Giving Back

Since my diagnosis, LWAC has been the best thing that happened to me.

Before LWAC I was in a dark place. Lots of uncertain and unbearable thoughts clouded my mind. I walked into the first orientation not knowing exactly what to expect, but I held on to the small part of me that was still willing to fight for some type of normalcy. I’m glad I did.

I was welcomed by a community of female warriors. Women all with unique challenges of their own, ready to fight their way through it. After what felt like a lifetime of battle, I finally felt like I could let my guard down and breathe. I have shared and connected with the women in this group more than I could’ve ever imagined. I feel genuinely supported, both mentally and physically, and I am stronger for it.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. LWAC helped me see that.

The Living Well After Cancer program gave me my life! I cannot express how powerful and life changing this program is.

After my cancer treatments were completed I was physically but not emotionally healed. I felt very defeated and tired. Then I heard about the LWAC program and I felt a little hope. The first time I talked to Joy I remember telling her that I was not sure that I would be able to do the exercises or keep up. She assured me that everyone felt that way. So, I thought that I would take a risk and give myself this gift of 12 weeks and see what happened.

The first day of the program was a meeting and I almost did not walk through the door because I did not think that I could face another "hoop to jump through for my cancer" but I walked through that door and started my journey of rebirth!

Through the program I learned about my inner strength and drive. I participated in all different exercise classes and focused on what my body could do instead of what had happened because of cancer. I have regained control of my body and what it can do!

One strength of the program is the trainers. Julie and Nurys and all of the trainers encouraged us in every class! It was like having a cheer squad just for me! Another strength is the camaraderie with the other participants! It was priceless to feel like a part of a family going on this journey of rediscovery together.

My wish is that everyone would take a chance and try out this program!

The impact of Living Well After Cancer was unexpected. I wasn't really interested in joining the group because I felt I didn't need it as much as others might. I told Joy to only include me if she had space. Lucky for me that she did.

I am surprised at how invested I became in this group and in all of the very special ladies that I met. Six of us immediately bonded and have continued to meet and take classes together. I'm so happy that they joined the club! This experience has been very rewarding on so many levels and I'm so glad that I participated.

Thank you to everyone at TCC, and outside, for all their kindness, support and hard work. Please know that it is very much appreciated!

The Living Well After Cancer program has meant so much more to me than I imagined it would at the onset! I thought I would enjoy a free membership for a few months, perhaps meet a couple of new people, and be on my way! But the LWAC program has meant so much more to me than that! The guidance, love and support of the LWAC family came to me at just the right time, as I was nearing the end of my treatment and in need of some motivation, not just to exercise but to get back to life! My long course of treatment hijacked my identity, as I became less myself and more a patient. This program encouraged me to get back to me--reminded me to enjoy life. The friendships and support this program has brought me has truly been life changing and I will be forever grateful!

At the LWAC Orientation meeting, I remember feeling very hesitant about starting the program. I felt like my body had deceived me and abandoned me by getting cancer and I did not know what, or if, it was capable of meaningful exercise. I had joint and muscle pain when doing simple tasks from the medication I was taking, so the thought of doing exercises was unimaginable. I soon found out I was wrong. It was different and harder than my “pre-cancer” body, but I improved so much during the 12 weeks that I surprised myself. I felt safe and motivated working out with other women that had similar experiences and some that had far worse diagnosis than I did. I was motivated and encouraged to keep moving and everyone was so encouraging and supportive. I have been eternally grateful for the LWAC program at the Claremont Club and since then I have been helping other cancer survivors reap the benefits of the LWAC program.