Randolph YMCA AND Saint Clare's Hospital Team Up To Provide Aquatic Rehab for Cancer Survivors

RANDOLPH, NJ- Women cancer survivors are benefitting from an aquatic rehab and support group program held each week at the Randolph YMCA in conjunction with Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville.

The eight week program is free for participants, many of whom are in various stages of recovery from breast cancer. Designed to get these women "back to healthy" and to be active again, each weekly session begins with 45 minutes of aquatic rehab followed by support group  meetings and lectures.

The program started  in  2011 with modest grant support for startup funding. A Pfizer grant helped to start the water exercise program. However, it was Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation support that allowed Saint Clare’s to extend the life of this vital program in order to truly see the benefit to the patients. This program has the support of Cancer Care's medical oncology physicians who refer their patients after being medically cleared to participate.

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According to Brandy Johnson, Senior Oncology Social Worker at the Cancer Center at Saint Clare's, "When we were looking to implement the 'Fighting Back to Wellness '  water exercise class, the Randolph YMCA was a match made in heaven; the Y has a caring and nurturing staff, a warm water pool and a private room for the support group meetings."

The Randolph YMCA provides 2 months of free membership to each woman referred by Saint Clare's. The complimentary Y membership allows survivors to not only participate in Fighting Back with Fitness, but to also participate in everything the Y has to offer including water and land group exercise classes, the Cardio Room and the Weight Room.

In addition to the Saint Clare's patients who participate, any Randolph YMCA member who is recovering from cancer may join the free program once she has been cleared to exercise by her physician.
 

Kathy Fisher, Aquatics Director at the Randolph YMCA, said of the program, "There are many physical benefits of aquatic rehab such as an increase in range of motion  and balance, but the emotional and psychological benefits can make a huge difference in these women's lives."
 

Studies show how important it is to move following surgery, yet some women are hesitant to join groups. The Fighting Back with Fitness program gives women their own day, time and space to get them on the road to recovery.

One woman was very introverted and did not smile much, but after several weeks in the program she was smiling and having a great time. A sense of community can really lift someone's spirit.

Chris O'Mara of Randolph participated in the program following a bilateral mastectomy. She describes herself as a "previvor" because she opted for the surgery following genetic testing after her mother, two aunts and two sisters all were diagnosed with breast and/or ovarian cancer.

"My surgery was a difficult decision but I knew I had the people at the Y to help me recover," Ms. O'Mara said. "When I was first cleared for exercise, I could barely raise my hand above my head and after two weeks of rehab I was participating in a yoga class."

"As a member, I am proud of the Randolph YMCA for helping people reclaim their lives," she concluded.

For information on Aquatic Rehab, contact Kathy Fisher, Randolph YMCA Aquatic Director at 973-366-1120 ext. 14 or by email at kathy@randolphymca.org.