Jefferson City's Livestrong program honored its first year of graduates at a ceremony at St. Mary's Hospital on Sunday.
The program, which is free to participants, offers physical activity and well-being to adult cancer survivors to help them achieve their health goals. The Livestrong Foundation started the program nationally and the YMCA picked it up locally last year. St. Mary's also partners with the Y to provide information to patients and referrals to the program.
So far, 51 people have gone through the 12-week session, said Donna Prenger, the local Livestrong program coordinator. About 60 people are on the waiting list.
It offers two 1½-hour sessions per week by YMCA trainers who also receive cancer training. Activities range from aerobic to anaerobic, plus yoga and art therapy.
"It's empowering to them, especially the older folks who aren't used to being in a gym," Prenger said.
At the beginning and end of the program, participants go through six assessments, which they can use to compare and work toward their goals.
"It's one of the most rewarding programs I've been with, just to see the improvement," Prenger said.
Jennie Ames, of Holts Summit, said she entered the program after being diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2014, two months after retiring. She was already a Y member who exercised regularly and had always been healthy, so the diagnosis was a shock.
The program helped her reach her goals of improving her health and strength, and now she works with other participants as a mentor in the program.
"People were really kind to me in the program, and I just really wanted to give back," she said.
The program, she said, lets you work at your own level.
Now, she's in remission and, among other things, enjoys watching her 4-year-old grandson, Landon Ames, once a week.
Many of the participants also create a bond with each other, as they've all gone through cancer diagnosis and treatments, Prenger said.
Some in the program have been cancer-free for years; others are currently undergoing treatment.
She said some cancer patients go through depression after their diagnosis, and being able to talk with other people who have undergone similar illness is important.
"The side benefit of that socialization is huge," she said.
After the program, participants and their families have access to two group exercise days at the Y for the next four weeks, at no cost.