Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Seattle — The YMCA of Greater Seattle and a cancer research center recently partnered to create a new strength and fitness program designed specifically for cancer survivors. The 10-week program, Exercise and Thrive, is available free to adults who have completed cancer treatment, regardless of where they were treated.

Exercise and Thrive will help cancer survivors strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve endurance while receiving health-and-wellness coaching and support from Y staff. Studies have shown exercise can improve cancer survivors' quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery.

The program is supported in part by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which has developed a multi-year partnership with 10 YMCAs nationally, including the Y of Greater Seattle, to create wellness programs for cancer survivors. The partnership is a key component of the Y's Activate America initiative, which is designed to address the country's growing obesity-related health crisis.

Some participants of Exercise and Thrive are patients of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program, which provides clinical care, patient education and research opportunities to patients who have survived cancer and are not in active cancer treatment or are in long-term therapy. The Survivorship Program also receives support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Exercise and Thrive classes will be held at three Y locations in the Seattle area: Downtown Seattle Y, Meredith Mathews East Madison Y and Northshore Y. All participants receive a free 10-week YMCA family membership. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and have medical clearance from their doctor to participate.

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