Make A Life Strong With The New Pediatric Livestrong Cancer Program

By Heather L. Kleumper, R.N.

Beginning in July things will look a little different at the Northeast Family branch of the YMCA. After receiving a one-time grant last summer from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to work with adult cancer patients, they are stepping into uncharted territory. Together with Kosair Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Unit and the support of physicians and staff of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Specialists office, they are developing a program to work with pediatric cancer patients.

What Is The Pediatric Livestrong Cancer Program?

The Northeast Family YMCA will offer a free 12-week membership for these children and their families. The children will enjoy and benefit from the aquatic programs, rock wall climbing classes, animal pose yoga, Zumba, use of Calypso Cove (the outdoor waterpark) as well as nutritional classes, a variety of speakers and a reduced rate on summer camps and youth sports. The YMCA's hope is to help increase mobility, strength and stamina while breaking down scar tissue, and ridding the body of excess fluid and toxins due to the various treatments that the children have undergone or are still undergoing.

For the pediatric cancer patient that is too ill and still hospitalized at Kosair Children’s Hospital, the Northeast Family YMCA will come to them. They plan to offer animal pose yoga as well as Zumba for the patients, families and staff on a weekly basis. Statistics have shown that physical activity during and after cancer treatment increases the success rate, and decreases fatigue as well as depression.

This new program is currently being supported by the YMCA Spirit Program. The funds available for the Spirit Program are made possible through the generosity of YMCA's staff, members, volunteers, and other friends in the community through their annual fundraising campaign known as The Spirit Campaign. As with any growing program, they are in need of additional sponsorship (corporate and/or personal). If you are interested in sponsoring the pediatric or adult Livestrong programs at the YMCA, contact Heather Kluemper at livestrong@ymcalouisville.org or (502) 329-4793.

Heather L. Kleumper, is a two-time cancer survivor and nurse who is the community outreach coordinator at the Northeast Family YMCA.