In early 2012, Central Bucks Family YMCA welcomed our first class of THRIVE cancer wellness program participants offering them a 12-week program of personal training designed to improve strength, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. The participants and their families received 12-weeks of membership.

This initial class of 11 men and women of different ages and stages of cancer recovery, learned and laughed together while working with Y staff to get healthy. They graduated the program in August.The following September, we welcomed our second class of 20 participants with an expanded THRIVE program that included the help of volunteers from the first graduating class. Most particularly, Mary Madison, a graduate from the first group of 11 cancer survivors, is spearheading the volunteer effort amount former participants. A third THRIVE class began their journey in late 2012 while the second class is scheduled to graduate in early 2013.

The THRIVE program continues to support community cancer survivors, providing them with training and wellness programs and, most importantly, the support of each other.

Over the years of running the THRIVE cancer wellness program, we've received unbelievable feedback and testimonials from participants and their family members. Here's a glipse into the THRIVE experience from the people the program personally impacted:

For me THRIVE was more like group therapy. The staff and trainers immediately recognized our need to be nursed back to health. They stressed how starting to move and become more physically strong would also help clear our minds and make us mentally strong. There was the perfect combination of pushing us and also letting us vent, rest and start up again. THANK YOU, each and every one of you for being a part of this program! My group's accomplishments are because of your hard work and dedication to us! Susan

THRIVE has changed me. I have a new outlook and lifestyle because of it. Before THRIVE I was just a cancer survivor. Since participating in THRIVE, I am now a cancer survivor that not only wants a healthier, stronger me, but is doing something about it because I know that I can. I am extremely grateful, and I wish every cancer survivor could be as lucky as I am.  Cathy

My life has changed so much I feel like a salesmen for THRIVE I look at things so much different I try to explain to as many people whenever I can of the positive impact that it is leaving on me .THRIVE should continue because there are so many people with Cancer that feel that they are limited and THRIVE takes you out of that mental state I am hoping this year to find a way to bring more people into the program. Len

(THRIVE was) really was a positive start on my journey back. Everyone was so nice and helpful. They teased about Chris being a slave driver! He was awesome, so was all the trainers! They watched out for you making sure you did not hurt yourself! The other THRIVE members really helped me in my healing, we where in the same place. To see and share your story with people who also had a life changing experience made the classes even more enjoyable! Peggy 

I have become stronger and more confident in learning how to work out. I have met great people who are supportive to me. I am grateful to be incorporated into the workout environment with friendly staff and nice co-suruvivors. THRIVE is important because people like me are just the people who should be involved in fitness and we are often afraid to start. It can be intimidating to think about going to a gym full of thin and fit experienced people in their prime. Fitness also gives you hope and a new lease on life. Mary Jane

 This program is akin to "Cheers where everyone knows your name" except "Thrive is where everyone knows your game". There is a comfort zone to be among people who know what you have been through. Our family and friends are there for support and mean well, but don't always get it. Linda

THRIVE is one of the most beneficial programs I have ever had the pleasure of being included in. It has brought me guidance, knowledge, endurance, HOPE, FUN, and most of all friendships. I have enjoyed the twice weekly workouts for the past 3 months and I sincerely wish to thank ALL who have brought this program to the Y. Debbie

What really helped me was knowing WE are not alone and have the same feelings and emotions about having cancer. Sometimes I didn't know how to feel or if it was normal to feel a certain way. The Thrive group was probably the best type of Support group since we did a variety of things and not sitting around wallowing in our sorrow for an hour. Maria

I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. Thrive has afforded me the opportunity to make changes in my life.To refuel my mind, body, and soul. The trainers are so helpful and understanding. The program moves at a great pace, building up our strength and knowledge. Helping us to improve our self esteem and gain back all those things cancer takes away from us. We have learned how to use nutrition to keep us healthy. Colleen

After completing a 12-week course that met twice a week, I and 11 other cancer survivors graduated from the program. During our classes, we worked on building back muscle mass and muscular strength, increasing our flexibility and cardiovascular endurance and improving functional ability. Bill