Cancer survivors gain strength to live again and 'live strong' at YMCA

It wasn't too long after Kate Dougherty finished her chemotherapy that she walked into a gym ready to get her body back in shape. 

The Chambersburg woman spent several months undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2017. Although she went into remission the following September, the road to recovery had left her struggling to do simple everyday physical tasks, like walking up a flight of stairs. 

"You're that depleted," Dougherty, 63, said. 

She soon found herself with the chance to do something about it. During a routine doctor's visit, a friend encouraged her to join a fitness program at the Chambersburg Memorial YMCA specifically designed for cancer survivors. 

"She barged into the exam room, handed me the brochure and said, 'you're doing this with me. Call and sign up.' So, I did and it turned out to be quite a blessing for me, for sure," Dougherty continued. 

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Getting back on the treadmill     

The LIVESTRONG program came to the area a little over a year ago. It focuses on improving the mind, body and spirit of those who are living with or have had cancer. 

In order to bring it to the local YMCA, the organization established a partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation - which is known for its popular yellow bracelets - and applied for a startup grant and cohort acceptance through the YMCA USA. It was accepted to the cohort in June 2017 and held its first pilot session in September, according to Ellen Poe, the YMCA's director of Healthy Living. The local LIVESTRONG effort also receives funding from several county agencies, including the United Way of Franklin County, Summit Endowment and the Dr. Edwin H. Sponseller Memorial 1/5/10K. 

The program is open to anyone age 18 or older who has been diagnosed with the illness and is medically-cleared by a doctor. Throughout the 12-week period, participants meet twice a week for 90 minutes with certified instructors to work on their cardio endurance, muscular strength, balance and flexibility. In addition, they are given free memberships to the YMCA for more health and wellness support. 

Cori Seilhamer, 46, was one of 10 people who got involved in the most recent session, along with Dougherty. Like her fellow survivor, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer about five years ago in May 2013. The Chambersburg woman had since been scared to use her arms. 

A battle with a severe form of lymphoma left another participant, Bob Breneman, 58, feeling worn down. He decided to try and get back in shape after his wife came across an ad for the program on Facebook. The Chambersburg man said he thought it was a good idea because it offered personal support and guidance about what his body could and could not handle, instead of him doing the work alone. 

At first, the three weren't sure what they were getting themselves into when they signed up for the program. 

Dougherty said she made the mistake of thinking the staff would coddle the survivors and make it a nice, easy introduction back into exercising. 

It turned out to be quite the opposite. There were many times during each class that she struggled to use certain muscles or was left in pain from the exercises, she said. 

The workouts may have been challenging, but the trio were impressed with the instructors. Dougherty said the staff made each class fun and interesting, and all three said instructors made sure participants weren't pushing themselves too far, drank enough water and felt good. 

Instructors were also invested in ensuring each survivor reached their personal potential. Jen Doub, a LIVESTRONG instructor, said it's always difficult to see them get discouraged with their progress, even though they are giving it their all. 

"It kind of bums you out that they're bummed, but everybody gets through it together, she added. 

Along with the exercise component, the program also finds a way to enhance participants' well-beings through other activities, such as guided meditation, yoga and acupuncture. 

"Who would've thought that acupuncture might help with nausea or whatever you're dealing with from the chemo?" Dougherty said. "There's just things that none of us would've thought about that we were exposed to." 

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Finding strength in one another 

This group may have found the ability to rebuild their bodies, but nothing compares to the bond they formed with each other. 

For Breneman, this support was an essential part of the program and something he said he wouldn't have gotten if he had just signed up for a gym membership. 

Survivors can talk to their spouses and other loved ones, but people who have not gone through cancer don't understand the loneliness it can create inside, he said. 

These connections are what helped Seilhamer get through the sessions. She talked about how she and the other participants could laugh together about their progress.

Even just being able to talk to someone who's gone through a similar experience helped the participants recover. Dougherty said she and several other breast cancer survivors could often be found sitting around a table at the end of each class sharing some laughs, talking with each other about the bad times and shedding a few tears.

"It doesn't matter how much training you have, unless you've physically gone through it, you really don't understand," she said. 

The group's strength also inspired others not directly affected by the disease. 

Poe, the YMCA Healthy Living director, said she was amazed with the human connections formed during the program. 

"In no other instances in my professional career have I seen individuals bond more readily," she added. "Participants truly give of themselves with such strength, through their own truth and vulnerability." 

Brittney McClure, another LIVESTRONG instructor, said she didn't know how much she would enjoy being a part of the program when she first started with it. 

"I think I can speak for (the staff) - we take away just as much as the participants," she continued.

Getting back 'to the world of the living' 

It may have been a long journey to getting physically healthy again, but these survivors' hard work and dedication paid off.

Joking that she will never do another squat again in her life, Dougherty said she noticed a night-and-day difference, and is now able to do an hour on the exercise bike or treadmill. Seilhamer added she not only got back her strength, but is also no longer afraid of physical exercise anymore. 

"The program is tailored for success," Dougherty said. "There's no way they're going to let you fail."

The three may be graduating from LIVESTRONG this month, but the skills they've learned will help them for the rest of their lives. They all talked about how they plan to continue being active, and feel they can still ask staff questions and ask for guidance once the program is over. 

LIVESTRONG was a good segue from treatment back to a normal life, according to Dougherty. She noted how the team of medical personnel with her during her battle were gone once she finished chemotherapy. 

"This, to me, was just a continuation of the battle," she added, saying it was a chance for her to get stronger, recover and look toward the future. She thinks every doctor who is treating a cancer patient should suggest this program. 

Seilhamer agreed it helped aid her recovery. 

"We had to get back into the world of the living, really," she continued. 

In the end, it provided Breneman with a sense of peace so he could live again. Right now, he is currently taking medication to suppress the disease, but there's always a chance it could come back. 

With tears in his eyes, he spoke about how he finally understands that happiness isn't found in your head - it's found in your heart. 

"I know now, I'm not afraid of the cancer," he said. "I don't let cancer control me." 

Have a story or want to submit a tip? Contact Ashley Books at 717-262-4764 or email abooks@gannett.com.

How to get involved

What: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

Where: Chambersburg Memorial YMCA (570 E. McKinley Street, Chambersburg)

How: Contact Ellen Poe, director of Healthy Living at the YMCA, at epoe@chbgy.org or 717-446-0533

More info: chbgy.org/LIVESTRONG%C2%AE-ymca