CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)- The Clarksville Area YMCA After Breast Cancer (ABC) program was the recipient of a generous $550 donation from the Rossview High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders.
Each fall, squad members promote awareness with customized breast cancer support t-shirt sales and by wearing pink uniforms throughout the month of October.
Sidney Karls, a veteran cheerleader, says the team began this fundraiser in 2015 to honor a team member’s aunt who died of breast cancer. The charitable program is having an impact on newer team members like Vanessa Mendez who supports the cause saying, “life is too short to stop fighting.”
On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. The After Breast Cancer program provides wigs, nutrition, exercise and wellness services free of charge to breast cancer patients and survivors. By participating in the free 16-week program, survivors have full use of all YMCA facilities to begin building back their strength, flexibility, and even relationships. By meeting other survivors, connections are made with someone who really “gets it” and can help them find their “new normal.” Participants also receive training sessions with Pink Ribbon Personal Trainers, certified fitness experts who design workouts specifically for survivors of breast cancer.
Susanna Powers, Outreach Program Director at the Y, commented on the donation, saying, “The ABC program is such an important part in the healing and recovery process for our breast cancer survivors. Even when they are done with treatment and surgeries, they still have a long road ahead. And that’s where we come in. The ABC Program would not be here without the support of local foundations, individual donors, and generous folks like the Rossview High School cheer teams. Our program gives ladies a sense of community with other women who have fought the same hard battles they have. We are so thankful for these cheerleaders, their coaches, booster supporters, and the whole school for this generous gift.”
The ABC program is funded entirely through donations and grants. If you would like to learn more about how you can support this program, please contact Susanna Powers or Sherrie Lewis at 931-647-2376.