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. And 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.
For Sue Belanger, Certified Personal Trainer – ACE, and Certified Nutrition Specialist at the South Shore YMCA, nutrition and fitness are a way of life. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Sue is acutely aware of the benefits of nutrition and fitness before, during and after treatment.
“The work I do as a personal trainer is so meaningful to me as a breast cancer survivor because it allows me to support people in a very unique way,” said Belanger. “In my role at the South Shore Y, I’ve had the opportunity to support clients and friends not only physically through personal training, but in many other ways as well. My father died of cancer when he was 59, and I am a breast cancer survivor, so I have been both a patient and a caregiver. From these experiences, I know and understand how much the family can be affected by a life-threatening illness. The Y’s new Staystrong program supports cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caregivers. Through the support of generous donors, the program is offered free of charge to anyone in the community – not just Y members – and is the only program of its kind in the area. Since the Y unveiled this program in the spring, 424 people have signed up and that number continues to grow. I encourage everyone to get involved in the fight against cancer by taking a benefit class, spreading the word, donating, or volunteering!”
In order to continue to give back to cancer support efforts, Belanger has organized 5 benefit fitness classes to take place at the SSYMCA’s Emilson and Quincy branches this month. The proceeds of these classes, which are open to the public, will be donated to the South Shore Y’s Staystrong Cancer Support program.
For all those interested in participating in one (or more) of these benefit classes, please visit www.ssymca.org to learn how to reserve your spot today!
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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.