The YMCA of the Inland Northwest and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will be hosting a Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive in honor and celebration of LIVESTRONG Day on Friday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m at all three YMCA locations.
“As committed partners in the effort to support survivors of cancer, it is important that we give members of the Spokane community an opportunity to take a meaningful action in the fight against cancer,” the organization stated in press release.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors.
“When I completed my cancer treatment, I felt as though I was hanging on to a new life with an uncertain future. My support team of doctors was suddenly gone once I was no longer a patient,” said cancer survivor Karen Atkinson. “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA gave me a support group of other survivors with similar goals of getting stronger and healthier. The program staff created an encouraging atmosphere of community and provided me with the knowledge that I needed to gain my power.”
Nicole Manus, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program coordinator said in press release that, “each participant works directly with a survivor coach to develop an individualized program to meet their specific needs, but they all gain a sense of community by learning about each other’s journeys and growing stronger together.”
On Friday community members interested in taking a meaningful action in the fight against cancer will be able to complete a simple application process, which includes a cheek tissue swab to enter the national bone marrow donor registry.
The event will also be an opportunity for individuals to learn more about how to get involved in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: as participants, volunteers or sponsors. All visitors will also have an opportunity to place a ribbon on our LIVESTRONG Wall of Yellow in support, honor or memory of a loved one who has battled a cancer diagnosis.
