Staystrong Cancer Support Program Celebrates 5 Years of Impact

Collaborative Community Cancer Support

The South Shore Y is a community. Guided by our mission statement, “The Better You Belongs Here,” we seek to give each person a place to truly belong, with programming to become your better self in spirit, mind and body. Unfortunately, our community, like so many others, has been increasingly impacted by the devastating effects of cancer, across all ages, genders, and cultures. When it comes to facing a cancer diagnosis, the person battling the disease can feel alone, overwhelmed, struggling to hold it all together in their daily life…all while fighting for their very life.

As a leader in community integrated health, the YMCA is uniquely suited to support individuals and families through the overwhelming challenges they face when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. And we are extremely fortunate to work alongside world leaders in cancer treatment and research, such as Dana Farber, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and South Shore Health, for referrals and guidance.

That’s why, in 2019, we launched the Staystrong cancer support program. Staystrong is a collaborative, community-based service that provides essential daily living support to cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their household family members and caregivers – helping them to reclaim their life, their strength, and regain a sense of belonging. We are proud to have served hundreds of individuals and families through their journey.

About Staystrong

Through Staystrong, anyone in our community who is in the midst of cancer treatment can benefit from this program, which includes a full year of South Shore YMCA membership to help rebuild a healthy spirit, mind and body — for themselves, their families and caregivers.

The program is designed to meet the needs of each person where they are, helping to overcome the obstacles they face throughout treatment and recovery. For parents who worry about caring for their children as they juggle numerous doctors’ appointments and treatments, Staystrong offers drop-in babysitting at our safe and vibrant playrooms. To help children and families stay active and connected, Staystrong offers family-centric Y activities and programs, including a free week of summer day camp.

The Staystrong logo is a triangle, a pyramid of strength. Its center represents the cancer survivor, wrapped in the combined support of (1) the Y community, (2) family and caregivers, and (3) the expertise of the medical community – all working together to help thousands of people rebuild their lives – spirit, mind and body.

October is Staystrong Month

October is Staystrong month, and we invite you to help us to build and grow this life-changing program. Get involved as a participant, a volunteer, or donate to help expand to more participants and new areas of care and support.

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.

Volunteer Signup

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 volunteer per shift, weekday 2-hour shifts 9AM-7PM, or weekend shifts from 9AM-1PM available.

Questions?

Please contact Mary Orne, morne@ssymca.org; Peter Helms, phelms@ssymca.org or Katelyn Szafir, kszafir@ssymca.org for more information on volunteering.