A Free Virtual Livestrong Program for Cancer Survivors
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the Summit Area YMCA and the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy have teamed up to provide a free Virtual LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program for cancer survivors, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health. The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program is a 12-week physical activity program designed to assist cancer survivors in returning to physical activity. It is provided by certified YMCA fitness instructors that are trained in cancer survivorship and post-rehabilitative exercise. The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program is geared to getting cancer survivors back on their feet to increase physical activity, reduce cancer-related fatigue and promote overall health.
To increase the amount of impact and access for participants, the Virtual LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program will be available in both English and Spanish through Zoom. English sessions will meet twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while the Spanish sessions will run twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The series will start on March 29, 2021.
Participants of the Virtual LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program will be able to exercise in the comfort of their homes, as well as gain access to resources, information and support for post-cancer rehabilitative health maintenance and improvement. The goals of the program include teaching participants important skills for self-sufficiency, health management, encouraging personal accountability, progress tracking and bonding exercises to not only strengthen the body, but to encourage healthy socialization and building confidence. Participants will also receive fitness equipment delivered to their homes in order to participate in program exercises that will help improve strength, endurance, flexibility and more.
“Prior to the COVID19 pandemic, our in-person LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program had such a positive impact on so many lives of cancer survivors.” said Valeria Tenreiro, Wellness Director of the Summit Area YMCA and LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Coach. “With many survivors being immunocompromised and unable to visit our YMCA facilities, we wanted to be able to support them with this wonderful program so that even at home, they can still have a community of people to help them get stronger and healthier again. No matter where you are in your wellness journey, we at the Y are here to support you.”
The program is open to the first 50 registrants. A consent form, medical clearance and completion of a brief baseline assessment are required for participation.
"Being able to provide much-needed health and wellness programming to our communities during the pandemic has been a priority of the YMCA of MEWSA", said Rose Cushing, President & CEO of the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy YMCA. "We are excited to be able to offer LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and other health and wellness programs virtually to those who are unable to come into our facilities and buildings."
Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with a nurse navigator from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to create or update their cancer survivorship care plan. The virtual Zoom sessions will also include a workshop on nutrition, cancer survivorship as well as a session dedicated to gentle yoga and meditation.
Register or learn more about the Virtual LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program and visit www.thesay.org/livestrong or contact Mike Johnson, Virtual LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Program Coordinator at (732) 494-3232 ext. 3529 or email mike.johnson@ymcaofmewsa.org
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About the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy YMCA
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County. The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcaofmewsa.org.
About the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) – designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey’s team of internationally recognized physicians and researchers is driven by a singular focus and mission, to help individuals fight cancer. Through the transformation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, we target cancer with precision medicine, immunotherapy and clinical trials and provide the most advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate world-class cancer care to adults and children.
About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve over 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.