Gail Kaufmann

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2024. Shortly after, I had surgery to remove the tumor and began chemotherapy every two weeks for six months.

During my treatment, I joined the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at the West YMCA, which provided valuable support and motivation. In May, I had a CT scan, and I was thrilled to receive the news that it came back negative.

Although I have since graduated from the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, I continue to stay active by attending Joyce’s bootcamp classes regularly.

My favorite part of the LIVESTRONG program was sharing stories and experiences with others in the group. It helped me feel less alone on my journey and created a strong sense of community.

I also know that the workouts are incredibly beneficial — they played a big role in helping me regain strength and confidence during recovery.