For individuals navigating cancer—whether newly diagnosed, actively in treatment or rebuilding life afterward—healing extends beyond medical care alone. Strength, confidence and connection must be restored alongside the body. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, the nationally recognized LIVESTRONG® program is helping North Texans reclaim movement, resilience and community through intentional, compassionate support.

“This is such a vulnerable time in a person’s life, and intentional movement can become a powerful act of self-trust,” says Deb Brackenridge, coordinator of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “It helps individuals reconnect with their strength, their dignity and their sense of wholeness.”  For those traveling the challenging path of cancer, healing is not a single moment but a living, breathing process.

A national initiative, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is currently offered at 10 YMCA branches across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, with plans to expand to all 16 locations by the end of 2026. Participants take part in a 12-week program that meets twice weekly, spending 60 to 75 minutes per session engaging in safe, supportive movement designed to restore strength, improve balance, boost confidence and ease cancer-related fatigue.

“When an individual has cancer, it’s imperative they keep moving,” says Deb. A certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, she brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to her role. “Even if all we can do at first is get someone to tap their toe, we find a way forward. We meet people exactly where they are and build from there.” 

The program is led by certified personal trainers who are specially trained to support the physical and emotional realities of cancer. Activities are thoughtfully customized to individual capabilities, accounting for balance concerns, limited mobility and fluctuating energy. Equally important, the program offers a welcoming environment for connection and shared experience.

“It’s not just about rebuilding physical ability—it’s about having a place to belong,” Deb explains. “Participants are walking similar paths, and that shared understanding fosters comfort, trust and encouragement.”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at no cost, and participants receive a full-access YMCA membership throughout the entire 12-week program. Individuals with any cancer type, at any stage, are welcome to join.

To further extend that care, the YMCA is introducing STAYSTRONG®, a follow-up program created for those who have completed LIVESTRONG. This program helps individuals sustain progress, continue building physical resilience and remain connected to the supportive community they have formed.

“Our staff is deeply committed, ready for all the highs and all the lows,” says Deb. “This program is about helping people reclaim movement, confidence and pieces of life that illness tried to take away.”

At its heart, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is fitness with purpose—demonstrating that healing through movement, connection and thoughtful support can transform the cancer journey into renewed strength. For countless individuals across North Texas, healing continues at the Y—together.

“This work stays with you,” Deb reflects. “Supporting people through cancer has reshaped how I see strength, faith and perseverance. It’s grounded me in gratitude and purpose in ways I never expected.”

LIVESTRONG and STAYSTRONG reflect the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community by nurturing healthy spirits, minds and bodies—for all. By removing financial barriers, meeting individuals where they are and fostering lasting connections, the YMCA ensures that cancer survivors across Dallas–Fort Worth are supported well beyond treatment. The result is stronger individuals, more resilient families and a healthier North Texas community.

For more information visit YMCADallas.org.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA: Where to Join in DFW

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is offered at no cost at participating branches across North Texas. All participants receive a full-access YMCA membership during the 12-week program.

Participating Branches:

• Cross Timbers Family YMCA
2021 Cross Timbers Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028

• Frisco Family YMCA
3415 W. Main St., Frisco, TX 75034

• JER Chilton Family YMCA at Walnut Hill
6010 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75205

• Lake Highlands Family YMCA
8920 Stults Rd., Dallas, TX 75243

• Moody Family YMCA
6000 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75205