Fighting cancer is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face in my life. The current statistics say 1 out of every 2.5 people will come down with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Hearing the words, “You have cancer” are life changing over the next few days, weeks, months and for many… years. My wife Diane and our children know this firsthand, thankfully we live in a wonderful supportive community and a place we call home in the quite corner of Northeastern CT.

The LIVESTRONG program at the Hale YMCA is so much more than building physical strength back during or after cancer treatment. LIVESTRONG for me was an opportunity to meet new people, share our journeys, concerns, dreams, fears and lean on one another on those most difficult days. This is where people with a common denominator called cancer come together twice a week for strengthen muscle and mind while forming long lasting friendships. We share laughs and yes, some tears too while being grateful for another day.

Many of our LIVESTRONG members are active and attend the cancer support group held the second Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM here at the Hale YMCA. This gives us a chance to check in on one another, sometimes giving hope to, or inspiring others. We discuss family, friendships, community, worries, fears, the latest clinical trials, but most of all we talk about living…Living Strong!

Behind every yellow LIVESTRONG shirt there’s a Survivor in remission, or a Warrior in the battle for their life. Don’t fight cancer alone! join us today, I promise it will be the best group you’ve ever been a part of.

Unfortunately, some of our LIVESTRONG members have lost their battle with cancer this past year and each loss affects us deeply. Take comfort in knowing your support of this marvelous program has touch those lives and gave them so much comfort while here verses battling their cancer in isolation at home.

Please consider donating to our local LIVESTRONG Program, your donation funds good health, hope and dreams for a better tomorrow.