LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The YMCA of Central Kentucky has received a $55,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation that will grow the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Kentucky. The disease can tear families apart and forever change the lives of those affected. One of the most effective ways to combat and prevent cancer is by encouraging healthy living and physical activity.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. Participants in the program receive a free three-month YMCA family membership and attend a 12-week program in a compassionate, small group setting.
In 2007, the LIVESTRONG Foundation and YMCA of the USA joined to create LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free wellness program to support people affected by cancer. The YMCA of Central Kentucky was selected in 2010 as a new member of the Southeast Cohort of LIVESTRONG® associations. A pilot program was launched in 2011 with 8 participants, and since then, the need for cancer support services has increased considerably. Today, the LIVESTRONG® program provides services at all 3 Y branches and currently offers 12 classes throughout the year where 430 survivors to date have been served by the program.
“Since 2011, I’ve personally been involved with the YMCA of Central Kentucky and have seen what their program means to Lexington and the surrounding areas,” said Anthem’s Regional Vice President Kennan Wethington. “The Anthem Foundation is excited that we are continuing our support of the Y’s efforts to expand LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA to serve more cancer survivors by helping them gain back their strength, stamina and resilience from this devastating disease.”
The grant will help cancer survivors improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships and improve their quality of life.
“The Anthem Foundation has helped fund the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program since its inception, and this latest grant will allow the Y to train more coaches and expand the number of classes, reducing the waiting list for community members wanting to participate in the program,” said YMCA of Central Kentucky President and Chief Executive Officer David Martorano.
The opening of the Hamburg Place YMCA this fall will help the program serve additional survivors. Program participants will work with certified LIVESTRONG® coaches in activities such as:
- Baseline fitness evaluation
- Individualized training
- Exercise development including cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility
- Social engagement activities, and
- Educational seminars and guest speakers
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the program, finding that patients who exercise regularly after cancer treatment had in some cases as much as a 39 percent decrease in cancer mortality. This generous grant will help the Y continue to support individuals and families who are trying to move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
For more information on the program, go to ymcacky.org/programs/livestrong-at-the-ymca/ or call your nearest YMCA of Central Kentucky location.
About the YMCA of Central Kentucky
The YMCA of Central Kentucky has been serving Lexington and the surrounding area since 1853. The YMCA is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and provides programs that support the healthy development of people of all ages. Through the generous contributions of our donors, the YMCA of Central Kentucky provides financial assistance that enables all members of the community to enjoy YMCA programs, regardless of income. The YMCA of Central Kentucky operates three full facilities in Lexington, as well as program offices in Jessamine County and Scott County.
About Anthem Foundation
The Anthem Foundation, Inc. is a private, non-profit foundation. Through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities in Kentucky. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s year-round Associate Giving program and its parent foundation provides a 50 percent match of associates’ pledges. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.