I have had cancer three times and each time it scared the crap out of me. In this respect, I probably am not much different than most other folks who have been diagnosed with this feared disease.
For my last bout with cancer, I was treated at Massachusetts General Hospital. The treatment was first rate, but one very important element was missing - dealing with the psychological and emotional consequences of the disease. I was pretty much left to deal with those aspects on my own.
Prior to my last cancer diagnosis, I had a total knee replacement for which I had physical therapy at a YMCA in Foxboro, MA. After my cancer treatment had been completed my physical therapist suggested that I investigate Livestrong classes at the Y.
Livestrong is a global program that has changed the way the world talks about cancer survivorship while supporting over 10 million survivors since 1997. The program helps those living with, through, or beyond cancer to get back on their feet and connect with other survivors. Participants enjoy exercise regimens tailored to their individual needs. Sessions are led by certified fitness instructors at YMCA locations across the country. Instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise, and supportive cancer care.
Livestrong worked with researchers from Yale University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute to conduct a research study on the impact of the program on participants' cancer-related outcomes. They found that, as participants experienced significant increases in physical activity, their overall quality of life and fitness performance increased and cancer-related fatigue decreased. The 12-week program includes two 75 to 90-minute sessions per week and is free to participants.
The Hockomock YMCAs partnered with Livestrong in 2008 and had been running the programs since then. I enrolled at the Livestrong program at the Foxboro Y and began attending in September 2021. The group was led by Jackie Robison, a veteran instructor who had been running the Livestrong program at there for more than ten years.
My group consisted of approximately 15 members, 12 women and 3 men. 
Their ages ranged from about 30 to about 80. At 79, I was one of the oldest, if not the oldest participant. All participants were quite nervous and did not know what to expect. The first session began with each person sharing the details of their cancer journey. This creates an instant connection among the group. 70% to 80% of the women were in various stages of breast cancer. They immediately began chatting among themselves, about their treatments, medication side effects, and sharing knowledge that they had gained in their journey. The next part of the session dealt with different exercise methods and how they might be modified to meet individual needs. The last portion is group exercise led by the instructor followed by a meditation session. 
Livestrong is concerned with healing the whole person — mind, body, and soul. If you or anyone you know needs this type of help, the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program is run at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County with locations in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.
Story submitted by Joe Ludwig