The YMCA of Western North Carolina – We’re for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA The YMCA of Western North Carolina is honored to have been chosen to collaborate with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the YMCA of the USA. As a result, we will be able to offer LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a physical activity and well-being initiative for cancer survivors. To date, approximately 6,000 cancer survivors have participated in this program nationwide. We are excited to provide this program to cancer survivors in the western North Carolina communities. More than 12 million cancer survivors live in the United States, and 3 out of 4 families will help care for a family member with cancer. Recent medical research has shown that exercise can counteract the often debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. When cancer survivors participate in moderate levels of physical activity, fatigue is reduced, physical strength is increased and quality of life is significantly improved. Unfortunately, many cancer survivors do not engage in any activity during and after treatment because they don’t know where to go for the special kind of program they need. The YMCA of Western North Carolina will be offering LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at all of our Y Centers in Buncombe and McDowell Counties. This free, 12 week program for small groups of 12 participants will be led by our staff who have been specially trained in the physical and emotional needs of cancer survivors. When a cancer survivor walks through our doors, they will become a part of the YMCA family. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will engage cancer survivors by focusing on the whole person and will provide a supportive, community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. For more information about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, please contact Misty Guinn at mguinn@ymcawnc.org or 828.210.9601.