NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and charities and companies across the country will go pink to support research, prevention, and treatment efforts. To help cancer survivors reclaim their total health, New York City's YMCA offers a free, 12-week cancer recovery program.

Called LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, this evidence-based program has impacted the lives of 450 adults in New York City since launching in 2010. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve goals related to strength, flexibility, and endurance, while building confidence. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, the program helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind, and body.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an example of how the Y works to strengthen community and improve health in New York City. From fitness classes to prevention programs to swim lessons, 314,000 people improved their health at the YMCA in 2017.

"Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll," said Joann Donnelly, Vice President of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Greater New York. "The Y is here not only to help cancer survivors reclaim their health, but to provide a supportive comfortable community when they need it most."

The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program has transformed the lives of many participants.

Diane Hopkins, a breast cancer survivor, detested the idea of even stepping foot in a gym. But as soon as she walked into the program at the Staten Island South Shore YMCA in 2018, she could immediately tell it would be a compassionate and wonderful place to be.

"The real healing is in the relationship you have with the staff," said Hopkins. "I can't praise the staff enough on how competent and caring they are. They provided the training that served my specific needs, and for that I am grateful."

William Kern began his program at the Rockaway YMCA in 2017, after battling cancer for years and going through chemotherapy treatments.

"A few months ago, I didn't think I'd ever again be as strong as I am right now, and that is a direct result of the LIVESTRONG® program," said Kern. "Congratulations are in order, and it should be directed to the Y staff who oversee this program. If there's anything that can be learned from my time here, it's that they care, and they help cancer survivors live longer and better."

About the New York City's YMCA
New York City's YMCA is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ymcanyc.