Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center board awards $10,000 grant to Summit Area YMCA cancer survivor program
SUMMIT, N.J. (Union County) — The Summit Area YMCA has received a $10,000 grant from the Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center Community Advisory Board to support a health and wellness program designed to help adult cancer survivors regain strength and confidence following treatment.
The funding will support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a 12-week, research-based program that provides guided exercise, coaching and peer support to cancer survivors at no cost.
The grant comes as the Summit Area YMCA marks 15 years of offering the program locally. Since its introduction in 2011, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA has provided participants with support as they transition from cancer treatment into recovery.
“Completing cancer treatment is an important milestone. For many cancer survivors, however, the physical and emotional toll can be draining. For 15 years, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA has provided a place where those in recovery can regain strength, rebuild confidence, and be hopeful for a healthier life,” said Anjali McCormick, President and CEO of the Summit Area YMCA. “This 12-week program is available at no cost to those who vulnerable and most in need. Our partnership with Atlantic Health helps us to jointly ensure we continue to meet the health needs of our community.”
Participants work with specially trained YMCA instructors to improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance and overall wellness while connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences.
The YMCA said research has documented benefits of exercise for cancer survivors, including reduced fatigue and improvements in quality of life and emotional well-being. A peer-reviewed study of the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program published in the journal Cancer found participants experienced measurable improvements in fitness and fatigue after completing the program.
The Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center Community Advisory Board awarded grants to 19 organizations for fall 2026 initiatives addressing priority health needs identified in the communities served by the hospital.
“We are honored to help support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA,” said Frank Macioce, chair of the Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center Community Advisory Board. “By working together with organizations like Summit Area YMCA, we can make a true impact for the better in the lives of our community members.”
Two LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA sessions are scheduled this fall. The Berkeley Heights YMCA will offer a session from Sept. 15 through Dec. 3 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The Summit YMCA will offer a session from Oct. 6 through Dec. 23 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
The program is available at no cost to participants ages 18 and older and includes a complimentary YMCA membership for the duration of the program. Medical clearance from a physician is required.
