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.
5th Annual Cancer Survivor Retreat
Thursday, April 17, 9am - 4pm
Camp Hiawatha, 1601 W 51st St N, Wichita, KS, 67204
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 Retreat |
| Session Dates | Meeting Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 14 - Jan 8 | Mon/Wed 1:00-2:30pm | South |
| Jan 21 - Apr 1 | Tue/Thur 5:30-7:00pm | West |
| Feb 5 - Apr 23 | Mon/Wed 12:00-1:30 | Andover |
| Feb 11 - May 1 | Tue/Thur 10:30-12:00 | Steve Clark |
| Feb 10-May 1 | Mon/Thur 12:30-2:00 | Hutchinson |
| Feb 10- April 30 | Mon/Wed 11:00-12:30 | South |
| Feb 24-May 16 | Mon/Fri 1:00-2:30 | Newton |
| March 11-May 30 | Mon/Wed 1:30-3:00 | El Dorado |
| ALUMNI GROUPS | Meeting Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | 2nd THURS/MONTH 1:00PM | North Y |
| Ongoing | 1st THURS/MONTH 6:00PM | West Y |
| Ongoing | 2nd THURS/MONTH 12:30PM | El Dorado Y |
| Ongoing | 1st MON/MONTH 12:00PM | Newton Y |
| Ongoing | 3rd MON/MONTH 1:00PM | Northwest Y |
| Ongoing | 3rd MON/MONTH 1:30PM | Steve Clark Y |
| Ongoing | 2nd FRI/MONTH 12:30PM | Hutchinson |
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.