I recently completed your LiveStrong Program, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the YMCA and to the generous donors for offering this program to cancer and post-cancer patients.

I’m now five years post-cancer, but luckily for me Jake at the Mary Free Bed YMCA was training me on some equipment and he flagged me for the program when I mentioned that I had weakness ever since completing chemotherapy. My oncology nurse navigator recommended the LiveStrong program while I was in treatment, but then COVID shut everything down, and I figured I had missed my opportunity. Luckily, I was still accepted into the program.

I had the good fortune of being under the tutelage of Sarah, Bethany and Ashley, along with the guidance of your dietitians and exercise coaches. Because of this training, I’ve regained the strength that I haven’t had in years. I met an amazing and inspiring group of people who were in all phases of cancer treatment and recovery, and the difference it’s made in my physical stamina and outlook is transformative. I’m continuing with my fitness journey post-completion of the LiveStrong program to continue to build strength.

I can’t thank you enough and tell you what a wonderful organization you are, and what a professional and caring group of coaches you have. What I’ve enjoyed most is the community of acceptance, and working out with people at all stages of their health and fitness journeys who are trying to attain their personal goals.