LIVESTRONG at the YMCA serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to reclaim their health and well being. YMCA of the Suncoast is honored to offer this program to residents of Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, has served more than 45,000 people affected by cancer at nearly 600 YMCA locations throughout the country.

"LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will allow us to more effectively involve cancer survivors – and their families - in the YMCA through programs that focus on their specific health and well-being," said G. Scott Goyer, President and CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast.

"Our goal is to provide the most supportive environment we can during their treatment and beyond." Cancer takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected and their families. Studies show that physical activity helps people affected by cancer. It can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment.

In addition, the program will help survivors build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Pete Morris (in loving memory) believed in the program. This is his LIVESTRONG at the YMCA story. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels. A final goal is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction to the participants. The following branches* host LIVESTRONG at the YMCA classes:

Hernando County
Contact: 352 688 9622 
 

James P. Gills Family
Contact: 727 375 9622
 

Greater Palm Harbor 
Contact: 727 787 9622
 

North Pinellas
Contact: 727 772 9622
 

Clearwater
Contact: 727 461 9622
 

Citrus County
Contact: 352 500 9622
 

*Please note: pre-registration is required for all programs. Please call your local Y. 

In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

In 2008, the Y and LIVESTRONG joined to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.