Altru Family YMCA to start series of 'Livestrong' sessions for cancer survivors in November

Oct. 27—GRAND FORKS — The Altru Family YMCA is starting another series of "LiveStrong" sessions, a free physical activity and well-being program for cancer survivors.

The sessions, which begin Nov. 15, will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for 12 consecutive weeks at the YMCA, 215 N. Seventh St.

Those who are interested are asked to call the YMCA, at (701) 775-2586, and ask for Patti McEnroe or Adam Sorum.

"LiveStrong" is a physical activity and well-being program that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and emotional well-being.

The YMCA seeks to provide a community environment where its staff can help people affected by cancer connect with each other during treatment and beyond while becoming stronger in spirit, mind and body, McEnroe said.

Research shows that exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood, and bounce back more quickly from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment, she said.

A caregiver, family member or friend may attend the sessions with the participant.

Classes are conducted by LiveStrong at the YMCA-certified instructors, trained coaches, and Altru staff members.

Each participant also receives a 16-week pass to use the YMCA.

In 2007, the LiveStrong Foundation collaborated with the YMCA of the U.S.A. to create a program targeted toward helping people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals. The LiveStrong at the YMCA is offered at more than 791 YMCAs around the country, serving more than 76,900 cancer survivors.

In Grand Forks, the program has helped hundreds of cancer survivors, since it was initiated in 2012, McEnroe said. The LiveStrong Foundation requires YMCA staff to complete extensive training — and conduct a pilot program while training — to become qualified to provide the program in their communities. The program is only available at YMCA facilities, she said.

At least 25 sessions have been provided in the program, which also brings in speakers to present information on topics such as lymphedema and proper nutrition as it relates to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

"It's not considered a support group," McEnroe said, "but by default it is a support group. It provides a very supportive environment" for survivors to share valuable information.

Past participants have returned and act as facilitators, she said. "They are very valuable in helping people relax, helping them to feel at ease."

People who complete the program are able to see the progress they've made, based on physical and emotional pre- and post-assessments, she said. "They say, for example, 'I am able to vacuum now, whereas I couldn't before.' They can see the gains they've made in all these areas."