Wednesday

Livestrong

Lately, I've gotten involved in a program affiliated with the Livestrong Foundation at our local YMCA.  It's a 12 week (FREE) program for cancer survivors and those who are currently battling cancer that meets twice a week to provide support and a basic exercise program.  My role as a volunteer is to be supportive and encouraging, as well as show them how to use the equipment at the Y.  I give them other ideas for exercise as well.  It's awesome!

My dad lost his battle with cancer almost two years ago.  Today happens to be the one year anniversary of my father-in-law losing his battle with cancer too.  I'm volunteering with the Livestrong program as a way of honoring them, as well as all of the other loved ones that I've lost to this awful disease.  I don't talk about them to the group members unless they ask, because I feel that these people are trying to survive this....right now...and maybe don't want to hear about the people that didn't win their battle.

What I love and admire the most about the group is that even though they've gone through a lot and have more ahead of them, they show up.  They come in with a positive attitude and I can almost read on their faces sometimes, "Hey! I have the energy to be here and I feel good enough to exercise!"  They support each other and even clap when there is good news.  They listen to the bad news as well.  Fatigued or not, they show up and do something.  That is truly Living Strong.  I leave each session inspired and think, "I do not really have problems."

Let's put this into perspective with our own lives.  What about you-- do you Live Strong?  Do you take care of your able body?  Do you show up?  

Live Strong.