MoveThroughCancer Summer Training program kicks off May 4th
by Marion Cimbala, 4/28/2006

It is more important than ever to address the specific needs of cancer survivors who are cured or live years after a cancer diagnosis. Currently, it is rare for cancer survivors to be encouraged to stay physically active, and survivors have few resources to learn how and when to exercise safely.

But exercise DOES improve survivorship! In addition to reducing the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments, exercise helps survivors get back to the normal activities of daily life, reduces their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity, emotional problems, and some secondary cancers.

MoveThroughCancer is a fitness training program sponsored by Runtex for cancer survivors of all ages, all types of cancers, and all fitness levels. Our programs are designed to improve your health and allow you to have fun! We meet once per week for an activity session and educational seminar. The program includes walking/running, strength training, and stretching/yoga. Participants also receive a weekly training guide and a log to track progress during the rest of the week.

"Since walking with the MoveThroughCancer group, my muscle strength has improved, my energy level is higher and my leg pain is gone," says Kate Koons, breast cancer survivor. "The program is great. I am surrounded by others who know what I've been through and understand my challenges, because they've been there too."

MoveThroughCancer programs are developed with input and review from a team of experts including oncologists, exercise physiologists, sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, researchers, cancer survivors, and coaches. The model is based on current research information and shared experiences and can be tailored for your individual needs - before during or after treatment.

We provide participants with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to make physical activity an ongoing and important part of their lives after cancer.

"I used to dread exercising," says Gena Girardeau, Hodgkins lymphoma survivor. "Now I crave that time. Getting involved with MoveThroughCancer makes me want to be more active. Best of all, I know I am surrounded by good, positive people who care about me."

Visit our web site www.movethroughcancer.org for more information
Training Programs : First Steps
Whether you were recently diagnosed or a cancer survivor of many years, the MoveThroughCancer program will benefit you. MoveThroughCancer will teach
you how to build up your immune system with exercise, manage the side effects of treatment, motivate you to stay active for the long term, and let you benefit from
the experience of other survivors.

Benefits- $25 program fee (scholarships available)
Running/walking shoes with personalized fitting
MoveThroughCancer t-shirt
10 weeks of training/coaching
Race entry for the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay or 5K- July 4th
Post event party

Training Programs: Family Steps
Family Steps supports children, ages 5-12, who have a family member with cancer. Because cancer affects the entire family, this program provides an opportunity to learn, have fun, and develop healthy habits!

The program also provides an opportunity for kids to spend time with others with shared experiences in a supervised setting. Family Steps sessions will be led by a team of exercise specialists and social workers who work with children (our program partner is Wonders & Worries- www.wondersandworries.org).

Family Steps will run concurrently with adult programs - solving the child care issue parents may face. Target events will be the same day as the target event of the adult program. This program will include walking, running, games and other age appropriate physical activity and education.

Benefits- $25 program fee (scholarships available)
Running/walking shoes with personalized fitting
MoveThroughCancer t-shirt
6 weeks of training/coaching
Race entry for the Silicon Labs Kids Relay- July 4th
Post event party