I haven't always been a couch potato, but once the pain of arthritis started impacting my daily life, I became one. Getting cancer was a wake-up call. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the height of Covid-19, in 2021. One day while getting radiation treatments, I noticed a flyer for Livestrong at the Attleboro Norton YMCA. It took me a couple of weeks to find the courage to send that first email to Meg Benharris, but I did it. I am SO glad I did. I have never looked back since starting the program in January of 2022.
When I first met Meg for my intake interview, I had excuses for why I was so unfit. She smiled and made me feel welcome. She said, "Come as you are." From that moment on, I knew I was in the right place. In Livestrong's 12-week program, I was not only exercising, and learning about nutrition, but I was also meeting with others whose lives had been impacted by cancer. There was connection and a community began to form. Friendships were made and continue to be an important part of my life. I will be forever grateful to the Attleboro Norton YMCA for giving me the opportunity to live my life differently.
Today, I am a regular at the YMCA. I remember being a young child looking through a fenced gateway at the people playing basketball and running on the track. I thought to myself that someday I would be one of those people. Today, I am!
Livestrong has helped me become stronger and healthier. I am happier, too!
On Saturday, April 6th, I will join my friends and neighbors on a fleet of stationary bikes or playing Pickleball as part of the Attleboro Norton YMCA's 2024 Spinathon!
If you'd like to support my Ride or Pickleball Game with a donation, that would be wonderful! Just click the "Donate Now" button on the right.
If you'd like to join me on the bikes to support the Y, even better! Click the "Join my Team!" button instead. Thank you so much for your support! Both the Attleboro Norton YMCA and I appreciate it! ❤️
