October is Staystrong Month

The Y is where wellness and community come together. And every October, the South Shore YMCA raises awareness and support for the Staystrong Cancer Support Program, which provides vital support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. From featured fitness fundraiser classes to volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, there are many ways to get involved and make an impact in our community.

2026 Staystrong Featured Fitness Classes

Join us in meaningful movement with Staystrong Feature Fitness Classes dedicated to raise awareness and support for those facing a cancer diagnosis. A minimum $30 donation to Staystrong is requested for each Featured Fitness Class, supporting the program and empowering others to stay STRONG.

Volunteer During Staystrong Month

We are always looking for volunteers during Staystrong Month in October! If you are interested in volunteering for our resource table at the Emilson Y or Hale Family Y, please click the signup sheet button below.

As a Staystrong Month volunteer, you will help our Y:

• Hand out resources to those interested in participating in Staystrong as a cancer patient or survivor
• Help visitors honor or memorialize a ribbon for our Staystrong window
• Receive donations that benefit the program and participants,
• Receive advice/wishes for our suggestion box to grow the program.
• 1-2 volunteers per shift, weekday 2-hour shifts 9AM-7PM, or weekend shifts from 9AM-1PM available.

Questions?

Please contact Peter Helms, phelms@ssymca.org, for information on volunteering during Staystrong Month.

Honoring Stacey Cross Hugues

At the heart of Staystrong is the belief that healing is stronger when it happens in community. Throughout Staystrong Month, we celebrate the countless cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and families who continue to find hope, strength, and connection through this program. We also pause to honor Stacey Cross Hugues, whose courage, generosity, and unwavering spirit helped make Staystrong what it is today. Stacey bravely shared her own cancer journey, opening the door for others to seek support, build connections, and realize they were not alone. Her willingness to tell her story helped inspire participation in the program and create a welcoming community where people could thrive, not just survive. Stacey was also one of the original South Shore YMCA instructors who led our October yoga fundraisers, helping raise awareness and support for cancer wellness programs that ultimately grew into Staystrong. Today, her fellow instructors, Sue Belanger and Amber Gregory, both cancer survivors themselves, continue to celebrate the resilience, joy, and strength that define the Staystrong community along with our team of caring and dedicated health and wellness instructors.

Join us on October 22 at the Emilson Y Clark Outdoor Pavilion for a special yoga class celebrating Stacey’s life, legacy, and the community she helped inspire. Register today!