Stories of Impact
YMCA OF GREATER WAUKESHA COUNTY
PARTNERS IN HEALING THE WHOLE PERSON
Kristen Stoll, Financial Development Director | YMCA of Greater Waukesha County
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
On-Going Inspiration for Cancer Survivors
Donna always hated going to the gym. Over the years, she joined a number of programs, but always felt out of place, awkward, and frustrated, then would just quit.
So what made the Y’s LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program different?
Donna said, “First, my attitude. I knew that my future health and long-term survival depended on my getting physically stronger. I needed to do this in order to reclaim my life, and get back to doing things that I used to take for granted.
Second, the people. From the first interview, I was welcomed by people who seemed to genuinely care about my success. Susan and Hanna were understanding and encouraging, yet able to challenge me to do more than I thought I could. This meant that I would come away from the sessions feeling accomplished and wanting to come back to see what other progress I could make.
Next, the others in the group. We are a small group which makes it comfortable, and we are all linked by the common thread of cancer. Getting to know the members of my group, I found myself in awe of their courage and determination. They have become an on-going inspiration to me and I feel a real loyalty to them and the group. Competition does not exist for us as we all support each other. Quitting the program was never been an option for me. I looked forward to every session.”
At the end of the program, Donna was sad, but knew the lessons she learned from the program and the people in it will stay with her. She felt a real sense of belonging at the Y. It became clear to her that the overall culture of the Y mirrors what she felt in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: that the Y exists in order to help all of us become our best selves. Donna has now joined another group and has begun talking with some of her LIVESTRONG at the YMCA group members to continue to meet on an on-going basis to work on the program.
If you are considering joining LIVESTRONG, Donna says “go for it; you won’t regret it.”
Join us in helping cancer survivors in your community look toward a healthier future.
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