Strengthening Our Most Vulnerable

We are committed to empowering our entire community with resources and options that excite them and help them work toward improved general health. That certainly includes older adults, those recovering from surgery or injury, and those who are dealing with illness or poor health.

This free 12-week program focuses on healing the whole person. With LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, cancer survivors work with trained Y staff to build strength and muscle mass, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability while providing a supportive community to enhance their emotional well-being.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is absolutely FREE for all participants - if they are Greater Wichita YMCA members or not.

Session DatesMeeting TimesLocation
Jan 8 – March 27MON/WED 2:30 - 4:00 PMHutchinson
Feb 6 – April 25TUE/THUR 12:30 - 2:00 PMDowntown
Jan 9 – March 28TUE/THUR 5:30 - 7:00 PMWest
February 13 – May 3       TUE/FRI 1:00 - 2:30 PMNorth
March 19 - June 5Mon/Wed 1:00 - 2:30 PMNorthwest
March  19 – June 6       TUE/THUR 10:30 AM - 12:00 PMSteve Clark
April 2 - June 20TUE/THUR 12:30 - 2:00El Dorado

 

ALUMNI GROUPSMeeting TimesLocation
Ongoing2nd THURS/MONTH 1 PMNorth Y
Ongoing1st THURS/MONTH 6 PMWest Y
Ongoing1st THURS/MONTH 5:30 PMEl Dorado Y
Ongoing1st MON/MONTH 12 PMNewton Y
Ongoing3rd MON/MONTH 1 PMNorthwest Y
Ongoing3rd MON/MONTH 1:30 PMSteve Clark Y

4th Annual Cancer Survivor Retreat

April 27, 2023, 9am - 3pm, at Old Cowtown Museum

Join us for a day of fellowship, activity, and education for cancer survivors. No cost to attend, but registration is required. A light lunch will be served. The retreat is open to any cancer survivor; prior involvement in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA isn’t necessary.    
Learn more about the event

Register for the event


Questions? Contact Debbie Cruz at 316-776-8178 or debbie.cruz@ymcawichita.org   

 

Who can participate in LIVESTRONG?

Any adult (18+ years) that has been diagnosed with cancer can enroll in the program. We use the term “Survivor” to include everyone from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and in remission.

Does the program require a medical referral?

Survivors may enroll in the program without a referral from an oncologist or other medical provider. Before participating, the YMCA will get a Medical Clearance to ensure safe participation for all participants.

How are the instructors qualified?

Instructors a required to hold a nationally recognized personal training certification, as well as the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Instructor certification. Additionally, all instructors are required to maintain current CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Administration certifications.

What should I expect as a Survivor in the program?

 Twelve-week programs with two, 90-minute sessions per week

  • Sessions are offered at various YMCA locations throughout the year.
  • Life and fitness evaluation before, during, and after program participation for all participants to ensure readiness and progress
  • A curriculum of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises
  • An approach to recovery that ensures the whole person (spirit, mind, and body) can thrive
  • Improved muscle mass, strength, flexibility, endurance, self-esteem, and confidence and reduced stress
  • Support from staff, volunteers, and other program participants who are also living with cancer
What is the cost?

FREE to all Survivors – no YMCA Membership required.  This program is made possible through the Y’s Strong Community Campaign donations and sponsorships to remove any financial barrier to recovering from cancer and related treatments. 

Can I participate multiple times?

Enrollment in the 12-week program is limited to one time, unless there is a new diagnosis or recurrence.  There are multiple opportunities for graduates to stay connected through Alumni offerings.

Give to LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

A gift of $285 will put one cancer survivor through the 12-week program for absolutely FREE.