When my stepfather Leslie was diagnosed with colocteral cancer, I felt helpless. He died shortly afterward.

That’s why Livestrong at the YMCA holds a special meaning for me. After 25 years as a personal trainer and physical therapy education, this is how I can contribute the most - motivate cancer patients and teach them how to build strength and battle fatigue.

And I usually could see the difference in their demeanor after a few months. The Livestrong members walked a little faster. They smiled more and appeared more confident.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14.

That’s why I do what I do. We offer swimming lessons to all children in the West End for free. Watching them go from water scared to swimming like a fish is amazing.

During the four weeks in 2018, we had about 1,000 children in our Safety around Water program.

For some people that’s amazing, but I’d like to accomplish more. I’d like to admit more kids into our program this year. And I’d like to improve the quality of our program and be more involved in the community.

Hopefully, our annual campaign would help us do that.

Taking care of my mom during treatments actually wasn’t so hard. It was hard witnessing when she was loosing her strength and zest for life.

I wanted my mom to learn how to move despite her limitations and at the same time have some fun. I just needed to convince her to try Livestrong because she had never exercised before.

I think that Livestrong is awesome. I love Tanna. She is so knowledgeable and committed to her job.

We need to spread the word about this awesome program. I hope that more cancer patients would take advantage of it.

When the cancer strikes, it takes away your ability to control anything. You don’t know what’s gonna happen today or tomorrow.

You chug along, but your body can’t. Pain, fatigue and weakness are your companions every day. It is hard to accept that you can’t even walk anymore.

When I heard about Livestrong, I couldn’t wait to start with the program. Why? Because it puts me back in control again.

It’s been a few months and it’s too early to expect any major change, but I can feel spring in my step occasionally. I hope that I can eventually get back on my feet. And then who knows, maybe jump from an airplane. With a parachute of course .

I joined two months ago. I didn’t want to be here after my mastectomy and treatment, but my daughter and doctor convinced me to give it a try.

It’s too early to expect any major difference, but I already sleep better. I don’t wake up at night as often as I used to.

I like how everything is organized. I will stay with the exercise even after the 12 week period.