Four cancer survivors graduate from YMCA'S LIVESTRONG program

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Four cancer survivors are being recognized for completing a unique program at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA.

The LIVESTRONG program is a supportive health and wellness program designed to help cancer survivors regain strength, improve physical fitness and build confidence following a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

It’s led by YMCA staff who are trained in supportive cancer care and focuses on all aspects of health and wellness, including spirit, mind and body. 

Carrie Rupp, Donna Martin, Lois Vogel and Dave Niese have each successfully graduated from the program. 

A celebration Wednesday brought together the graduates, program facilitators, fellow YMCA staff members and Batesville High School work-based learning intern Jayla Bedel. 

Nikki Kaiser serves as the Wellness Coordinator and LIVESTRONG facilitator at the YMCA. she presented the graduates with a certificate to recognize their success.

“Working with you all just warmed my heart. You all were amazing. You worked really hard. Each and every day, you did everything I asked, even if you didn't want to. To see the growth from the first assessment to graduating today, absolutely amazing,” Kaiser said. 

Rupp recently graduated from LIVESTRONG and said the program represented a turning point for her following multiple surgeries, physical limitations and personal loss.

“This was just a gift. An absolute gift,” Rupp said

She not only faced recovery challenges, but also lost her husband and brother to cancer as well. 

“And I'm not losing myself,” she added.

Fellow graduate Donna Marin says LIVESTRONG helped her overcome the intimidation she once felt about entering a fitness facility.

“This helped me to be able to learn how to use the machines, because of the repetition, and how to feel more comfortable with people around that were already here working out,” she said. 

“I've met a lot of nice friends here, and I think we'll continue to do classes together. We'll get stronger and healthier,” she added. “I don't know that I would've gotten to that point without LIVESTRONG.”

Throughout the program, participants not only worked toward individual wellness goals but also formed meaningful connections, encouraged one another and discovered a community of support. 

As the ceremony concluded, Kaiser encouraged the graduates to continue building on their accomplishments and remain connected to the Y community.