LIVING STRONG

Shortly after graduating MSU with her degree in 2005 and three days after starting her new job, Rachel Eisert was diagnosed with breast cancer. My friend told me: " You will give up this year so you can live the rest of your life." That's what Rachel did. Doctor's appointments, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She had terrible side effects, but a wonderful support system. Now Rachel is a cancer survivor of 8.5 years, and a new member of the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program.

Rachel admittedly joined the LiveSTRONG program with poor general health, painful arthritis, and sore and weak foot joints. When asked about the individual trainers she gets to work with she shared, "There's a stigma about the trainers. They seem like superhuman. But they are so human. They haven't lived thru cancer, but they understand it. There's nothing you can do to disappoint them. I feel very welcome and taken care of and I can try things and not be afraid. They make you feel like a part of the family."

Current participants are at different points in their diagnosis. Sometimes, they are not well enough to attend, but they still show up to encourage and support the others. Before Rachel began the LiveSTRONG classes, she openly admitted it was normally just 'couch-time.' Now she beats her stress with endorphin-filled long distance trail walks on the Red Jacket Trail, planks, group exercise, and other custom workouts formatted for individuals. With a smile Rachel says, "There are miracles around every corner...Your mind and spirit can do miracles."

Rachel's determination, humble thanks, and motivation are inspiring and worthy of inspired tears. She takes great pride in improving her health and nurturing her spirit, "Every illness, ache and pain I have reminds me that God has a plan for me. I am so blessed to be here with my loved ones."

Rachel recommends that women take great caution with staying current on mammograms and self-exams. Her cancer was discovered between mammograms during a self-exam and it could have easily spiraled out of control if not discovered in time. She also offers advice to anyone currently diagnosed to seek help from others and use every resource given. The help she received from during her treatment was a pivotal part of her recovery.

For free cancer support, visit livestrong.com

For more information on self-exams and mammograms, visit komen.org

LiveSTRONG at the YMCA is offered to members and non-members at no charge. New classes begin every 12 weeks. For more information or to get involved with LiveSTRONG,

contact Joy Leafblad at 507-345-9813

If you would like to make a donation to help others like Rachel in the LiveSTRONG program click here

NEW BROCHURE COMING SOON!

The 2014 Winter & Spring Brochure will be here soon! Check our website for the recent brochure and discover all the exciting programs and events we have for families and individuals.

Remember, program registration deadline is:

Members: November 19

Non-Members: November 23

The Mankato Clinic Foundation awards grant to LiveSTRONG at the YMCA

The Mankato Clinic Foundation provides resources to organizations and endeavors that effectively promote and improve community health and wellness. The physicians at the Mankato Clinic provide the majority of the Foundation funding as a means to give back to the community by providing support to these organizations. Projects and programs supported include education and scholarship initiatives focused on health care, health education, and wellness. Thanks to the Mankato Clinic Foundation, the Mankato Family YMCA is receiving a $5,000.00 grant to be used for LiveSTRONG at the YMCA.

We are so grateful for this grant that will allow us to continue LiveSTRONG at the YMCA which offers custom fitness classes for cancer survivors at any stage in their diagnosis. The program understands that physical fitness is the gateway to one's recovery. It is also the key to enhancing energy, attitude, mental health, and general quality of life. Participants in the program not only receive the physical and mental edges necessary to get "back in the game," but they also enjoy the achievement with others experiencing the same goals, challenges, and triumphs.

LiveSTRONG at the YMCA is offered to members and non-members at no charge. New classes begin every 12 weeks. The grant received will help support the financial obligations of the program to remain cost-free to participants.

For more information or to get involved with LiveSTRONG, contact Joy Leafblad at 507-345-9813

The Mankato Clinic Foundation awards health and wellness grants on a quarterly basis and are considered only through an application process. More information and grant applications may be obtained at

mankatoclinic.com

Silver & Fit Program Offered in 2014

For more information and sign up, see the Front Desk

BODYPUMP

DROP IN CLASS

Sundays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

First Class: Sunday, October 6

Weekly Registration opens Friday-Sunday ONLY

*Please register at front desk and bring receipt to instructor.

$3.00/Members $6.00/Non-Members

Space limited to 34 participants

GIVE TO THE MAX!

On November 14, every donation you make to the Mankato Family YMCA increases our chance to win even more money on Give to the Max Day on November 14th.

Today through November 13, you can schedule your donation. Simply go to the Mankato Family YMCA's Give Page and look for the checkbox that says "Make this donation count for Give to the Max Day." The donation will be deducted from your credit or debit card at 12 a.m. on November 14. Donations can be accepted at any time.

You can read more about GiveMN here

To donate to the Mankato Family YMCA click the button below

AT A GLANCE:

Nov 2:
Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS3) Enrollment
10:30am - 2pm

Nov 3:

Daylight Savings Time Ends 2am

Nov 9:

Guinness World Records
4th - 6th Grade Social
7:15pm

Marlins Swim Meet
vs Albert Lea, Worthington
@ Albert Lea

Nov 14:

GIVE TO THE MAX DAY
Donate to the
Mankato Family YMCA

Nov 16:

Marlins Swim Team
vs New Hope @ Home

Nov 28:

Happy Thanksgiving!

CHILI CHAMPION

John and Jim tasting and casting their votes

Property Manager Bob Dickhudt beat out 8 other YMCA employees to earn the title "Chili Champion" at the Chili Cookoff on October 23rd.

For $5, our members and staff were able to sample all nine chili varieties and cast their votes. $200 was raised and proceeds were donated to the Greater Mankato Area United Way.

CREATING LEADERS

Read about how Mankato YMCA sponsored Youth in Government is shaping our future leaders here

CPS-3 at the Y

The Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) is helping to create a world with less cancer...and more birthdays. CPS-3 is a grassroots effort where local communities from across the country can support cancer research not just through fundraising efforts, but also by participating actively in this historic research study.

We will be hosting an enrollment event at the Y on November 2nd from 10:30am - 2pm

We thank our members in advance for being courteous and patient as our entrance will be very busy throughout the day for this event.

Mankato Family YMCA

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