October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Fortunately, many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Life-style changes such as staying physically active and limiting alcohol consumption are proven to be effective in lowering your risks. Preventative measures such as self-exams, mammograms and other screenings based on your personal history can lead to early detection and treatment.
Staystrong at the South Shore YMCA is one such local example of a program aimed to make a dramatic impact to improve lives throughout the South Shore community. Staystrong is a collaborative community program providing essential daily living support to cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their household family members – spirit, mind and body.
“Staystrong helps patients to regain their confidence and connect with their peers in a non-clinical setting, and easily access resources to alleviate the burden of day-to-day activities that can become challenging when working through cancer treatments,” said Katelyn Szafir, South Shore YMCA Medical Wellness Director and Executive Director. “When it comes to facing cancer, the person battling the disease can become overwhelmed, struggling to keep their daily life together. Staystrong gives them strength, motivation, and a greater sense of belonging.”
Throughout the month of October, the South Shore YMCA is honoring those affected by cancer with our Conquer Cancer in Every Color table. Members are encouraged to stop by our table from October 10-14 to learn more about our Staystrong program and make a colored ribbon to honor or remember a loved one impacted by cancer. Ribbons will be displayed in our lobby through the end of the month to honor our community.
To get involved in Staystrong as a participant or volunteer, or to donate the essential funds needed to help as many cancer survivors as possible, please visit ssymca.org/staystrong.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
