CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember those affected by breast cancer and to help spread awareness.
The Clarksville Area YMCA is the home of After Breast Cancer, also known as ABC, a free program that offers caring support and information for survivors of breast cancer. ABC is a 16-week program, which is funded by corporate and private donors. During those 16 weeks, the survivors also receive a free full membership in the YMCA.
Tammy Thrash is the ABC program coordinator. “I am a breast cancer survivor and was an ABC program participant in 2014. ABC helped and inspired me so much that it became my mission to join the YMCA’s ABC staff and be part of something so consequential,” she said.
As part of the program, Thrash said, participants meet with a nutritionist or dietician, and there is a lymphedema class to help with the aftermath of surgery. The program also features nine weeks of small-group sessions to help with the emotional effects of breast cancer, as well as fitness classes two times a week
“We like to say that we work on the whole body – emotionally, spiritually and physically,” Thrash said. All survivors are welcome, it doesn’t matter if you have been a survivor for a short time or a few years.
With COVID-19 over the past couple of years and fewer people getting out into the community, Thrash said they are having trouble getting cancer survivors into the YMCA and the After Breast Cancer program.
“I want to say, if you are a survivor and interested in recovery, or you know someone who is, please let them know about us,” Thrash said.
The ABC program is also now offered as a virtual class, with meetings and workouts over Zoom.
To learn more about the YMCA After Breast Cancer program, visit ymcamidtn.org/clarksville, stop by the Y at 260 Hillcrest Drive, or call 931-647-2376.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.