Jan Alexander’s Y Story
Jan Alexander’s first connection to the YMCA began many years ago when she took her infant son to swim lessons at the Lowell Y. Now, years later, Jan has her own inspiring Y story to share.
A smoker on and off for 40 years, Jan quit in 2017 and began receiving regular lung screenings through a health program that monitored her lung health due to her past smoking history. Year after year, her screenings came back clear—until the program ended in 2020 due to the pandemic and limited resources.
In 2021, Jan resumed her screenings, and by 2023, a small nodule was discovered in her left lung. She underwent successful surgery that December, and fortunately, her medical team initially told her she likely wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. As part of her recovery, Jan was advised to build her strength and stamina through walking. Just two weeks post-surgery, with her son’s assistance, she signed up for a membership at the Nashua Y and began walking on the indoor track.
Progress was slow at first—completing one lap could take her up to 30 minutes to complete—but with perseverance, Jan began coming to the Y four times a week. She soon noticed a dramatic improvement in both her pace and her breathing.
In early 2024, just weeks after joining the Y, Jan met with her oncologist and received the difficult news that she would, after all, need chemotherapy. She was able to continue her exercise at first but soon the treatment took a toll on her energy and stamina, forcing her to take a break from her Y visits. After completing four months of treatment, Jan was cleared to return and began walking again.
Encouraged by her sister-in-law, who works at a YMCA in Iowa, and by the welcoming staff at the Nashua Y, Jan learned about the LiveSTRONG® program. Though her first attempt to enroll was unsuccessful due to space limitations, she secured a spot in the September 2024 session. The four-month program proved transformative.
Jan credits the program’s impact to the guidance of three incredible instructors—Eirikur, Brooke, and Cathy—and the camaraderie of her fellow participants. “I recommend it to anyone I hear has had cancer,” she said. “It gave me the motivation to do more than just walk. I could see how strong all of us became through that program.”
Inspired, Jan also began participating in BASE classes and built lasting friendships with other members and instructors. “I still see some of them often,” she says, “and I text others just to check in.”
During the LiveSTRONG® program, Jan asked about job opportunities at the Y, saying, “Everyone who worked here just seemed so happy.” Soon after, she landed an interview for the Westwood Park Y Welcome Center and was quickly hired. With many years of customer service experience but a few years away from the workforce, it was an adjustment at first—but one she embraced wholeheartedly.
Jan began working at the Y in March and loves it. “I love meeting people and seeing how happy they are coming here.” She still walks regularly—over 3 miles a day! —and has added the Bones class at Westwood to her routine.
Since graduating from LiveSTRONG® in December, Jan has received three clear CAT scans and continues to feel stronger each day. “Both working and the programs at the Y have encouraged me, given me more motivation to exercise, and helped me mentally,” she says. “I consider myself very lucky.”
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Jan’s story is one of many made possible through the YMCA’s life-changing programs and caring community. Your generosity helps ensure that cancer survivors and others facing health challenges have the support they need to thrive. Join us in making a difference. Every gift brings hope and healing within reach.