Most days, Meghan D., 44, could barely find time to run on a treadmill, let alone attend an exercise class.
Juggling the demands of two young children while working as general counsel for an architectural firm, she left athletic pursuits and recreational activities to her kids.
But when Meghan was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in January 2023, all that changed. Now she and her family were going to make her health and wellbeing their highest priority.
Today Meghan spends two afternoons a week at a strength and conditioning class as a member of the Rye Y’s Livestrong Program for cancer survivors.
Meghan, who received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant and whose treatment leaves her more susceptible to bone loss, is especially appreciative of the program’s focus on weight and resistance training.
Determined to stay strong for herself and her family, she remains acutely aware of the pivotal role played by healthy bones, body, and spirit in her healing.
“Recovery was very hard,” she said. “Just being approved for a transplant, the health requirements are very stringent. If I ever have to do that again, I want to be as healthy as possible.”
After the transplant, 124 sessions of chemotherapy over 19 months took their toll physically and mentally. She lost her hair twice, (expressing heartfelt appreciation to Rye’s local Soul Ryeders, which provided her with support and two different wigs) while long stints in the hospital caused her muscles to atrophy and her spirit to wane.
She credits her Rye friends, particularly those in the Osborn school district community, with keeping her and her family afloat. And this class of fellow survivors has offered Meghan solace and camaraderie.
Photo Alison Rodilosso
“Participants may be dealing with a different type of cancer and at different stages, but it’s helpful to know we are all in there struggling and getting stronger together,” she said.
Meghan, who has been in remission for more than a year, first heard about the Livestrong Program last fall on the Rye Mom’s Facebook Page.
Launched in 2007, Livestrong at the YMCA is a nationwide program designed to help adult cancer survivors regain strength through exercise. The Rye Y is the only YMCA in Westchester to offer Livestrong, and since its start in 2011 the program has served more than 800 men and women.
The holistic strength and conditioning 12-week course is open to anyone who has at any time in their lives been diagnosed with cancer. Participants attend two 90-minute sessions per week and receive a three-month membership to the Y. The goals are to reduce the severity of side effects from chemo and radiation, to combat isolation, and to promote overall health and wellness.
“Diagnosis and treatment can be very isolating,” said Karina Barretto, the Rye Y’s program coordinator. “Livestrong allows participants to share their experiences, to develop new relationships and, for a short time each week, to forget the pain and to focus on strengthening their bodies – and their minds.
“When they first come to us, many are afraid and not sure they will be able to do it,” said Barretto, “but gradually they see the progress they can make.”
Participants must receive medical clearance from their doctor and work with Barretto and the program’s instructors to establish goals at the start of each session.
Tom Jennings, 73, learned about the program at White Plains Hospital when he was being treated for laryngeal cancer.
“When you’ve been sick and are undergoing radiation and chemo you become deconditioned,” he said in a low, raspy voice affected by his treatment. “You lose muscle, strength, and spirit. And after you’ve been sick, you think more about being well.”
Jennings admits he’s not a “touchy, feely kind of guy,” but he enjoyed the company of men and women who had gone through similar challenges. “The facility is also beautiful, and the instructors are terrific,” he said.
Like Meghan, Jennings has more than his own health motivating him.
Photo Alison Rodilosso
“You want to keep up with your grandchildren,” he said, “I have four and one on the way,” he said with a smile.
At the end of each Livestrong session, participants attend a potluck dinner. And every fall the Y holds a Livestrong Day to celebrate past participants. Last fall more than 60 men and women attended.
On a recent day at the Y, instructor Rob Corrado encouraged the latest participants.
“Trust your legs, keep your back straight,” Corrado said. Corrado, a Rye High School graduate, has been teaching Livestrong for 10 years.
“I used to come here as a kid. It’s still an amazing place, but some things have changed,” he said. “There was a cigarette machine right where you’re standing.”
Corrado received specialized training from the Livestrong program in cancer survivorship, post rehabilitative exercise, and supportive cancer care. He learned about different cancer types, surgeries, treatments, and potential side effects to provide safe and appropriate exercise programs. He adds his own passion for and experience with Tai Chi into each of his classes, focusing on breathing and mindfulness at the start of each session.
“Let the back open up and release the tension,” he instructed DiPerna and another participant who has stage four metastatic breast cancer and learned about Livestrong at a White Plains chapter of Gilda’s Club. Though she preferred not to share her name, she praised the program’s focus on both the body and mind.
“It helps me to stay focused on the moment because my brain is always going since the diagnosis,” she said.
Standing a few feet apart, the women inhabit their own space and thoughts as they move through their reps. Neck rolls lead to arm circles, lunges to planks, planks to pushups.
“Whatever you can do, take your time, don’t forget to breathe, keep going,” Corrado urged.
And they do.
