By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — The last two years have been tough on everyone.

But for those with cancer, the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult — not only for them, but for their loved ones and friends. 

“Imagine the burden of cancer in addition to everything else,” commented Anjali McCormick, CEO of the Westport-Weston Family YMCA.

To help meet the needs of cancer victims, the Family Y has initiated “LIVESTRONG,” a new program designed to offer physical and emotional support to adults 18 years old and over fighting cancer, as well as to cancer survivors.

LIVESTRONG is a 12-week, free program that combines physical strengthening and emotional and social support. It is offered in small groups meeting twice a week at the Y. The program is led by certified instructors who have been trained in an intensive certification process, according to Judy Klein, health and wellness director at the Y. Participants must get a doctor’s approval to attend.

The program provides an opportunity for connections to help fight isolation for people with cancer, and offers a customized approach for both physical and emotional support, McCormick said. “There’s been a huge interest.”

She’s been responding to every inquiry with medical intake and consent forms, Klein said, and the Y staff is prepared to meet the needs of cancer patients and survivors, whatever their stage of cancer treatment. “We want to give quality care,” Klein said.

The current session is filled, but three additional 12-week sessions are planned with more sessions being offered as they are requested.

 “Everyone is affected by cancer,” McCormick said. 

When her mother had breast cancer, it took a toll on the whole family. “It’s a ripple effect … its seriousness and finality affects the people you live with,” she said.

Once McCormick’s mother joined the LIVESTRONG program at a YMCA on Long Island, where she lives, the whole family reaped some of the benefits of the program, McCormick sad. 

“She was calmer and more connected,” she said of her mother. “The whole family felt more optimistic.”

LIVESTRONG, a program for cancer patients and survivors, is offered in a free, 12-week program at the Westport-Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane. Participants can register on the YMCA website. For more information, contact Judy Klein, health and wellness director, at 203 571-6035 or email her via the Y’s website.

Gretchen Webster is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Westport Journal. Learn more about us here.