LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: A Survivor's Story

Last summer, the YMCA of the Triangle launched LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at the Cary and Alexander Family YMCAs. Since then, nearly 60 cancer survivors have participated in the 12-week health and fitness program. Specially trained Y staff lead the twice a week sessions. Here’s the amazing part - this program is free to participants. This summer, we’re launching the program at the Kraft, Finley and Lee County YMCAs!

At the Y, we’re committed to supporting our friends, families and neighbors in their fight against this disease. After you read Debbi Braswell’s story, you’ll know why.

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It took a few years and lots of twists and turns before I started volunteering at the Y.

When my family joined the Cary YMCA in 2008, we never connected with anyone. We came. We worked out. We left. My husband, Kevin, and I are both introverts, so it takes a lot to draw us out. (Our 10-year-old son, Alexander, on the other hand, has never met a stranger!)

Fast forward to 2009. That’s when Kevin was laid off.  We thought about giving up our Y membership to cut back, but we decided our health was too important. Four months later, I learned that I had stage III breast cancer.

Debbi (top row, far left) and her LIVESTRONG group.

God has seen me through the struggle of my life, including three surgeries, four months of chemotherapy and radiation. I was severely anemic, but I did my best to walk with a friend. Sometimes I had to sit on a curb to rest.
Eventually I returned to the Y, feeling lonely and lost. I didn’t know how to go about my recovery. How much exercise – and what kind - was too much and how much was too little? Finally one day I asked Cheryl Dichard, who had given me my orientation, if the Y had any help for cancer survivors.

I was shocked to learn that Cheryl was a 16-year cancer survivor! She told me that the Cary Y was preparing to launch a pilot program for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. It’s a 12-week program designed to help cancer survivors improve not only the functioning of their bodies, but also the quality of their lives.

I was in! I scheduled an upcoming surgery so that I could start LIVESTRONG a few weeks post-op. I even postponed the next surgery so I could finish the program. I loved it! Cheryl and Beth Blount gave us just the right mixture of encouragement, instruction and challenge. We all wore yellow LIVESTRONG T-shirts and called ourselves The Killer Bees!

I went on to recruit a good friend and fellow cancer survivor who joined the group. About that time I was invited to volunteer with the group. You might think I would pounce on the chance to stay involved.

But I considered the time invested. And I wondered – what could an introvert like me contribute to LIVESTRONG? That’s when I had my epiphany. Knowing that God had allowed me to go through the dark valley of cancer, I realized it would be selfish not to share the strength, encouragement and perspective He’s helped me gain through the journey.

So I volunteered, and I will be forever grateful. I still cannot believe the incredible people who joined the third LIVESTRONG group. Some were quiet, some were funny, some had hair, some were growing their hair back. We all jelled! You wouldn’t believe how much fun we had – or how hard we laughed! Sometimes visitors looked a little baffled by us. Was this really a cancer support group?

It’s true that our group struggled through some awful times. Some people like my dear friend Jessi had their cancer recur. She started as a volunteer with me, but she needed to become a participant again. She is a STRONG, STRONG woman! Another amazing woman named Lindy got worse and died. Lindy had a beautiful personality and none of us will forget the day she gathered two people to join her in doing the “Monkees walk.” (If you didn’t grow up in the ‘60s, look it up on YouTube!)

LIVESTRONG has been a wonderful way to feel a connection – to share a common experience. Although the group spent serious time working out, Beth and Amanda Dismukes made sure there was also time for talking and reflecting. This investment of time has resulted in enduring ties. Although this group finished a couple of months ago, the participants still email each other. One person held a fancy tea for the group. Most people attended Lindy’s funeral.

My official volunteer duties weren’t very challenging. I wiped weights and helped stack chairs. The most difficult task, at first, was talking to participants while they did their cardio workouts. I thought,  me, an introvert making small talk? What on earth could I say? But apparently even an introvert can make a workout more tolerable. I guess all a volunteer needs to be is herself.

If you’re interested in participating or volunteering, contact us at LIVESTRONG@ymcatriangle.org.

GET HOOKED ON TRX

Who knew that two straps with handles could provide a great workout? The Navy SEALs did, and that was the beginning of TRX. Now you can try it, too!

Y branches offer the TRX Suspension system and free training on how to use it. Members hook it to a secure place and work their muscles while using their own body weight as resistance.

TRX workouts improve strength, flexibility and balance. “Using TRX works your core and functional muscles,” says Romain Marriott, a personal trainer at the Cary Y. “You develop muscles that you use every day.”

“It’s great exercise because it’s body weight exercise,” explains Cary Y Wellness Director Amanda Dismukes. “A lot of our members love it. It’s popular with our members in their 20s, 30s, 40s and fit 50s.”

Interested? Complete a TRX training session at the Y. You’ll learn TRX exercises and proper technique. It might not be long before you get hooked!

ONE HUNDRED HOLES OF GOLF BENEFIT ONE GREAT CAUSE

On May 8, Moss Withers checked something off his bucket list. And, he did it for a great cause – the Cary and Kraft Family YMCAs Golf Marathon.

Moss Withers (far left) celebrates his big win!

“It’s a finish attitude out here and not about the score,” Withers remarked. “You get excited to play because it’s such a unique event.”

Since 1992, YMCA members, like Withers, have hit the links to raise money for the YMCA’s We Build People program. Participants spend a fun (and exhausting) day playing 100 holes of golf as part of an alternative fundraiser. In case you wondered, 100 holes of golf equals five times around the course.

This year the weather conditions at Crooked Creek Golf Club in Fuquay-Varina were perfect. Fifty-one golfers teed it up and raised more than $67,500 - surpassing the goal by more than $12,000.

Each year, 100% of the proceeds from the event allow thousands of children, families and adults to participate in life-changing YMCA program regardless of their ability to pay.

Moss Withers, a member of the Kraft Family Y, serves as volunteer chair of the golfing event.  In fact, he’s been part of the marathon since its start.

“I got involved because of my dad, Tony, who has been doing this since the beginning,” Withers said. “When I was a kid I used to come out here with him and drive the cart and spend time on the course. As soon as I got old enough I started playing and raising money on my own and being involved with the event.”

On May 8, Withers shot a 351. That’s four under par for 100 holes. But, the real winner was the YMCA’s We Build People program.

YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE LEMONADE DAY

Five-year-old Breanna developed a keen marketing strategy to sell lemonade. She dressed up as a princess and set up her stand outside the Kroger in Garner. It was unusually hot on May 5, which increased her sales.

“That’s what princesses do,” exclaimed Breanna. “They give back.”

Breanna wasn’t kidding. She raised more than $130 in just two and a half hours. She donated part of her proceeds to a family friend who has mounting medical bills. Breanna was just one of nearly 2,000 children who participated in Triangle Lemonade Day. The YMCA of the Triangle sponsored the event in this region.

“The YMCA of the Triangle has a long history of developing young leaders,” said Dawn White. Dawn is a youth programs director at the Cary FamilyYMCA and led the Triangle Lemonade efforts for the YMCA of the Triangle. “Our Y encourages young people to be civic-minded, socially responsible and to learn new skills. The Lemonade Day program aligns perfectly with our efforts.”

Lemonade Day was created in Houston in 2007. This nationwide free, fun, learning program teaches kids how to start, own and operate a business – a lemonade stand. Children learn goal-setting and problem-solving skills. Children are also encouraged to give a portion of their proceeds to a charity of their choice.

The YMCA of the Triangle is just one of 31 cities who participated in National Lemonade Day 2012. Visit LemonadeDay.org to learn more and check out the video on YouTube.

Breanna felt confident about the return on her investment.

“I have magical lemonade,” said Breanna. “But, I can tell you. It’s strawberries.”

Y LEARNING SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Shymel has plenty of reasons to be proud. On April 28, the 10-year-old played goalie for the Kerr Family YMCA Weasels soccer team. During the tournament, Shymel made 12 saves and won MVP honors. It’s hard to believe this is the first year he played the game.

Shymel is one of more than 100 children in the YMCA’s Y Life and Y Learning tutorial programs who participated in the Second Annual Soccer Kids of America and Y Learning Soccer Tournament. Twelve teams from the Alexander, Cary, Durham, Finley, Kerr and Kraft YMCAs faced off at West Cary Middle School to put their new skills in action.

“Most of these kids hadn’t even seen soccer game a few months ago. Their families couldn’t afford to sign their children up for area soccer leagues,” said Michelle Rhino, a YMCA Outreach Director at the Cary Family YMCA. “This tournament is a fun, exciting way for the kids to play this game and show their new skills to their families.”

Over the past few months, students in the Y Learning program have been getting some extra tutoring in the game of soccer. Y Learning is a fully subsidized, after school tutorial program for children in grades 3 – 8. School counselors identify children who need academic assistance. Currently, more than 1,100 students participate thanks to contributions to the Y’s We Build People campaign.

Two years ago, the Y teamed up with Soccer Kids of America. The organization teaches character development and soccer skills at after school sites throughout the country.

When Anthony Hardison heard about the program, he knew the Y and Soccer Kids of America were a perfect fit. Anthony is the community outreach director at the Kerr Family YMCA.  Soon, Y Learning sites throughout the Triangle incorporated the soccer program into their curriculum. This partnership gives kids exposure to a popular sport that helps them get active and have fun.

“It’s crazy how excited the kids are,” exclaimed Anthony. “They are just pumped!”

Even the professionals were pumped. The Carolina RailHawks conducted a clinic for players in between games. The two teams that advanced to the championship game won RailHawks tickets for the players, coaches and families. 

YMCA HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AWARD WINNER: THE LUCAS FAMILY

Meet the Lucas Family from the Cary Family Y!

Paul, Beth, Jacob and Maddie are the perfect example of a healthy lifestyle change.

The Lucas Family

They went from unhealthy eating habits and inactivity to Paul completing an ironman triathlon – 140.6 miles total!

He has been a great role model for the whole family. Ten-year-old Maddie has completed several 5Ks, several kids triathlons and an adult sprint triathlon. Seven-year-old Jacob has completed a few duathlons and kids triathlons as well.

Paul and Beth have both reduced their medications. They have made exercise and healthy eating a family journey. The Lucas family is truly an inspiration to all families that are trying to make healthy changes.

The Y sponsored the YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Change Award as part of the American Heart Association's Triangle Heart Walk. We asked Y members, staff and the general public to nominate people who took the first step toward healthy living. Winners were announced at the walk on Sept. 25.

Congratulations to the Lucas family, and the other folks, who made a commitment to a healthy lifestyle change.

CARY Y STAFF SAVE A LIFE

Bobby Sunukjian says being in the right place – at the right time – saved his life.

Bobby, Delynda and George

On October 31, the Sunukjian family heads to the Cary Y for an afternoon workout. Bobby and his wife, Rachel, drop off their two young children in the nursery. Rachel heads to her group fitness class. Thirty-eight-year-old Bobby hits the track.

When he’s done, Bobby goes to the Mens’ Locker Room to cool down.

Meantime, Cary Y staff member George Wait makes his usual rounds of the building. As he enters the locker room, George notices Bobby slumped over in a chair and unresponsive.

“Call 911 and bring the crash bag,” George exclaims over the walkie talkie.

That’s when Cary Y member Jeff Worthington walks into the locker room. Like Bobby, Jeff wants to fit in an afternoon workout. His plans change as he immediately helps George lower Bobby to the ground. By now, Bobby doesn’t have a pulse.

“One, two, three, four,” counts Jeff as George starts chest compressions on Bobby.

Delynda Ramirez-Carter works the front desk at the Cary YMCA on this Halloween. She hears George’s request over the walkie and rushes into the locker room with the automated external defibrillator or AED. George and Jeff step aside as Delynda places the AED pads on Bobby’s chest.

“Clear,” says Delynda as she administers the first shock of the AED.

Like intricate choreography, George immediately takes over with more chest compressions. Within 30 seconds, Bobby starts to become alert. George and Jeff place Bobby in the recovery position and give him oxygen.

As the fire department and EMS crew arrive, Bobby is talking and answering questions.

“Delynda and George care so deeply for the members of the Cary Y. I am thankful that I work beside such quick reacting, talented and compassionate people,” said Diane Hillsgrove, Cary Family YMCA Branch Director.

Bobby and Rachel Sunukjian have been regular members of the Cary Y. They know the faces and names of many of the friendly staff. But Bobby and Rachel didn’t know that many of those Y staff members are trained emergency responders.

“We are blessed to have staff members like George and Delynda on our team who are willing and ready to respond when life threatening situations arise,” Brad Emory, Associate Branch Director Administration, remarked. “God certainly used them on October 31 to provide the care that Bobby Sunukjian needed at that moment. “

In June, the Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross presented George Wait and Delynda Ramirez-Carter with the Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder, the highest award given by the American Red Cross. Click here to watch the presentation.

A healthy and very happy Bobby Sunukjian was there for the presentation.

“I couldn’t ask for a better team that day,” Bobby said at the presentation. “George and Delynda were so well trained and in the right place. The right equipment was in place. But this was much more than equipment. When it all comes together it is a like a symphony. In this case, the symphony saved my life.”