Atlantic Health grant backs Summit Area YMCA cancer survivor program

The Summit Area YMCA got a $10,000 grant from Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center’s Community Advisory Board to support LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, which helps adult cancer survivors rebuild strength after treatment. The funding arrives as the Summit Area YMCA marks 15 years of offering the program locally and adds two fall sessions in Berkeley Heights and Summit.

Why it matters: - LIVESTRONG at the YMCA gives adult cancer survivors a no-cost path back to physical activity after treatment. - The program is built to improve strength, mobility, confidence, and quality of life during recovery. - The new grant helps the Summit Area YMCA keep the program available to local residents who need structured support.

What happened: - The Summit Area YMCA received a $10,000 grant from the Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center Community Advisory Board. - The funding supports LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a research-based health and wellness program for adult cancer survivors. - The grant announcement comes as the Summit Area YMCA marks 15 years of offering the program in the local community. - The program first launched locally in 2011.

The details: - LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week program tailored to the individual needs of adult cancer survivors. - Participants work with specially trained YMCA instructors. - The program focuses on cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. - Participants also build relationships with others facing similar recovery experiences. - The program is available at no cost to participants ages 18 and older. - A complimentary YMCA membership is included for the duration of the program. - Medical clearance from a physician is required. - Two fall sessions are scheduled: - Berkeley Heights YMCA: Sept. 15-Dec. 3, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:15 p.m. - Summit YMCA: Oct. 6-Dec. 23, Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00-2:15 p.m. - More information is available at the SAY LIVESTRONG page. - A peer-reviewed study of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, published in the journal Cancer, found measurable gains in fitness and fatigue after participants completed the program. - The program is designed around evidence that exercise can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life and emotional well-being for cancer survivors.

Between the lines: - The Summit Area YMCA and Atlantic Health are using community funding to address a specific post-treatment need that standard medical care often does not cover. - The small-group model adds peer support to physical rehabilitation, which may help participants stay engaged. - Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center’s grant round targeted priority health needs identified through data analysis and a community stakeholder survey. - The Community Advisory Board awarded grants to 19 organizations in the Fall 2026 period. - Atlantic Health is signaling that community health investment remains part of its broader mission beyond hospital care.

What's next: - The two fall sessions will run through December. - The Summit Area YMCA can use the grant to keep LIVESTRONG at the YMCA available to local cancer survivors at no cost. - Community members who want to participate or learn more can contact the Summit Area YMCA through the program page.

The bottom line: - A local grant is helping extend a proven recovery program for cancer survivors at a time when demand for low-cost, supportive wellness services remains high.