Finding Strength, Support, and Belonging: Dorrie Redmond’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Journey

For more than 40 years, Dorrie Redmond has been part of the West Suburban YMCA community. But it was during one of the most challenging chapters of her life that she discovered a deeper connection to the Y—and to herself. 

After being diagnosed with cancer and beginning chemotherapy, Dorrie joined the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, a free, 12-week small-group fitness and support program for cancer survivors. What she found was more than an exercise class. 

"LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is among the best things that happened to me since my cancer diagnosis," Dorrie says. “The LIVESTRONG program delivers on all promises of support and rehabilitation care. It provides, within a group that understands what you are going or have gone through, an introduction to or review of a wide variety of exercises, the importance of goal setting, and rebuilding of self-confidence."

Even while undergoing chemo, Dorrie felt encouraged to participate at her own pace. 

"Everyone there knew we would just do the best we could on any given day,” she recalls. “I felt supported by the staff and other participants no matter what my best looked like.

Before LIVESTRONG, fatigue had become her new normal. 

“For a long time, I felt so tired that I didn’t even realize I was tired,” she says. 

But the program brought renewed energy and purpose.

 Since completing LIVESTRONG, Dorrie has continued to participate in new exercise programs at the Y—and she feels stronger and better than she has in years. Most importantly, she’s found a true sense of belonging beyond her regular workouts. 

“I’ve been a member of the Y since 1984, but this experience made me feel more involved, like I belonged here.” 

Her message for others facing cancer is simple but powerful: 

“If you or any friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer, please suggest that they join a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA class as soon as they are physically able. They will feel better. They’ll feel better about themselves, they’ll feel better about what they’ve gone through, and they’ll feel better about how they’re coming back from it. That’s what LIVESTRONG did for me.” 

The West Suburban YMCA is proud to offer the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, helping cancer survivors regain their health, build community, and reclaim their strength—physically, emotionally, and socially.