of encouraging us while being mindful of our limitations. I loved the class so much that I became a member of the Y at its conclusion. It taught me new ways to improve my overall fitness and more importantly, that I could do more than I thought I could. I continued to do what I could to get stronger while still dealing with side effects of cancer treatment and with end stage liver disease. I needed a liver transplant if I were going to survive.

Roughly two months after the Livestrong program ended, my gift of life became available. It was at this time that an unexpected benefit of the program came to light. Since I was in the best physical shape, I could be for all my health issues, I was an excellent recipient of choice for a living donor partial liver transplant. My surgery was very successful, and my recovery was relatively quick with minimal complications. Now I feel better and stronger than I have in years, and I continue to work out at the Y several times each week. I owe this newfound strength and health to my anonymous donor, and to the path I started when I joined the Livestrong program.

I want to share the amazing experience I had when I participated in the LiveStrong program. Being blessed to have the opportunity to participate in this program benefited me in more ways than I could have imagined.