Staff Report
Livestrong at the YMCA, a free 12-week program for adult cancer survivors, will return for its 10th session at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA beginning Feb. 20 and at the Lompoc Family YMCA beginning Feb. 26.
Cancer takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected, but YMCA officials say by focusing on the whole person and not the life-changing disease, this program helps people move beyond cancer.
“We focus on the whole person: spirit, mind, body,” said YMCA Regional Wellness Director Nicki Marmelzat.
Trained wellness coaches work with each participant as they transition from treatment to regaining their physical and emotional strength. Participants will receive a three-month membership and will participate in a two-day-per-week, instructor-led class. Each class includes a support group, cardio, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises.
Marmelzat said past participants have made significant improvements and gained strength and have developed friendships and connections that last long past the program’s end.
The program will run at the Gildred Family YMCA from Feb. 20 to May 10, and at the Lompoc YMCA from Feb. 26 to May 17.
For more information, contact Marmelzat at 805-686-2037 or nicki.marmelzat@ciymca.org.
