LSUHS students give $10K to NWLA YMCA cancer survivors program

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – LSU Health Shreveport medical students awarded the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana a check for $10,000 toward the Thrivers Program to support healthy habits for cancer survivors.

According to a press release, Thrivers is a 12-week program at the YMCA where survivors attend 2 fitness classes/week with instructors specialized in working with cancer survivors. They have free access to the YMCA during the program, and access to discounted membership rates upon completing it.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Thrivers group,” said YMCA of Northwest Louisiana Thrivers Coordinator Mary Simpson. “Guiding cancer survivors on their wellness journey is a privilege. As a cancer survivor, I was supported by the YMCA during my treatment and recovery. I am overjoyed that we can share that same support with the Thrivers.”

According to Dr. Richard Mansour, Interim Director of Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, the Thrivers Program at the YMCA is a testament to the power of community and support for cancer survivors.

“We are immensely grateful for the generous gift from the LSU Health Shreveport medical students,” said Mansour. “This partnership with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport—Feist-Weiller Cancer Center is a beacon of hope, providing essential resources and a sense of belonging for those on their journey to recovery from cancer.”

According to the release, this partnership is supported by LSUHS’ Cancer Walking Group student interest group and their annual fundraiser, the Cancer Survivorship Walkathon. In 2022, inspired by the stories of cancer survivors and moved to make a difference in the local community, LSUHS medical students formed the Cancer Walking Group and Survivor Saturdays – a weekly walking group including the students, survivors, and supporters at Betty Virginia Park.

The release added that in June of 2022, Cancer Walking Group students joined forces with OLHS Feist-Weiller Cancer Center and the LSUHS Foundation to hold the first-ever Cancer Survivorship Walkathon to celebrate survivors, those in treatment, and a community of supporters in North Louisiana while raising funds for survivorship programs at Feist-Weiller.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of cancer survivors,” said MS3 and Co-President of the Cancer Walking Group Amanda Ragland. “The
Thrivers Program is more than just a partnership; it’s a community of support and hope. We’re
honored to contribute to such a meaningful cause and to witness the resilience and strength of
these survivors.”

This year’s Cancer Survivorship Walkathon will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 9 a.m. at Betty Virginia Park, 3901 Fairfield Ave in Shreveport. Participants will walk at least one mile to honor survivors and those receiving treatment. Food stations, a health educational fair, and more will be available following the walk.

For more information and to register, visit runreg.com/walkathon.