YMCA Staystrong Cancer Support Program Celebrates 5 Years

Since the 2019 launch of Staystrong, the South Shore YMCA’s collaborative community cancer support program that provides essential daily living support to hundreds of cancer patients, cancer survivors, their household family members and caregivers have participated in this incredible program to regain strength and rebuild their health in spirit, mind and body.

Unlike traditional cancer support programs that focus on helping the individual deal directly with clinical care, the Staystrong program offers a unique, community-based approach to help cancer patients manage and improve their everyday personal lives and family responsibilities through the extended services and expertise of the YMCA, a leader in community integrated health.

“I am so proud of this program and so grateful to our members, community, donors, staff and volunteers who make it possible,” said Katelyn Szafir, Executive Director of the Hale Family YMCA branch and Medical Wellness Director for the South Shore YMCA. “Since launching the program in 2019, just before the pandemic, we have been able to serve and support so many cancer survivors and their families.”

Built to encompass the entire family, Staystrong participants have free access to YMCA-sponsored health and wellness resources, programs, and support to help them face the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The initiative also includes free membership to South Shore YMCA branches in Quincy and Hanover, a complimentary week of summer camp for children enrolled in the program and free, onsite drop-in babysitting for parents who are currently in treatment, and free access to select Y programs.

Thanks to our member’s charitable donations to Staystrong, Nancy Daly and her family received a year of free membership to the Y when her husband’s cancer returned, offering them a place to heal and a community where they could truly belong.

“Words cannot describe how thankful our family is for the Staystrong program at the Y! It was devastating news to hear my husband’s cancer had returned. His stage three cancer needed to be treated immediately. He had to stop working and our finances dropped to an all-time low. More stressful than the lagging finances was the well-being of our 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. These kids needed a happy distraction during their summer break from school. A good friend of mine spoke very highly of the great programs the Y offered for families in our situation. Thanks to the Staystrong program and the generous donations that fund these programs, our kids were able to enjoy a great week of summer camp at Y Camp Quirk in Quincy at no cost! This was huge and the kids enjoyed themselves so much they look forward to returning. Every single person I came in contact with at the Y was top-notch superb customer service. Many thanks for helping a family through a rough summer.”

October is Staystrong Month at the South Shore YMCA, and the Y is working with the community to spread the word and connect with others who are facing a cancer diagnosis and can benefit from the program.

Throughout the month, the Y is offering featured fitness classes to show support, raise awareness and donations to support this free program. Ali Cash, a certified fitness instructor, organized a Pound Fit class in honor of her daughter Olivia.

"The South Shore YMCA Staystrong program is a lifeline for families facing a cancer diagnosis. This year-long, free support program provides a sense of community, care, and encouragement during one of the toughest journeys a family can experience," shared Cash. "Our annual event, Pound in Honor of Olivia Cash, benefits the Staystrong program. Seeing my friends, family, and Pound Fit community come together to raise awareness and funds for this life-changing program was incredibly special. This fundraiser was dedicated to Olivia's memory—to raise awareness, offer support, and celebrate her life alongside the community that has given me so much strength. We had over one hundred attendees join us to Pound in Olivia's memory, and raised over $16,000 to support Staystrong and help others in our community stay strong while experiencing a cancer diagnosis."

If you or a loved one has been touched by cancer and are going through treatment or have recently gone through treatment, learn how you and your family can benefit from the South Shore YMCA Staystrong program at ssymca.org/program/health/staystrong.