Friendraising for Mother's Day 5K Race/Walk

Please consider supporting my run in the Summit Area YMCA's Mother’s Day Race on Sunday, May 13th. Our hope is that this year's Mother’s Day Race celebration will be even more special and meaningful than before, as all race proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, the Y’s innovative, new, cancer survivorship and recovery program -- a free, small group, 12-week program for those recovering from cancer. 
 

Meryl's Story

In July 2010, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer. I began chemotherapy immediately but felt fatigued and completing many activities in my life that were most meaningful was difficult. I tried to start exercising on my own and failed miserably, worsening my symptoms. One day I stumbled across a tiny ad in the local newspaper about a YMCA program designed specifically for cancer survivors -- LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA. It is run by knowledgeable, supportive, trained staff who understood my limitations more than I did and who personalized a wellness regimen to meet my needs. Cancer survivors face physical, emotional and financial challenges that make overcoming residual effects from the disease difficult. Since I joined the group, my strength has increased and I have learned to deal with fluctuations in my physical abilities more gracefully. I have established personal connections with members of my group and the trainers. It is a miracle that I found this YMCA program, that the Y provided me with financial assistance to participate, and that I successfully completed the regimen! The Y gave me my life back at a time when I most needed it!

Noella's Story

“LIVESTRONG at the YMCA gave me invaluable gifts – hope and a new lease on life. I was depressed and unfocused before I joined the program. Being given the opportunity to concentrate on myself and my recovery from breast cancer, and to train to get both physically and mentally stronger has made a huge difference in my life, and my family tells me, in my interactions with others.”

Bill's Story

Bill, a 28 year old testicular cancer survivor said, “Thanks to the Y, I was able to get on a long-term fitness plan. The supportive and friendly trainers wanted me to achieve the best that I could for myself and worked hard with me to do that. I have nothing but praise for LIVESTRONG.”

Charlie's Story

“I was doom and gloom before I enrolled in the program. Since then, I’ve bonded with my group and I am happier. I’ve tried the machines, stretching, and yoga. I’m trying to do what I can to change the odds” states 72 year old Charlie, a thyroid cancer survivor.

Christine's Story

“I went through extensive chemotherapy and a tibia transplant when I was first diagnosed 7 years ago. Before cancer, I played college-level soccer and until this program I never thought that working out would be in my future again. This amazing program at the Berkeley Heights Y helped me accept my “new normal” and convinced me that I could once again be engaged in exercise that was both, effective and enjoyable” shared Christine, a 31 year old bone cancer survivor.