Tyler Dixon found his way to the YMCA as a referral to the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program following cancer treatment. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a twelve-week small group program open to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. The program is designed to help people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. Participants participate in several components of the program, including: group exercise classes; individualized training and exercise development sessions; social engagement activities; and educational seminars and guest speakers.
Tyler joined the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program at the North Lexington Family YMCA in the winter of 2022. A graduate of the program, he now thinks of the YMCA as a place for health, exercise and community, and is excited about getting and being back in shape after his cancer journey. When asked about his experience at the Y, he generously shared his story:
"The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an incredible resource for individuals who are recovering from cancer treatment. As someone who has personally gone through head and neck cancer treatment and lost over fifty pounds, I can attest to the tremendous impact that this program has had on my recovery.
When I first started the LIVESTRONG® program, I was feeling weak and fragile. My body had been through so much, and I was struggling to regain my strength and stamina. But with the help of the knowledgeable and compassionate staff at the YMCA, I was able to slowly but surely start rebuilding my body.
The program's focus on strength training and cardiovascular exercise was exactly what I needed to start feeling like myself again. I was able to work with trainers who understood my unique needs and limitations, and who were able to create a personalized workout plan that helped me gradually build back my strength and endurance.
What's more, LIVESTRONG® also offered me the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors who were going through similar experiences. Being able to share my journey with others who understood what I was going through was incredibly validating and empowering, and it helped me to stay motivated and focused on my recovery.
Thanks to the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, I was able to regain my physical strength and confidence, and I am now living a full and active life. I am so grateful for the support and resources that the program provided me during my recovery, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to rebuild their body after cancer treatment."
Tyler, we are so thankful you joined LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA as a part of your whole-person healing process. Thank you for sharing about this time in your life so graciously. We're rooting for you and wish you nothing but good health and happiness!
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June is National Cancer Survivor Month. The YMCA of Central Kentucky celebrates the resiliency of cancer survivors everywhere. If you are local to the Central Kentucky community, and would like to learn more about LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, click here. The program is sponsored by Central Bank and is led by YMCA instructors Bob Johnson and Deb Rateri. The next session runs Aug. 29-Nov. 16. For more information, contact Bob Johnson at 859-258-9622 or bjohnson@ymcacky.org.
