Cancer Support at the Suncoast and Tampa YMCAs
In October, the stark reality of cancer is nestled in soft pink merchandise for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Health (CDC), Hillsborough County is in the top third for cancer occurrences in Florida.
At the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast, robust cancer support programming for survivors and their families fosters one of our main goals: healthy living across Tampa Bay.
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Cancer Support at the YMCA: TAMPA Y
The Tampa YMCA supports cancer survivors through our free LIVESTRONG® program, which aims to help adult cancer survivors regain strength through exercise.
“The 12-week initiative helps cancer survivors thrive in our supportive group environment, allowing them to connect with others who have undergone treatment and improve their physical and mental well-being through exercise led by certified LIVESTRONG coaches,” explains Dawn Kita, operations director of Community Health for the Tampa YMCA.
LIVESTRONG started at the Tampa Y in 2011. Since then, we have served nearly 1,500 adult cancer survivors, roughly 50-60% of whom have been treated for breast cancer.
This September, a children’s version called Thriver’s Club was launched for kids ages 6-12 and 13-17. The free initiative for both members and non-members will run at our three locations: Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA, New Tampa Family YMCA and South Tampa Family YMCA, with plans to expand in additional centers in January 2025.
The 12-week youth cancer survivor program provides weekly sessions that are low-impact, help develop coordination, and decrease deconditioning (fatigue) that is a result of treatment. There will be small groups of up to six kids per session once a week with a Thriver’s Club Coach. Evening schedules will vary at all three locations.
Both programs offer the household family and participant a 12-week free membership to the Y to take group exercise classes, swim or play in the pool, use the wellness floor and enjoy all Y member perks.
You can support cancer programming at the Y by attending our highly anticipated Turkey Gobble Thanksgiving Day race on Nov. 28, 2024 at the Amalie Arena. The 10th annual 1K and 5K race in the heart of downtown Tampa is a great way for families to come together before the holiday festivities begin. Register at https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/.
Cancer Support at the YMCA: SUNCOAST Y
The YMCA Survivorship & Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt at the YMCA of the Suncoast serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to reclaim their health and well-being. It is offered to Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus county residents.
The goal of this survivorship program is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Studies show that physical activity helps people affected by cancer. It can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment.
“The Survivorship and Wellness Program Powered by Moffitt offers a unique opportunity for cancer survivors to build relationships, get support and get stronger,” explains Summer Cruff, vice president of Healthy Living for YMCA of the Suncoast.
“Program participants meet twice a week for 12 weeks in a small group setting. During each class, they work on building muscle strength, building endurance and focusing on regaining range of motion. In addition, the program builds a small community of cancer survivors who can motivate each other.”
The initiative also helps reduce the severity of therapy side effects, prevent unwanted weight changes and improve energy levels. Ultimately, the participants learn and develop their own physical fitness program so they can continue practicing a healthy lifestyle, as part of recovery and as a way of life.
Certified instructors give personal, individualized instruction to participants in small groups. Pre-registration is required for all programs.
For more information, please visit: tampaymca.org and https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/.
*Presented by the YMCA | Originally published in the October 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.