Beth, a longtime member of the Hale Family YMCA and a Zumba class enthusiast, never imagined how much her life would change when she received a breast cancer diagnosis six years ago. At age 49, Beth’s annual mammogram revealed a tumor that was undetectable by a breast exam. "It was stage one, which meant they caught it early," Beth shared. "Thanks to that mammogram, I was able to get rapid treatment. And here I am today, six years later."
While the cancer treatment itself was challenging, Beth soon discovered that survivorship brought its own set of difficulties. "They don’t talk much about how hard survivorship can be," she said. Beth faced several health crises after treatment and gained weight, which took a toll on her self-esteem. She knew she needed something to help her regain her strength and sense of self.
That’s when Beth turned to the South Shore YMCA for support. Having always loved Zumba -- a group exercise class for all ages and fitness levels that combines high-energy music and dance -- she found her way back to classes with Arthur and Emmy, two of her favorite instructors. "Being part of the Y community and partaking in something I love has enabled me to regain self-esteem, confidence, and also be very healthy after treatment," Beth said. Zumba not only provided a physical outlet, but it gave Beth a place to feel strong, supported, and normal again.
Beth's journey is a testament to the power of community and support during and after a cancer diagnosis. The South Shore YMCA's Staystrong program offers that same care to others going through similar experiences. This year-long, free support program helps cancer patients, survivors, and their families navigate the physical and emotional challenges of cancer with a compassionate community. "Staystrong provides the community, care, and encouragement that people need during and after treatment," Beth added. "And that’s exactly what I found at the Y."
