The Boothbay Region YMCA is thrilled to announce the second 12-week session of Livestrong at the YMCA will begin on Tuesday, March 11.

The session was originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 4. At that time, there were only two participants enrolled. In order to run the small group program there is a suggested minimum of five group participants. The Y chose to change the start date to Tuesday, March 4 and continued marketing the program in the Boothbay Register, online, throughout the YMCA and with local physicians. As of Thursday, Feb. 27, the same two participants were registered for the program with no other inquiries despite the concerted marketing effort to increase awareness.

However, on Friday, Feb. 28 and again on Monday, March 3, the day before the program was to begin, the Y received three more inquiries and the minimum number of participants to run the program had been filled. Those who had been notified of the cancellation and wait list of the program were called and told the good news that the program would run and begin on March 11, a week later. This one week period ensured the time needed for the intake process to occur which involves obtaining a brief medical history and doctor release waivers. We also hoped to garner a few more participants during this time.

If you are interested in learning more about the Livestrongat the YMCA program for the upcoming session, please contact Carrie Eason at the YMCA today at 207-633-2855 as the program begins in just four days.

Livestrong at the YMCA is a free, 12-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors. This program fulfills the important need of supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life or their "new normal.” The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that Livestrong at the YMCA is about health, not disease.

Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.

Livestrong at the YMCA is not a grant funded program. Livestrong is a YMCA mission based program that is supported through the Y’s Annual Fund Drive and through the generosity of those that support the fund drive.