Cancer Survivors Find Support at the Y!

At the age of 26, Miller was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his prognosis, he remained optimistic about being cancer free. He went through radiation to treat the cancer.  During his journey he continued working out at the Y. Two years later, he received devastating news the cancer returned and had spread to his lymph nodes. 

The second time around proved to be more challenging for Miller as he was required to undergo chemotherapy and more intensive treatment to address the illness. At times, Miller felt like his body turned against him and that he had no control. It took him more than a year and a half for him to regain his "normal."  Today, we are pleased to report that Miller is cancer free, remains active at the Y, and he and his wife are expecting their first child together!

According to the World Health Organization, Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths. Early detection and management is key strategies for preventing certain types of cancers. One of the ways the YMCA of Central Ohio is supporting cancer survivors in our community is through our new initiative, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA of Central Ohio.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week, small group program designed to provide support to cancer survivors throughout central Ohio. The program begins October 23rd and will meet twice a week for 90 minutes at the HILLIARD/RAY PATCH YMCA. This new initiative helps cancer survivors regain their strength to help them return to their normal life or their "new normal." The goal of this program is to help participants build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the side effects of therapy, maintaining weight levels, increasing 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 as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants with a supportive environment and a sense of community with fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.

In an effort to raise awareness about this program and to sustain funding for the future, the HILLIARD/RAY PATCH YMCA will be holding its first LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Spin-A-Thon on November 10, 2012, from 9:00 am - 12 noon.  Celebrity Instructors include, Jeff Hogan from WBNS-10TV, Andrew Roberts, CEO of YMCA of Central Ohio and many more surprise guests. All proceeds will benefit the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at the HILLIARD/RAY PATCH YMCA. To purchase tickets, visit livestrongatthey.eventbrite.com. 

For more information about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA of Central Ohio, contact:

Natalie Mamlin

HILLIARD/RAY PATCH FAMILY YMCA

4515 Cosgray Rd.

nmamlin@ymcacolumbus.org

614.334.9622 ext 600

Help Keep Central Ohio Warm this Winter!

In just a little over a month, the doors to our Men and Women's Emergency Winter Shelter Overflow program will open.  Our emergency shelter program provides a safe, warm haven for individuals who have been turned away from traditional shelters during the coldest months.  This season, we will offer 130 warm beds to men and 60 beds to women each night during the cold winter months - November to March.

At the Y, we believe that everyone deserves a warm bed and safe place to sleep.  During the month of October the Downtown YMCA will be collecting blankets to help keep men and women in our community warm this winter.  Our goal is to collect 400 blankets -- but we can't do this alone.

We need your help!  We are asking that you reach out to your friends, co-workers and families to help us collect new or gently-used blankets, and bring them to the Downtown YMCA Member Services desk, located at 40 W. Long Street (on the corner of W. Long and Front St.) during our normal operating hours.  To ensure we're ready, please drop off the donations by October 31st.  For more information, please contact 614.224.1131 or visit our website:  www.ymcacolumbus.org.

So can we count on you Central Ohio???

Please take a moment to watch the video below and see how we helping men and women throughout central Ohio stay warm this winter!