LIVESTRONG Participants Share Stories of Hope

LONDONDERRY, NH - For Ed Nieves, cancer represented a one-two punch.

“I had been diagnosed with prostate and colon cancer at different times,” he recalled. “You go through the treatment and the anxiety that comes with that. It really knocks you for a loop. I’m a person who likes to be in control. When you get that diagnosis, you have no control.”

Nieves, along with other local cancer survivors were participants in The Granite YMCA’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program, a new healthy living initiative hosted by the YMCA of Greater Londonderry. The group is sharing their personal stories to help raise awareness of the program and its impact.

Designed to support those living with, though, and beyond cancer, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a holistic 12-week program which combines exercise and emotional support to help strengthen “the whole person,” said Cindy Lafond, Director of The Granite YMCA’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program. “Through the kindness of a host of supporters and charitable contributions, it is offered completely free of charge.”

Thanks to a major grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, The Granite YMCA first offered the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program in late 2014 out of the YMCA of Downtown Manchester and served nearly 100 people in the first year, before expanding to the YMCA of Greater Londonderry in 2015. A major grant from the Alexander Eastman Foundation has been the main impetus behind the program’s expansion to Londonderry.

Margaret Carney, who sees the impact of cancer on a daily basis as an employee of Dana Farber in Londonderry, unfortunately had a firsthand perspective through her own diagnosis.

“I had completed treatment involving months of chemotherapy. Afterwards, I found myself weak, uncomfortable, and tired. I had heard about the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program being offered and while I liked the idea behind the program, I didn’t think I was strong enough to participate. I’m very happy I decided to enroll. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA enables cancer survivors to work at their own pace,” Lafond added. “Participants work with specially trained staff to achieve goals such as building strength and flexibility, as well increasing confidence and self-esteem.”

Diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2014, Julie Christenson-Collins went through arduous treatment which included multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation.

“While the treatment was unpleasant, I got through it,” she recalled. “What I didn’t anticipate, however, was how I’d feel after. I did not feel like myself. I was weak and had no energy.”

When Christenson-Collins heard about the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program and the benefits cancer patients could derive from a regular exercise routine, she knew she had to give it a try.

“My doctor had recommended trying it and I can tell you is that the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program has been phenomenal,” she said. “In addition to the support and education, you are able to try a number of different exercises and equipment like TRX, and I quickly saw positive results.”

LIVESTRONG participant Suzanne Roy described her world as being “turned upside down,” by her diagnosis. “My husband had just been diagnosed with cancer and I was taking care of him and then I was diagnosed.”

Like other participants, Roy spoke of the impact of the treatment and therapies she went through.

“It really does take a toll on you mentally and physical. It saps your energy.”

Roy also spoke of the role of the Y’s staff as she took part in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program. “They take the time to teach you the exercises and show you how to use the equipment. They also give you exercises that you can do at home in-between classes.”

In addition to the structured fitness component of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program, participants hear lectures from visiting experts such as dieticians and physical therapists. Cancer survivors in the program also receive a free 12 week membership to the YMCA.

At 49, Kim Lindley-Soucy was looking forward to what she and her friends called "the second part of their lives."

“We used to talk about all of the great changes we were going to make and the things we were going to do," she said. "Then I got my diagnosis. As I was going through treatment, I heard about the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program and knew that was something I wanted to do for myself and for my family.”

Lindley-Soucy shared that she had never been particularly athletic but that cancer served as her “trigger to make some heathy changes. I literally didn’t know where to start. The trainers at the Y understood and helped me build a routine of cross training which helped with my strength and balance.”

All of the participants in the first program at the YMCA of Greater Londonderry spoke of the bond and camaraderie they developed during the program.

“Our group was very supportive and understanding of one another,” said Carney. “On some days, we would talk as a group prior to exercising, which was extremely helpful.” Lindley-Soucy noted that ”while we all had different stories and different experiences with exercising, we all had cancer and that’s’ a big thing to have in common.”

Nieves, an army veteran, said, “these ladies are like my sisters. We’re united as a family through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program.”

Lafond and Rachael Armstrong were the leaders of the initial program.

For more information about The Granite YMCA’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Program, or to enroll in a future class at the YMCA of Greater Londonderry, please contact Lafond at 603-232-8650 or email clafond@graniteymca.org.

Caption: YGL LIVESTRONG participants from left to right: Kim Lindley Soucy, Julie Christenson- Collins, Margaret Carney, Suzanne Roy and Ed Nieves

Submitted by Chris Dugan.