SOUTH AMBOY – Cancer. The Big ‘C’ – call it what you will. Years ago it seemed like a death sentence but today with the work being done the Lance Armstrong Foundation, more people are fighting the battle and winning, going on to live happy, healthy and productive lives.

It is the focus on the living that brought the YMCA and the Livestrong Foundation together, united in a common purpose — to ensure that cancer survivors and their families receive the help and support they need to thrive.

Each year 400+ walkers and runners participate in the annual Janice Garbolino Memorial 5K event, walking or running in memory of Janice Garbolino, the former Health & Wellness Director of the Metuchen Branch YMCA, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2002.

Janice would be pleased and proud of the work the YMCA is undertaking with the Lance Armstrong Foundation in her memory.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Y is asking participants to get involved by not only walking or running in memory or in honor of a loved one, but by raising funds in support of the program. Participants can simply and easily establish a personal fundraising page and set a personal or team fundraising goal by visiting the YMCA’s website (www.ymcaofmewsa.org) and clicking on the Garbolino 5K Event link.

EVENT DETAILS: The event will take place at Roosevelt Park in Edison, NJ on Saturday morning, September 21st. Registration will be accepted in advance at the branches of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy and online through midnight on Thursday, September 19th. After September 19th, participants can register the morning of the event, from 7:30 AM until 8:15 AM at Lakeview School in Roosevelt Park (the location of the start and finish of the 5K). The run/walk will start promptly at 8:30 AM. Fees are $25 per person until September 19th and $30 per person on the day of the event.

About the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program

Cancer is a life-changing disease that takes a tremendous toll on a person, both physically and emotionally.  The Y and LIVESTRONG have joined forces to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals.

The South Amboy Branch YMCA will be kicking off its next session with an orientation on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 6pm.  The session will then run from September 17 to December 12.  Throughout the free 12-week session, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals.  These include building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.  By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

For more information about LIVESTRONG, please contact Lois Griffin at 732-316-8223 or livestrong.-southamboy@ymcaofmewsa.org.