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Editor’s note: This is part of a monthlong series on the battle against cancer in
B
utler County.
Cheryl Reckelhoff would love to meet Lance Armstrong, the cancer survivor who won the Tour de France, the world’s most famous bicycle race, seven times.
“I’d give him a big hug,” she said.
Not for his accomplishment on a bike, but for the money and awareness he has funneled toward cancer patients and research.
Reckelhoff, 48, of Fairfield Twp., is participating in LIVESTRONG at the Fairfield Family YMCA, part of the Great Miami Valley YMCA. The Fairfield site was one of 10 YMCAs nationwide selected to offer the physical activity and well-being program that addresses the special wants, needs and interests of cancer survivors.
“We are very excited about this program,” said Linda Martin, spokeswoman for the Great Miami Valley YMCA. “We hope this heightens the awareness for cancer patients to stay active, stay healthy.”
She said the program is the result of a multi-year partnership between YMCA of the USA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The partnership launched the program last fall to improve the health and day-to-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families through customized, research-tested workouts.
Chris Lindeman, sports and wellness director at the Fairfield Family YMCA, said that after 41/2 weeks in the program, Reckelhoff is showing “great progress.” For instance, her leg presses have increased from 60 to 84 pounds.
“I feel better,” she said. “When you have cancer, it takes its toll on you. It beats you up.”
Reckelhoff, who has three children and three grandchildren, discovered a lump on her right breast when she was cooking dinner on Oct. 24, 2008.
“I’ll never forget it,” she said.
She credits chemotherapy, radiation — but mostly her faith — for getting her through the last year.
“I knew God wouldn’t give me more than I could handle,” she said recently before working out at the Y.
“I put it all in God’s hands.”
Cancer changed her outlook on life.
“I know every day is a blessing,” she said. “I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere. Some of the little things just don’t matter now.”
Andy Miller, vice president of programs and policy for the Armstrong foundation, said studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, increase self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in cancer patients.
“We are confident we can make an unprecedented difference in the way we inspire and empower people affected by cancer,” Miller said.
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