In a heart‑warming effort to bolster the well‑being of local cancer survivors, the downtown Smyrna YMCA opened its new Livestrong program this February. The free, 12‑week small‑group initiative, created in partnership with the Livestrong Foundation, provides participants with a structured schedule of exercise, swimming, ballroom dancing, yoga, nutrition counseling and personal‑training support.
Personal stories inspire participation
One of the first members, a man who asked to be called Craig, shared his journey. Diagnosed with stage‑three rectal cancer earlier this year, Craig endured 30 radiation treatments and four‑and‑a‑half months of chemotherapy. “It was quite a shock,” he recalled, adding that growing up he always saw cancer as a death sentence. Yet the news that his first grandchild was on the way gave him renewed purpose.
Craig’s son, a Smyrna YMCA member, learned about the Livestrong program and encouraged his father to join. “It gives you more of a reason to live, to see that grand baby grow up,” Craig said, nodding as he described the program’s impact.
Program structure and community benefits
The Livestrong curriculum blends physical activity with education. Small groups meet several times a week for guided workouts, swimming sessions, and even ballroom dancing, all designed to improve strength, flexibility and morale. Certified nutritionists work with participants to develop personalized eating plans, while personal trainers tailor fitness routines to each survivor’s abilities and medical considerations.
Beyond the physical components, the program emphasizes peer support. “It really meant a lot to me to be around these other cancer survivors,” Craig explained. The shared experience fosters motivation, accountability and a sense of belonging that many survivors find hard to locate elsewhere.
Graduation and ongoing support
At the conclusion of the inaugural 12‑week cycle, the Smyrna YMCA held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of Livestrong participants. Craig described the moment as “bittersweet,” noting that he would miss both the trainers and the fellow survivors who had become friends.
For those newly diagnosed or living with cancer, Craig offers a simple message: “There is a ton of community out there to help you. You’re not alone. If I want to keep living and seeing my grand baby, I need to keep working out. This has been a big jump start for me.”
How to join
The Livestrong program is open to any cancer survivor residing in the Smyrna area. Interested individuals can contact the downtown YMCA directly or visit the YMCA’s website for enrollment details. As a free offering, the program removes financial barriers, ensuring that all who need support can access it.
By combining physical activity, nutritional guidance and a supportive community, the Smyrna YMCA’s Livestrong program exemplifies how local institutions can play a vital role in health and healing, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the well‑being of its residents.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
