The Student Becomes the Teacher: LiveStrong(er) Program

Today, I graduated two LiveStrong Classes from their 12-week training program. Coaching, nurturing and rehabbing the body from various forms of cancer was awe-inspiring. The resilience, grit & grace demonstrated by the human spirit defied logic. More importantly, the results surpassed expectations especially as they connected over their common plight. Reconnecting an ailing body with a mind in turmoil came with its challenges; however, the human spirit would not be underestimated. All participants were at different ages, stages and reserves. Some members were recovering from surgeries, many continued with Chemo/Radiation Therapies & all were suffering with side-effects. Some members passed away before the course's completion, and still others received good news now and again of the miracle modern medicine had promised.

Trainers who volunteered were trained extensively on various cancers, common complications from treatments/procedures and the 'BLOW' of being diagnosed. Strength, Balance and Flexibility would be favorable; again and again, however, gains paled in comparison to the strength & inspiration growing among members due to their connection. Participants are not permitted to miss more than 2 classes during this 12-week program, for good reason; and the time commitment was a tough ask. For the program to truly deliver change and progress, we had to honor everyone's time and the stacked deck made tough enough conditions.

The first 2 goals in strength and balance are relatively easy and come early at 4 weeks. Using weights built muscle, and with muscle development, balance was regained. Doing resistance training, both with body weight & dumbbells, restored functional movement by week 6. Some clients found great relief from fatigue and better hormonal balance; but medications, chemo and radiation continued to make the workouts a true struggle. New found flexibility would come weeks 6-8, & the benefits of movement created momentum in most. However, Stage 4 Clients fatigue turned in to exhaustion. Reserves were limited due to length of the body's battle. Even unspoken fears and dashed hopes negated success. Cancer kicks ass, and even the healthiest accepted dizziness, lack of coordination and chemo brain (for 12-weeks).

We established S.M.A.R.T. goals so that even the smallest positive steps were celebrated. BUT how do you measure compassion's comfort or the solace gained from a fellow survivor's encouragement? The impact of connecting with another sick and suffering soul was unable to be measured may be, but the impact heavily influenced final numbers. Each member was to bring a are giver; and there was significant boosts in motivation as each couples achieved ordinary accomplishments at the gym. Time together made for momentary relief from a harsh reality. Results continued to trend upward, but success would be redefined daily and obviously effected as the number of guaranteed tomorrows waivered.

It all comes together at 12-weeks, and the Coaches maintain the levels of energy through out. Staff would fade into the back ground frequently with the sharing of resources and stories among them. Without fail, this clientele (special population, survivors and/or super heroes) completed their program, and it became clear that when the going got tough the tough doubled down with unwavering support.

The life's lessons shared and the inspirational examples in the face of hardship were endless. The graduates showed all 12-weeks from September to December (through the cold, dark and day-light savings changes). They suited up and showed up. Sadly, only one individual was forced to resign his resolution to rebuild; and I dedicate this post to Paul. Paul passed of Stage IV, Glioblastoma; and he paved the way for other Stage 4 Successes to come. Even after placed with hospice,week after week Paul would show with his wife, With their chin up and a smile, they stayed deeply engrained in the group. We were honored to be a part of their journey and inspiring love story.

This class dove in with blind faith, and they never left a man behind. In spite of their worlds temporarily turned upside down, they thrived; simply surviving was never an option. There was a spunk, attitude and twinkle in their eye of courage.

BLOG's BIG QUESTION:

What are you going to do? Today? When you face your next challenge? THRIVE or 'SURVIVE'?

If you know someone facing cancer, in need of support, contact your local YMCA and ask them

to host a LiveStrong Course for your community.