YMCA of the Suncoast Selected to Offer LIVESTRONGCLEARWATER - The YMCA of the Suncoast is one of 10 YMCAs across the country recently selected to offer LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a physical activity and well-being program that addresses the special wants, needs, and interests of cancer survivors. Launched in 2008, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between YMCA of the USA and LIVESTRONG focused on supporting the health and well being of people affected by cancer. With 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today, there is a great need to offer those living with and beyond cancer a safe and accommodating environment where they can engage in physical and social activities. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, currently available at 30 YMCAs serving more than 60 communities, employs a holistic approach to help cancer survivors achieve their health and well-being goals. "Medical studies show that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment," said Andy Miller, LIVESTRONG Executive Vice President of Mission. "However, physical activity and wellness programs specifically for cancer survivors are scarce and often difficult to take to scale nationally." "Working with the YMCA is ideal," Miller said, "because of the Y's commitment to meeting the needs of all community members, history of program innovation in support of health and wellness and their presence in communities across the nation. Together, we are confident we can make an unprecedented difference in the way we inspire and empower people affected by cancer." As a participant, the YMCA of the Suncoast will implement promising approaches to support cancer survivors, including creating/enhancing partnerships in the oncology community, developing and delivering a physical activity and well-being program for cancer survivors, training program leaders, and modifying environments to meet the needs of participants. "LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will allow us to more effectively involve cancer survivors - and their families - in the YMCA through programs that focus on their specific health and well-being," said G. Scott Goyer, President and CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast. "Our goal is to provide the most supportive environment we can during their treatment and beyond." Locally, the YMCA of the Suncoast is celebrating National Cancer Survivorship Week, June 7-11, with donation ribbons in honor, celebration or memory of those affected by cancer. Our James P. Gills YMCA in Trinity; Greater Palm Harbor and North Pinellas YMCAs in Palm Harbor; and our Bardmoor Branch in Largo will promote the LIVESTRONG program and celebrate this commemorative week. For more information, contact Mike Roberts at the Bardmoor Branch YMCA at (727) 394-9622 or visit online at www.ymcasuncoast.org.
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