JULIA AND CHRISTINE MUNGOVAN:
LIVING STRONG AT THE Y PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO EASE BACK IN

It is not easy watching a loved one battle cancer, especially your mother. My mom had a tough battle beating breast and stomach cancer. Following a dozen surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation it was evident that cancer had taken control over my mom and in every aspect of our family’s life. It was heartbreaking for me to see my mom’s physical body and mindset be impacted by cancer. Throughout this process, all my mom and family prayed for was the strength for her to get through it all.

The LiveStrong program at the YMCA gave my mom the chance to ease into her lifestyle and job as a hairdresser before her diagnosis. The program allowed her to push herself in ways she never imagined she could after being so sick for so long. Each week I loved to see how much she looked forward to spending time with her new friends that shared similar stories to her. I saw her progress throughout the program when I noticed daily tasks that used to be a challenge were no longer a challenge for her anymore. The program has given her the support and the tools she needed to gain her strength back. Cancer took control over my mom’s mind and body, but thanks to the LiveStrong Program at the YMCA I was able to get my mom back and watch her take control of her body again after such an exhausting fight against cancer. I truly don’t think my mom would be as happy and healthy today if it weren’t for the support and program, and I’m forever thankful for that.