Bob Sierra YMCA Partners with Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong to Help Cancer Survivors Regain Their Lives

In April 2010, Yolanda Villalobos’ doctor observed some cysts on her breast.  The petite grandmother was informed that she didn’t need to worry, but she went ahead and scheduled a follow-up appointment six months later. 

Twenty-four weeks later, an MRI told the complete story: Villalobos had evasive Stage II breast cancer.  Her mother’s side of the family had a history of stomach cancer; an aunt and niece and on her father’s side had breast cancer. 

In a matter of months, her tumor almost doubled in size from 2 centimeters to 3.5 centimeters.  Physicians discovered another tumor; fortunately this one was benign.  The Carrollwood resident underwent a lumpectomy to have tissue removed, and started her first chemotherapy treatment on Friday.

Although she feels healthy and energetic, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the Y’s Cancer Survivor Program after spotting a bright yellow flyer at last month’s Health Fair. 

“The timing could not have been more perfect," said Villalobos, 53. "I was already a member, and I got to meet Phillip Newman (Bob Sierra’s Wellness & Risk Management Program Director) a week after the fair for an assessment."

You may not know Villalobos, but statistics show that perhaps you know someone like her.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, “Half of men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes.” 

In addition, the organization’s research findings showed that more than 1,500 Americans are expected to die from cancer each day.  In Florida, the 2010 estimated deaths of all cancers was 40,880, only second to California (55,710). 

In August 2009, Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong (whose tagline is “We fight to improve the lives of people affected by cancer”) partnered with the New Tampa Family YMCA to launch a pilot program to serve cancer survivors. 

With both organizations’ missions aligned, nine Tampa Bay residents participated in this free 12-week fitness training program designed for those experiencing weakness or fatigue resulting from their treatment or disease. 

Through a carefully-structured regimen led by specially selected Y team members (who train with both Moffitt Cancer Center staff and Tampa VA Hospital physicians), survivors work to improve muscle strength and flexibility while increasing their endurance to improve not only their functional ability, but their overall quality of life. 

Seven of those nine original patients stayed on as members. To date, 70 more have joined the program. 

As a result, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has rolled the program out to each of their Tampa locations - including the where officials are currently working with 15 survivors thanks to support from Moffitt, the American Cancer Society and other area hospitals and community groups and word-of-mouth. 

“As we began to serve cancer survivors, we realized that we were developing a family within our Y family.  Once we began hearing testimonials from the first graduates and their families, expanding the program became a ‘no-brainer,'" said Rebecca Bray, spokeswoman for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

The YMCA staff has undergone LiveStrong coaching, including learning how to be there as a confidante for cancer survivors.

Components of the LiveStrong at the YMCA Cancer Survivor Program:

• LiveStrong Team – 12-week program meets twice a week and include 5-10 members per session.  New sessions begin every other month.
• LiveStrong Personal Exercise Program – For those who prefer solo workouts, sign up for 12 one-on-one sessions with a trained coach who can best accommodate your busy schedule.
• LiveStrong Approved Group Exercise Classes – Includes water aerobics, indoor cycling, yoga and stretch classes which are taught by trained staff to address the special needs of survivors. 

“We are here to provide these survivors with a chance at regaining their life – to help them feel strong again – physically, emotionally and mentally," Newman said. "We are thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to participate in this program with the esteemed LiveStrong organization."

By summer’s end, Newman and his team hope to increase their numbers two-fold.  In addition, they hope that members will get to know each other and perhaps form their own mini support groups to help one another through this life-altering experience. 

“The LiveStrong partnership is another way in which the Y is working to meet the most critical issues facing our community," said Bray. "Cancer touches everyone – survivors, family members, friends. Wwhat better place than the Y for people to go to regain their control of their health, meet new friends and get support?"

For Villalobos, the program provides her with all the pieces she needs to stay healthy.

“The program is great and helps me feel connected – mind, body and spirit," she said. "I feel very fortunate to have this great community program at hand.  I love my cardio – I’ll walk anywhere – but this motivates me to incorporate strength training into my regimen."

If you – or someone you know – is a cancer survivor and is interested in joining the program or would like to share their thoughts about the program, please contact Wellness & Risk Management Program Director Phillip Newman at (813) 962-3220.