Cancer survivor finds footing through YMCA program

By Kyle Schmidt

Cancer survivors and those still fighting have a safe and free place to build their strength thanks to a program at the St. Joseph YMCA.

The organization has been offering its LiveStrong program for three years and a new session is now underway. Coordinator Linda McNeiley said the program includes a mix of meetings and workouts.

“We meet twice a week and that includes group support, guest speakers and we provide classes in the classroom,” McNeiley said. “As well as instruction on the fitness equipment.”

The nationwide YMCA program is offered twice a year in St. Joseph. The 12-week sessions provide anybody who has been diagnosed with cancer with an understanding environment to continue their path to healing.

“It’s difficult for other people to understand what having cancer is like unless you’ve had it yourself, unless you’ve heard the words, ‘You have cancer,’” McNeiley said. “They get a lot from just being together.”

Cindy Keling, a LiveStrong participant from the first class three years ago, is still part of the program. She was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer nine years ago, and after surgery, chemo and radiation, she eventually beat the disease.

After becoming cancer free it was hard for Keling to get back on her feet.

“Through that time I made it through the treatments and I just didn’t feel like I bounced back like other people talk about,” Keling said. “I didn’t have that experience.”

After starting LiveStrong and speaking with people who went through a similar experience, Keling found her footing again.

“I’m stronger, I’ve built a better community of people I know here, I had my treatment out of town so I didn’t know too many people with the same situation,” She said. “So it was nice to meet people going through the same thing I was.”

Keling has stayed positive throughout her cancer journey, and being involved in the YMCA program has been important, she said.

“I just think anyone who wants to try and better themselves, come out and talk to Linda or anyone at the Y,” Keling said. “I just can’t say enough good things about this program and the people I have met here. I have seen great changes in them also.”

The LiveStrong program involves two 90-minute sessions weekly. It is open to adults 18 and older. Those interested in joining can call 816-671-9622.