Thriving After Cancer at the Tampa YMCA
Alex Dalton has celebrated six out of seven birthdays as a cancer patient. Thankfully, he’s in remission now, and regaining his strength at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s newly launched Thrivers Club, a cancer survivors’ support group for children ages 6-17.
Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at 16 months. ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children. It’s a bone marrow and blood cancer that occurs when the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes.
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Alex has had to learn to walk three times. His mom, Larissa Dalton, shares more about his journey.
“Treatment for Leukemia is very long with the first year being very intense, which means four days of treatment weekly for the first year. These are 8-hour days with numerous lumbar puncture procedures. This time doesn’t include secondary infections like viruses, flu and blood transfusions.”
Thrivers was launched this September. The free initiative for both members and non-members will run at 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) resulting from treatment. There will be small groups of up to six kids per session with a Thriver’s Club Coach once a week. Evening schedules vary at all three locations.
The Daltons have been South Tampa Family YMCA members for two years. Larissa appreciates having the Thrivers Club, which she says has multiple benefits for the entire family.
“Alex loves the Thrivers Club. His main goal after finishing treatment was ‘how can I become stronger?’ His hospital doesn’t offer any programs after treatment so I have mentioned this program to his doctors in hopes that more kids will join and benefit. Thrivers Club is everything! He never wants it to end! It should almost become thrivers and survivors,” she enthuses.
“The YMCA is a very special place for Alex, and our family. Cancer is incredibly hard on the entire family for many reasons. Being careful of germs is one of the most important factors during treatment because any fever is an immediate trip to the emergency room and possible admission! With that said, I was impressed with the cleanliness of the South Tampa YMCA. Watching Alex play on a basketball team during treatment was the most incredible sight! Basketball makes Alex incredibly happy. He’s made so many friends and it’s a place where he can be a normal kid.”
Isiah Negron is Alex’s Thirvers Club instructor. He is delighted to help Alex.
“When I first learned about this program, I was excited for the opportunity to help children who have spent the majority of their life fighting cancer by simply helping them enjoy being a kid. It’s a blessing to use my fitness knowledge and experience with the youth to help strong kids like Alex thrive. In the short time I’ve known Alex, I have observed him slowly come out of his shell and exude signs of confidence and motivation.”
Larissa agrees. She notes Thrivers has many benefits.
“Isiah has become a mentor for Alex! Their relationship is the sweetest. They push and cheer each other on. Alex counts down the days until his weekly training sessions. His coach is always saying that Alex pushes him to do more reps. Watching Alex achieve his goals with the help of the YMCA means the world to our family! The Thrivers Club also allows me to spend time with Alex’s older brothers. We started our own workout routine and they love it so much!”
Thrivers offers the household family and participant a 12-week free membership to the Y to take group exercise classes, swim/play in the pool, use the wellness floor and enjoy all Y member perks.
Additionally, you can support cancer programming at the Y by attending our highly anticipated Turkey Gobble Thanksgiving Day race on November 28, 2024, by the Amelie 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 on our website: tampaymca.org.
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FEATURE IMAGE: ABC Action News’ Robert Boyd, Alex Dalton, Larissa Dalton, Nicole Kettermann, Tampa Y’s Director of Youth Health and Wellness, and Isaiah Negron, Thrivers Club and Fit Club Instructor | *Presented by the YMCA