As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the realities of living with cancer, two local women, Judy Ammidown and Cheryl Greene, shared their journeys of recovery and resilience through the YMCA’s LiveStrong program, which supports individuals in rebuilding strength and confidence after a cancer diagnosis.
Greene, diagnosed eight years ago, remembers her initial hesitation to join any group. But with free access for both survivors and a support person, she decided to try LiveStrong. The physical benefits helped her regain strength and energy, but it was the supportive community that truly stood out.
“It’s not a support group; it’s a supportive group,” she emphasized, explaining how shared experiences created an atmosphere of resilience and understanding.
Reflecting on her own journey, Greene describes the emotional toll of her diagnosis.
“No one prepares you mentally for what’s going to happen,” she said, recalling the exhaustion, hair loss, and the balancing act between treatment, work, and family. “It was a whirlwind.”
Yet each small victory—returning to exercise, growing her hair back in “sassy styles,” rediscovering moments of strength—became a testament to her resilience.
“I knew I’d never be the same person I was before cancer…exercise brought me close,” she said.
Ammidown, a two-time survivor, also found solace and strength through LiveStrong. Reflecting on her experience with the 12-week program, she said, “exercise just makes you feel better.”
She credits physical activity with uplifting her spirit through the release of endorphins.
“It’s about encouraging and guiding people back to activity,” Ammidown explained. She fondly recalled a fellow LiveStrong participant who, initially too weak to lift a gallon of milk, eventually celebrated reaching that milestone and more.
Now both instructors in the LiveStrong program, and witness firsthand the significance of each participant’s progress. Greene remarked, “The word ‘fight’ comes to mind. The human spirit wants to fight and be strong,” adding that the pride in the room during the end of the program is palpable.
For both, recovery has been about more than just physical strength; it’s been about embracing the strength within. The LiveStrong program has become a beacon of hope, guiding them and their participants to reclaim not only their physical capabilities but also a renewed sense of identity and independence.
From the exhaustion of treatments to the triumph of everyday victories, their stories remind us that strength is found in small steps, shared struggles, and a resilient heart.
As Ammidown puts it, “you’re not the only one… you are not alone.”
For these survivors, strength isn’t only about the body—it’s about resilience, small victories, and the healing power of shared stories.
