"I FEEL LIKE HOME WHEN I AM HERE" - SUE JOHNSEN

 “Each person is an individual and their story, their journey, their fight against cancer is personal to them.” Tracy Walls, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA coordinator at the Plano YMCA explains. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down to listen to Sue Johnsen, participant of our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program to hear her journey and fight against cancer.  

“I think I am different from most people [in the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program] because I have had so much experience before being a part of the program.” Sue Johnsen, member of the Plano YMCA states. “It has been 11 years ago since Sara, my sister, was first diagnosis with breast cancer. For the next nine years she battled five different types of cancer and during that time she got connected to the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program.”  

It was then that Sue first discovered the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program. It is a free, 12-week program that is offered to anyone who has had cancer or still going through cancer. The class is held twice a week and focuses on balance and coordination, with the goal for participants to get their energy and strength back while they are in or recovering from chemotherapy. During those 12 weeks, participants and their spouse also receive a free membership. “Once they graduate from the program, most people continue to put health and fitness as a priority in their life” Walls states. 

Sue and Sara had a close relationship as sisters, where Sue would join Sarah on all her medical appointments and surgeries. Sara unfortunately passed away in October of 2017, and just three months later Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was my first experience with any significant illness.” Sue told us. “Then in November [of 2018] I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During that time [of battling both breast and ovarian cancer] I had to set aside my grief of my sisters' loss to focus on my fight, [which was difficult] because it was only three months after we lost Sara.” 

Sue won her battle from both breast and ovarian cancer and joined the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program quickly afterwards. “When I was recovered enough, I got involved in the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program and absolutely loved all three of the trainers that worked with us. They all knew Sara, they had worked with her as well, so it was just a good home for me to be.” Sue explained. “The boost that  LiveSTRONG at the YMCA gave me got me out of the house and doing activities again. Before LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, I was overwhelmed because after I recovered from my surgeries and I thought “here comes the grief again”.  The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program was beyond just the cancer diagnoses for me, it helped me both physically and mentally to recover. I feel like home when I am here, and I owe that to LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program.” 

To learn more about LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, click here.