Where Survivors
Grow Stronger
A 12-week program for adults living with or beyond cancer, now at the Downtown YMCA.
Your Comeback Starts Here
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is here to help you take back your strength, your energy, and your sense of community—in a safe, welcoming environment built specifically for people like you.
Over 12 weeks, you’ll work alongside other survivors in a small-group setting, guided by a certified instructor trained in cancer survivorship care. Whether you’re in active treatment, recently finished, or years beyond your diagnosis, this program meets you where you are
What the Program Includes
No guesswork. No one-size-fits-all. Just a proven structure designed around you.
12 Weeks
Two 90-minute sessions per week, in a YMCA Wellness Center
Small Groups
Work alongside other survivors in a supportive, instructor-led environment.
Full-Body Fitness
Cardio, strength training, balance, and flexibility — adapted to your level.
Expert Instructors
Certified in cancer survivorship care and trained to support you.
Progress Tracking
Fitness and quality-of-life assessments before and after the program.
No Membership Needed
Free and open to any eligible adult, whether or not you’re a Y member.
This Program Is for You
You qualify if you are 18 or older and living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. That’s it. There are no other requirements.
- Any cancer type or diagnosis
- Currently in treatment, recently finished, or years beyond
- Any fitness level — including complete beginners
- No YMCA membership required
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start moving again, this is it.
Backed By Research. Proven to work.
Participants served nationwide | 
States delivering the program | 
YMCAs sites nationwide |
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA isn’t just another fitness program. It was validated through a randomized controlled trial by researchers at Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute.
- Helps survivors meet or exceed recommended physical activity levels
- Significantly increases cardiovascular endurance
- Improves overall quality of life and decreases cancer-related fatigue
Irwin ML, Cartmel B, Harrigan M, et al. Effect of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Exercise Program on Physical Activity, Fitness, Quality of Life, and Fatigue in Cancer Survivors. Cancer 2017; 123: 1249–58.
Information for Healthcare Providers
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program developed in partnership with the Livestrong Foundation and validated through peer-reviewed research. It is designed to complement, not replace, your patients’ clinical care plan.
National data shows that 32% of Livestrong participants are referred by a doctor or other healthcare professional — making provider referral the single largest source of program enrollment. To refer a patient, simply direct them to this page or encourage them to contact the YMCA directly. Printable materials are available below.
Download Provider Information Sheet Download Patient Handout
COMMON QUESTIONS
No. The program is open to any adult 18 or older living with or beyond cancer, regardless of YMCA membership status.
All cancer types and diagnoses are welcome. The program is designed to support survivors across the full spectrum of cancer experiences.
Not at all. Whether you finished treatment recently or years ago — or are still in active treatment — you are welcome to apply.
None. Sessions are designed to meet participants where they are and progress at a pace that works for them. No prior gym experience is needed.
The program is free of charge. You do not have to be a YMCA member to participate.
Yes. Sessions are led by YMCA-certified instructors trained in supportive cancer care, and the program has been validated through a peer-reviewed clinical trial. As with any exercise program, we encourage you to consult your care team before starting.